Camping in Bahia Honda State Park

Camping in Bahia Honda State Park is a nice alternative to all the glitzy hustle and bustle that certain SoFlo locales like South Beach have to offer. While you certainly don't need much to have fun at this beautiful state park at mile marker 37 in the Florida Keys' Big Pine Key, you should come prepared to make the most out of your trip. What's the best time of year to go camping in Bahia Honda State Park? What can you see and do when you get there? These are questions we'll answer in this quick guide for aspiring Bahia Honda State Park campers.

An Intro to Camping in South Florida

 South Beach. Las Olas Riverfront. Boca Raton's Mizner Park. What do they all have in common? They're fancy South Florida hotspots where locals and out-of-towners visit to experience some of the areas more sophisticated offerings. On the other end of that spectrum is a place like Bahia Honda State Park which provides a much more serene, earthly, and even genuine experience. You may have noticed mostly exotic cars, fancy buildings, and heavily trafficked highways once you hit the South Florida pavement either by land, sea, or air, but the truth is, the region is loaded with camping sites besides Bahia Honda State park where you truly can "get away from it all." You'll find around a dozen RV and tent camping parks in South Florida, many of which have waiting lists due to their popularity. What makes them so popular? These camping areas give parents an opportunity to have their kids connect with nature. They also let you bring your pets along without worrying about any dirty looks since they are a part of nature themselves. Most South Florida campers come from the northern United States and Canada, but you're bound to bump into plenty of locals who are just looking to relax as well. Beyond the peaceful setting of camping, it has another draw: Camping in Bahia Honda State Park and its counterparts is quite affordable.

Why You Should Go Camping in Bahia Honda State Park

Camping in Bahia Honda State Park is a must if you're a lover of beautiful beaches. In fact, a quick trip to TripAdvisor (where you can see what other campers have to say) will tell you that it's the "best beach in the Keys." Crystal clear ocean water, white sands, and a view of the old 100-plus mile Overseas Highway will keep you busy as you snap pictures to keep as memories, but will also keep your mind calm and your eyes satisfied as you lie back, relax, and get that perfect tan.

What You Can Do When Camping in Bahia Honda State Park

The aforementioned crystal clear waters at Bahia Honda State Park make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The park offers snorkel boat tours, but you can also hit the shallow beach waters with your kids and tackle the task by yourselves. The white sands are not only used by visitors to lie on and tan, but are also used to sift for nature's secrets while beachcombing for shells and other artifacts. Just be sure to not collect any live shells or conchs - that's a no-no! Looking to get a workout while camping in Bahia Honda State Park? You can convert the ocean into your gym by renting a kayak or paddle board. Oh, and if you're lucky enough to own a boat, there is overnight dockage available so you can partake in the almost unlimited activities offered by boating, such as fishing, sightseeing, and more. Bicycling is another option if you have your own bike and would like to ride along a 3.5 mile road. As you may know, simply sitting in the South Florida sun can be exhausting. Don't fret though. Bahia Honda State Park will help you fill up your body with fuel via its gift shop, snack bars, and food service where you can munch on pizza, salads, sandwiches, and other items. Also, should you need to check your email or keep connected to work while relaxing, it's worth noting that the park offers 24-hour WiFi at no charge near the concession building.

Where to Stay When Camping in Bahia Honda State Park

You and your family are bound to be tired after a full day of activities. With that being said, where do you sleep when camping in Bahia Honda State Park? Luckily, you have options. If you're looking to rough it and get the full camping experience, you can camp out in one of the park's three camping areas that come complete with showers and restrooms. RVs and tents are welcome here. If you're looking for added comfort, you can rent a duplex cabin. Three are available, and each can accommodate six people.

The Best Time for Camping in Bahia Honda State Park

Camping in Bahia Honda State Park can be enjoyed throughout the year. This availability, however, can obviously be affected by a hurricane or some other unfortunate event. As for when you should go, some suggest between March and May. At this time of the year, busy winter crowds tend to die down, and so do South Florida's scorching hot temperatures. The closer to winter, the more likely you're run into busier beaches which could put a damper on your relaxation goals. If you're looking to avoid rain, avoid camping in Bahia Honda State Park from August through October. You'll get wet! Your best bet is to reserve your RV, tent, or cabin area in advance, which you can do up to 11 months prior to your visit. Reservations can be made online or via phone. South Florida's lush, natural landscape makes it the perfect destination for camping fans. Keep checking our page for more suggestions on state parks and campgrounds you should visit in the future. Looking for added help when prepping for your trek through Bahia Honda State Park or other camping excursions? Then head on over to our South Florida Camping with Kids guide right now.