The 5 Best Waterfront RV Parks in Key West (For Public Stays)

The best luxury oceanfront park is Bluewater Key RV Resort. For a classic marina vibe close to town, Boyd's Key West Campground is the top choice. And for an authentic "Old Keys" feel with a great restaurant, Geiger Key Marina RV Park is the unbeatable hidden gem. This guide details the 5 best public options for every style.

Comparing the Top 5 Key West Waterfront RV Parks

Each park offers a unique slice of paradise. This table breaks down your choices at a glance before our detailed reviews.

(Price Key: $$ = Budget-Friendly, $$$ = Average, $$$$ = Luxury/Premium)

The 5 Best Public Waterfront RV Parks in Key West (Detailed Reviews)

1. Bluewater Key RV Resort

Best for: Luxury & Private Docks

This is the definition of "glamping" in the Keys. Bluewater Key is not a typical campground; it's a high-end luxury resort where sites are individually owned. This means many come with extravagant upgrades like private tiki huts, outdoor kitchens, comfortable lounge furniture, and even small private boat docks right at your site.

The water here is the star-crystal clear and perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking directly from your spot. The resort is immaculate, with a beautiful temperature-controlled pool and friendly staff.

• Varying Quality: Because sites are individually owned, the quality and amenities (tiki hut, furniture, working appliances) can vary. Always check the photos and included items for the specific site you are booking.
• Pest Preparedness: This is a lush, tropical paradise, which means mosquitoes and ants can be a real issue, especially in summer or after rain. Come prepared with strong repellent and don't leave food out.
• Pet Policy: The resort has breed restrictions (like Rottweilers and Pit Bulls) due to their insurance. Always confirm their pet policy before booking if you're traveling with a dog.
• Price: This is the most expensive option on the list, but for a special occasion or a true luxury experience, many find it worth every penny.

2. Boyd's Key West Campground

Best for: Community Vibe & Marina Access

Boyd's is a Key West institution. Family-owned and operated since 1963, it offers the "classic" Key West campground experience. It's located on Stock Island, making it one of the closest public parks to Duval Street (about a 4-5 mile bike ride).

The vibe is social and friendly, with a great pool area that acts as a community hub. They have a marina, boat ramp, and dockage. The facilities are kept impressively clean, and the staff is known for being incredibly helpful.

• Site Size: The sites are very tight. This is a historic, island-based campground where space is at a premium. Be prepared to be close to your neighbors and be extra careful maneuvering your rig.
• The Roosters: You will hear the famous Key West roosters, and they start early. It's an authentic part of the island's charm for some, but a rude awakening for others.
• Ocean Swimming: While they have a small beach area, it's not ideal for swimming. Plan to use their beautiful pool for a dip.

3. Geiger Key Marina RV Park

Best for: "Old Keys" Vibe & On-Site Restaurant

This is our "hidden gem" pick. If you find Bluewater too sterile and Boyd's too crowded, Geiger Key is your answer. This is not a "resort"-it's an authentic "Old Keys" fish camp and marina with a small, 30-site RV park attached.

The main attraction is the Geiger Key Fish Camp restaurant, a beloved local spot with waterfront dining, live music, and fantastic food (don't miss the fish dip). RV guests are just steps away from the action. You can launch a kayak right from your site and paddle through the mangroves.

• Jet Noise: The park's biggest "con" (or "pro," depending on you) is its location near the Naval Air Station. You will hear loud fighter jets taking off. It's an impressive sight, but it's not always peaceful.
• Off the Beaten Path: It's located down a winding local road, making it feel secluded and quiet (when the jets aren't flying).
• It's a Fish Camp: The amenities are basic but clean. You're here for the vibe, the water, and the restaurant, not for a luxury pool.

4. Sun Outdoors Sugarloaf Key

Best for: Self-Contained Resort & New Facilities

Located about 20-25 minutes from Key West, this park feels more like a self-contained destination. It was heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma and completely rebuilt, so the facilities, bungalows, and Airstream rentals are all new, clean, and modern.

It's a great, quiet spot for families and those looking to relax away from the Duval Street hustle. They have a pool, food truck, and water access, including complimentary kayaks.

• The "Waterfront": A key thing to know is that the main water body is a saltwater lagoon, not the open ocean. It's lovely for paddling but isn't the same as an open-water view.
• The Drive: It is a 20-25 minute drive to Key West. This is a pro for those who want peace, but a con if you plan to go into town multiple times a day.

5. Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge

Best for: Nature, Fishing & Bahia Honda Access

If your main goal is fishing, boating, and nature, this is your basecamp. Located about 30-40 minutes from Key West, Big Pine Key is a different world. It's famous for its protected, miniature Key Deer, which frequently wander right through the campground.

The park is a "fishing lodge" first, with a full-service marina, boat ramp, and canal-front sites that let you dock your boat right behind your RV. It's also very close to the world-famous Bahia Honda State Park.

• CRITICAL ACCESS WARNING: The entrance has a 13' 2" low-clearance walkway over the gate. Many large, modern RVs and Class A coaches are taller than this. You must know your rig's height. There is an alternate "out" gate you may be able to use for entry, but you must call the office to confirm access for your specific RV.
• The Grounds: This is a nature-focused park, not a concrete resort. The roads are gravel/dirt and can get very muddy and full of puddles after heavy rain.
• Tent Sites: The rustic waterfront tent sites are beautiful but can be very windy and sandy.

An Important Note for Military Personnel

Sigsbee Campground (Military & DoD Only)

You will inevitably see Sigsbee Campground mentioned, and for good reason, it's a slice of heaven. We are listing it separately because it is NOT open to the general public.

• Who Can Stay: This park is exclusively for active duty military, retired military, and DoD civilians.
• Why It's Mentioned: It offers some of the most stunning, unobstructed oceanfront sites in the Keys for a fraction of the price (around $45/night for full hookups).
• The Experience: It's fantastic, but be prepared for a slow check-in process (it can take an hour) and generator noise in the popular "dry camping" overflow sections. We are mentioning it here to be a truly helpful guide and prevent you from planning a trip here if you are not eligible.