Long Key State Park spans 965 acres, and is a beautiful location with a fascinating history. In the early 1900s, it was a luxurious getaway along Henry Flagler’s railroad to Key West, housing the Long Key Fishing Camp. This camp attracted many notable figures, including celebrities and well-known saltwater anglers like author Zane Grey and several U.S. presidents. Sadly, the facility was destroyed by the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 and was never rebuilt.
Today, Long Key State Park is a popular destination for a wide range of recreational activities, including kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, flats fishing, and snorkeling. There are two fantastic hiking trails to explore, and visitors can rent kayaks from the ranger station to paddle along the scenic shoreline to get a closer look at the diverse wildlife in the mangroves in the clear, shallow waters.
The park also offers oceanfront, hike-in, tent-only campsites that include a picnic table, grill, hammock stand, and restrooms with cold outdoor showers.
The site fee per night is $22 by reservation only and can be made here: reserve.floridastateparks.org or by calling the reservation line at 1-800-326-6521.