Bahia Honda State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Bahia Honda State Park offers exceptional RV camping across three campgrounds with 80 sites total, featuring the Florida Keys' only natural white-sand beaches on both the Atlantic and Gulf sides, world-class snorkeling, and year-round tropical weather. Buttonwood Campground provides full hookups for RVs up to 50 feet, while strategic locations like Big Pine Key RV rentals and Marathon campervan options offer prime access to this 524-acre paradise located at Mile Marker 36.8, consistently ranked among America's best state park beaches.
What Makes Bahia Honda State Park the Ultimate RV Destination?
Bustling with crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and breathtaking sunsets, Bahia Honda State Park captures the tropical magic of the Florida Keys. Famous for having the only natural sand beaches in all the Keys, this 524-acre paradise offers stunning shorelines on both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Bahia Honda is the ultimate RV adventure since it combines beach relaxation with outdoor recreation, from snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs to exploring the historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge.
You will be in store for a world of limitless adventure during your RV trip to Bahia Honda, from kayaking and swimming to fishing and beachcombing. You can snorkel in some of the clearest waters in the United States, with visibility extending up to 80 feet when conditions are ideal. There is no shortage of great spots for photography and wildlife viewing, like the historic bridge viewpoint or the sandy shores of Calusa Beach. You can even walk amongst swaying palm trees and spot marine life from sea turtles and dolphins to ghost crabs and tropical fish. You will want to bring your binoculars because you will be greeted by abundant birdlife from herons and egrets to hawks.
The winter months (December through April) are the peak season for RVers and snowbirds, with temperatures typically reaching a pleasant 70 to 85 degrees and lower humidity. The spring and fall shoulder seasons are ideal times to visit, with warm temperatures and fewer crowds. In the summer months, Bahia Honda State Park offers the best conditions for water activities, though afternoon thunderstorms are common, and it's hurricane season. No matter what time of year you take your RV road trip to Bahia Honda, you will be in for a once-in-a-lifetime tropical getaway you will never forget.
Reservations for Bahia Honda State Park fill up extremely quickly, often booking 11-12 months in advance, making planning essential for securing your preferred campsite during peak winter and spring months when snowbirds flock to the Florida Keys.
RV Rentals in Bahia Honda State Park
Transportation
Driving
You can access Bahia Honda State Park easily from the Overseas Highway (US 1) at Mile Marker 36.8, approximately 12 miles north of Big Pine Key and 38 miles from Key West. The park is well-marked and accessible for RVs of all sizes. The scenic drive along US 1 offers stunning ocean views as you cross the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Note that one camping area (Bayside) requires passing under the Bahia Honda Bridge, which has a vehicle height restriction of 6 feet 8 inches, so measure your rig carefully if considering this area.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Lower Keys Access: Big Pine Key RV rentals position you perfectly for Bahia Honda State Park, just 12 miles away at Mile Marker 33. This location provides convenient access not only to the state park but also to the National Key Deer Refuge and excellent local dining, with approximately 15-20 minutes driving time to the park entrance.
Middle Keys Access: Marathon campervan rentals offer excellent access to Bahia Honda while providing opportunities to explore the heart of the Florida Keys. Located about 20 miles north at Mile Marker 50, Marathon serves as an ideal base for visiting both Bahia Honda and other Keys attractions, combining convenient access with more amenities and services.
Parking
You can park your RV at your assigned campsite within the three designated campgrounds. Overflow parking is available at the Sandspur Day-Use Area near the beach for additional vehicles if your site only accommodates one vehicle. Day-use parking areas near the beaches and boat ramps can fill quickly during peak season, especially on weekends, so arrive early for the best spots. RVs should stick to designated parking areas to avoid getting stuck in tight spaces.
Public Transportation
Public transportation options are extremely limited in the Florida Keys. Once at Bahia Honda State Park, getting around is best done on foot or by bicycle, as the park features easy walking paths between beaches, campgrounds, and amenities. The park is compact enough that everything is within reasonable walking distance. Some private shuttle services and taxis operate in the Keys, but advance arrangements are typically necessary. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have limited availability in this remote area.
Campgrounds and parking in Bahia Honda State Park
Campsites in Bahia Honda State Park
Reservations camping
Sandspur Campground
The sites in Sandspur Campground (numbered 49-72) can be a bit small and tight-fitting, making it ideal for pop-ups and small campers under 23 feet long and 8 feet wide. Tents are also permitted. These 24 oceanfront sites are all located along the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning sunrise views and easy beach access. Keep in mind that only one vehicle is allowed at each site, but overflow parking is conveniently available at the nearby Sandspur Day-Use Area.
Whether you'll have electricity depends on your site number. Sites 58 through 72 feature electrical hookups along with water, while sites 49-57 have water only. If you'd like electricity during your stay, reserve one of the higher-numbered sites. All sites include a grill and picnic table. While these sites are smaller than Buttonwood's, their beachfront location makes them highly desirable for tent campers and small RV owners who prioritize ocean views.
Restrooms with flush toilets are available, but showers are located at Buttonwood Campground, approximately half a mile away—a manageable walk or short drive. The dump station is also at Buttonwood. The compact nature of these sites creates an intimate camping atmosphere with your oceanfront neighbors.
Buttonwood Campground
This campground is the largest in the park, with 48 sites (numbered 1-48), and is perfect for those who wish to bring their RV or camper. The sites are filled with gravel pads and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 50 feet in length. Each site can accommodate eight people and four domestic pets per night. Sites 30, 31, 45, and 46 are ADA-accessible for campers who need mobility assistance.
When you choose Buttonwood Campground, you can select from sites on the water, by the marina, or on the channel. The majority of sites are on the waterfront and have less shade but offer beautiful sunset views over the Gulf. The most desirable waterfront sites are 12-25, with sites 15 and higher being particularly popular. Sites 12 and 13 sit by the boat docks, while site 14 is on the channel. Each site has 50-, 30-, and 20-amp electricity and water hookups for your convenience. They also have a grill and picnic table, perfect for meals spent outdoors.
You'll have no problem finding a place to wash up since bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers (coin-operated) are centrally located near the sites. This is the only campground in the park with shower facilities on-site. A dump station is available for RVs. Reservations must be made 11 months in advance through the Florida State Parks reservation system, as sites fill immediately when released.
Alternate camping
Bahia Honda Cabins
The park offers six waterfront cabins on stilts, located on the north side of the bay near Bayside Campground. These duplex-style cabins sleep up to eight people and feature air conditioning, full kitchens with appliances, bathrooms with showers, living/dining areas, and screened porches with stunning water views. Linens and cooking utensils are provided.
The cabins are incredibly popular and typically book 11-12 months in advance the moment reservations open. They offer a more comfortable alternative to tent or RV camping while still providing the state park experience. Cabin guests have access to all park amenities, including beaches, boat ramps, and the nature center. Rates range from approximately $165 to 250 per night depending on season.
Bayside Campground (Tent Camping)
Bayside is the smallest and most secluded campground in the park, with only eight tent-only sites (numbered 73-80). RVs and trailers are not permitted in this area. Your vehicle must be able to fit under the Bahia Honda Bridge with a height clearance of 6 feet 8 inches, which typically limits access to standard cars, SUVs, and small trucks.
At each site, you'll find a water hookup, a grill, and a picnic table. There are no electrical hookups in this campground, making it ideal for those seeking a more primitive camping experience. Each site can sleep up to eight people and can accommodate up to two tents. This is a pet-friendly campsite, and visitors are welcome to bring up to four furry friends.
Flush toilets are nearby, but if you wish to have access to hot showers, you'll need to visit Buttonwood Campground, which is only half a mile away. The Bayside location offers beautiful sunset views and a quieter atmosphere away from the main camping areas, though some campers note it can be buggier when there's no breeze. The ground is hard coral rock, typical of the Keys, which doesn't drain well during heavy rain.
Seasonal activities in Bahia Honda State Park
Off-Season
Picnicking
The Calusa park area, located at the southwest end of the park, is the perfect spot for a barbecue with friends and family. Here, you’ll find two pavilions with barbecue grills. There are also some smaller picnic areas throughout this area of the park if you’re looking for something a little smaller. This is an enjoyable way to relax and enjoy being out in nature, while those with more energy can enjoy the nearby beach.
Fishing
There are lots of fishing opportunities within the park, so be sure to have a Florida fishing license on hand as you may need it. Be sure though that you are familiar with Florida’s fishing rules and regulations. As long as you’re aware of the regulations on size, quantity, fish season, and method of capture, you can head out just about anywhere and settle in with your fishing pole for a relaxing time. Spearfishing, however, is not permitted at the park.
Bicycling
Biking is very popular within Bahia Honda State Park. You can bring your bike and take the paved road through the park. The off-season is a great time to take your bike out, as you’re less likely to have to share the road with as many people, and the sun isn’t as harsh. Please stay on the provided roadways to ensure that the park's natural surroundings are maintained. A helmet is a good idea and is a must for individuals under the age of 17, according to Florida law.
Wildlife Viewing
During the off-season, you can see all kinds of birds. There are the usual exotic birds that you’ll find all over Florida, but during this time, you’ll also be able to spot migratory birds that have traveled here for the warmer climate. There is also lots of ocean life to be seen, including sea turtles, ghost crabs, and Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins. Wildlife Viewing can be an interesting pastime during your stay here.
Geo-Seeking
Geocaching - a game similar to scavenger hunting that uses GPS coordinates to find caches - is becoming more and more popular within parks. Bahia Honda is big on geocaching, and if you visit all 20 caches, you’ll get to win the Official Operation Recreation Geocoin. There are so many benefits that come with playing, like getting rewarded for exploration. Be sure to leave caches exactly as you found them so that others can enjoy the search after you. This is an exciting game perfect for the whole family.
In-Season
Hiking the Nature Trail
While there is only one trail here in the park, it’s definitely worth hiking. Beginning in the Calusa area at the southwest end of the island, the trail takes you up to the top of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, where you’ll get a spectacular view of the entire island and surrounding wildlife. It’s a sight that you’ll definitely want to see. Make sure to take along water, snacks, and sunscreen to keep you going as you enjoy exploring the island.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
The shallow water along the beaches at Bahia Honda State Park is perfect for beginning scuba divers and snorkelers. In fact, this place is well known as being one of the best places to do near-shore snorkeling in the Florida Keys. There is so much to see, such as different kinds of coral, tropical fish, conches, lobsters, and more. This is a refreshing way to enjoy the water during the summer months. If you are brave enough to do this during the winter months, you may want to use a wetsuit. Make sure that your "diver down" flag is visible when you are in the water.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Whether you choose to bring your own kayak or canoe or rent one from concessions, there are two spots that you can launch from. The Loggerhead parking lot on the ocean side is one way of accessing the water, and the boat ramp on the Gulf side is another. Kayaking and canoeing can be a fun way to experience the park. It's very relaxing and allows you to get up close to the stunning nature and different wildlife species around you. Keep in mind that canoes and kayaks are not allowed to paddle in the swimming areas.
Boating
Boating is another great way to experience this state park. A very popular activity, boating can be really fun. All boaters here will have access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, providing exciting boat adventures and variety when you bring your own boat. If you have your fishing gear, you can take it along and enjoy throwing your line in out on the water. Just be sure to stay at least 400 feet from shorelines once you head out.
Swimming
What better way is there to cool off in the Florida heat than to take a dip in the beaches of Bahia Honda? There are specific areas set aside for people to swim and enjoy here. The water tends to be clear and cool with mild currents, making it a popular attraction that people come to experience from all over. One place swimmers may want to stay clear of the Bahia Honda Channel. This channel has swift currents running through it that swimmers may struggle against.
