John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located in Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is just a little over an hour outside of Miami and 30 minutes from Homestead. It was the United States’ first undersea state park, and its coral reefs are its main draw. Divers, snorkelers, boaters, and swimmers enjoy exploring the 70 nautical miles that make up this fascinating state park. Visitors can do more than dive on the reefs, however, as canoeing and kayaking are also immensely popular here. There are even a couple of short trails in the park that take hikers through some tropical hammocks. The park’s visitor center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium that contains a variety of species.
Spring 74-77 F
Summer 81-85 F
Fall 78-82 F
Winter 68-74 F
Miami, FL
Homestead, FL
RV Resorts & Campsites in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Traveling by recreational vehicle makes it convenient to visit state parks in South Florida. If you don't own an RV, consider getting a rental from RVshare.com. All of the following RV parks are close to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, so you’ll be able to choose the right place based on your needs.
Keys Palms Luxury RV Resort
Keys Palms Luxury RV Resort is about six miles from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It’s right on the waterfront and has direct access to Florida Bay. Visitors can enjoy a private beach, pool, and spa. Daily rates range from $115 to $150; weekly rates range from $650 to $900.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Washers, dryers, showers, a gym
Kings Kamp RV Park
Kings Kamp RV Park is also close to the open water of Florida Bay. RV sites can accommodate campers up to 40 feet long. Trailer boats can also be accommodated here. You can rent by the day, week, or month at this RV park.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Showers, bathrooms, fire pits, picnic areas
Key Largo Kampground
Key Largo Kampground offers dockside camping with full-hookup luxury. Waterfront and standard RV camping sites are available; waterfront spots even come with dock space for your boat. Standard sites are $100 a day and $650 a week, while waterside spots are $130 a day and $870 a week.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Multiple recreational areas, hot showers, open-air lounge
Riptide RV Resort & Marina
Riptide RV Resort & Marina is 10 minutes south of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Guests can enjoy the small, private beach on premises that are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. A ramp and docks provide ample space for boats.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• WiFi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, covered pavilion
What to Do at
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is primarily underwater, so most of its attractions are best reached via boating and diving. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular here since these are the most effective methods of viewing the stunning coral reefs. Glass-bottom boat tours are also popular as they can open up the fascinating world beneath the water to those who would rather stay dry.
Those who want to get wet but have no desire for deep diving can enjoy swimming on two beaches in the park. Cannon Beach is a great place for snorkeling while Far Beach is the top spot in the park for swimming and sunning.
Outside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
There are plenty of fun things to do within easy driving distance of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Multiple excellent dining opportunities are close by, as are several great shopping venues. Travelers will also be able to visit some other nearby attractions.
Restaurants
Sundowners
If you want to eat some delicious surf and turf in the Keys, then Sundowners is a great place to go. Whether you want to eat in the glass-walled dining room or the covered deck, you’ll be able to soak up the tropical ambiance of the Keys.
Type: Seafood and Steakhouse
Location: Key Largo, FL
The Hideout Restaurant
Those in search of a cafe-style breakfast and lunch nook should check out The Hideout Restaurant. You can eat indoors in the diner area or outdoors under the covered patio.
Type: Diner
Location: Key Largo, FL
Num Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar
While seafood is the most popular type of food in the Keys, good Asian cuisine isn’t hard to find. If you get a craving for Thai red curry, fried wontons, shrimp teriyaki, or sushi, you can find all of that and more at Num Thai.
Type: Asian
Location: Key Largo, FL
Lazy Lobster
Most travelers venturing to the Keys envision eating at places like Lazy Lobster when they visit. The chef there will even cook your day’s catch for you at the restaurant. Surf and turf, seafood, and/or vegetarian pasta and sandwiches are all available here.
Type: Seafood
Location: Key Largo, FL
The Fish House
The Fish House is aptly named since fish dishes are their specialty. You can buy a variety of different types of fish cooked in multiple ways. They also sell fish market style.
Type: Seafood
Location: Key Largo, FL
Shopping
Florida Bay Outfitters
Florida Bay Outfitters offers kayak and canoe tours, but they also have many boats and boating accessories for sale. Given the popularity of boating in the area, this is a great place to go if you want to buy paddle sports equipment and boats.
Location: Key Largo, FL
Tradewinds S.C.
This outdoor mall and shopping center is about 10 minutes away from the state park. Some of the stores found in the complex are Kmart, Bealls, and Publix.
Location: Key Largo, FL
The Pink Plaza
This shopping center has a variety of small stores and shops that sell tourist-centric memorabilia.
Location: Key Largo, FL
Largo Cargo
Largo Cargo sells multiple types of sporty shorts, swim trunks, and Keys-themed souvenirs.
Location: Key Largo, FL
Randy's Florida Keys Gift Company
As its name implies, this shop is a great place to get souvenir gift items for family, friends, or even yourself.
Location: Key Largo, FL
Sightseeing
Bluewater Divers
If you want to enjoy a high-quality snorkeling or scuba-diving tour, consider booking at Bluewater Divers.
Location: Key Largo, FL
Sundiver Snorkeling Tours
Those interested in family-friendly snorkeling tours can pay this place a visit.
Location: Key Largo, FL
Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
American crocodiles are proudly on display at this national wildlife refuge.
Location: Key Largo, FL
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
You can explore this West Indian tropical hardwood hammock that houses 84 protected plant and animal species.
Location: Key Largo, FL
Dolphins Plus Bayside
Swim with the dolphins in multiple environments at this tourist destination.
Location: Key Largo, FL
How to Get to
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Since John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is in the Florida Keys, getting there is incredibly easy. From Downtown Miami, get on Highway 1 near the coast and drive southwest down through Homestead. You’ll pass the Southern Glades and leave Florida’s peninsula behind. Once you reach the Keys, you’ll soon see Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is just a few minutes beyond that on the left.
Entering John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to sunset.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Per vehicle (2-8 passengers) : $8.0
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Per vehicle (single passenger) : $4.0
The team at RVshare knows that you’re going to have a blast exploring the aquatic wonders of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Once you’re finished making your memories at this gorgeous state park, be sure to share to post some pics online and tag RVshare. You can also send them to [email protected] You might find your story featured on a blog or the official social media channels sometime soon.