John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground
Florida State Park
Write a Review 102601 Overseas Hwy Key Largo, FL 33037 305-676-3777 Reservations: 800-326-3521 Official WebsiteGPS: 25.127, -80.4092
Overview of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground
Last Price Paid: $53
Reported by RV Pilgrims on 4/29/2024
Longest RV Reported: 38 feet
Reported by barrygoodtimes on 1/15/2017
Number of Sites 42
Reservations yes
Elevation 0 ft / 0 m
Max Stay 14
Max Length 55 ft
Tent Camping Yes
Featured Video by LivingOurDreamNow
Discover a smarter way to RV with Roadtrippers
All your Campendium favorites and more are now in Roadtrippers.
Q&A - Ask the Community about John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 305-676-3777
camper-769532 asked on 1/6/2023
Does anyone know if you can check-in early ? If not can you enter the park, and there is ample parking for vehicle an...
Reviews of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground 36 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 19 Users
Last reported 4/29/2024
Confirmed by 13 Users
Last reported 8/1/2022
Confirmed by 8 Users
Last reported 4/29/2024
“Update on pricing”
Reviewed 4/29/2024
| Nightly rate: | $53 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 18 |
| RV Length: | 23' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We stayed here in April, 2024. Not much to add to the other reviews, except pricing and connectivity. We paid $159.33 for three nights, including the outrageous 17% tax. Granted, this is a premier geographic location, but that's a bit high for a State Park. Here's the breakdown: Reservation Fees: $6.70 Weekday Rate: $36.00 x 3 U... more
We stayed here in April, 2024. Not much to add to the other reviews, except pricing and connectivity.
We paid $159.33 for three nights, including the outrageous 17% tax. Granted, this is a premier geographic location, but that's a bit high for a State Park. Here's the breakdown:
Reservation Fees: $6.70
Weekday Rate: $36.00 x 3
Utility Fee: Price: $7.00 x 3
Total Cost of the Reservation
Sub Total: $135.70
Sales Tax: $23.63
Grand Total: $159.33
Connectivity: Verizon - 4G, 79 mbps down, 11 up. T-Mobile: 5GUC, 176 mbps down, 4 up.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
T-Mobile 5G
RV Pilgrims would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great stay”
Reviewed 10/26/2023
| Nightly rate: | $36 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
Overall Rating
Spent a weekend here with the family in our 36'. Good space. Couldn't put out our awning but that wasn't a big deal for us. Charcoal grill was provided along with picnic table. Clean sites with a nice mix of friendly people. Will be back.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 5G
camper-810379 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Stay, Clean, Great Staff”
Reviewed 7/25/2023
| Nightly rate: | $53 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 36 |
Overall Rating
Stayed here for 1 night before heading further down the keys.
Greeted by very nice staff.
Bathrooms were spotless (both the older and newer facilities)
Good swimming spots (especially for kids)
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
camper-849750 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Wonderful Location, Big Disappointment”
Reviewed 5/28/2023
| Nightly rate: | $43 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 14 |
| Site Number: | 44 |
| RV Length: | 30' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Finally securing a space at this State Park felt like winning the lottery and while this is a great place to explore the Keys from, the park itself was a major disappointment. We camped here in March of 2023. The sites are small, cramped and few in number. There was standing water just a few feet behind our site so the mosquitoes and ... more
Finally securing a space at this State Park felt like winning the lottery and while this is a great place to explore the Keys from, the park itself was a major disappointment. We camped here in March of 2023. The sites are small, cramped and few in number. There was standing water just a few feet behind our site so the mosquitoes and no-see-ums were unbearable. There is nothing to look at but your neighbor and if you want to explore the rest of the park, you must get in line or make a reservation to do anything. I came to see the replica of the underwater Jesus statue but you can only view it IF you book a snorkeling trip and if it is busy, there is no guarantee that you’ll see it. I loved the two separate beaches but they are way too small to handle the traffic that was there. There is also a staging area for the DHS (Dept. of Homeland Security) in the center of the park which made the area feel unsafe. When we return to Key Largo, we’ll chose a different park.
AT&T Down: 1.51mbps Up: 0.00 mbps Streaming: 1.0mbps Verizon Down: 66.18mbps Up: 20.68mbps Streaming: 3.7mbps Starlink Down: 103.46mbps Up: 11.49mbps Streaming: 50mbps
If you have the time, don’t miss the small aquarium in the visitor center and the glass bottom boat ride!
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Perfect location to explore Key Largo and Islamorada”
Reviewed 3/5/2023
| Nightly rate: | $42 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 19 |
| RV Length: | 24' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
The biggest asset of this campground was location. It is super handy to shopping and activities. The rangers and employees were really friendly and helpful. Full hookups were really nice, but the picnic tables are all very close to your neighbors sewer connection (and we did smell the sewers more than we would have liked). The PVC wat... more
The biggest asset of this campground was location. It is super handy to shopping and activities. The rangers and employees were really friendly and helpful.
Full hookups were really nice, but the picnic tables are all very close to your neighbors sewer connection (and we did smell the sewers more than we would have liked). The PVC water faucet is also very close to the sewer connection (definitely sanitize before using!) and is shared between campsites ours was on the wrong side so we had to run a hose thru our campsite to other side of the RV. But the water seems pretty good quality and we didnt mind drinking it. The sites are at right-angles to the road and tighter than most state parks, but they have some vegetation between the sites for moderate privacy. Mostly, the big trees provide a welcome shade for the campsites, rather than privacy.
The campground is gated 24/7, which is nice since it is so close to the day use area. The Park closes at exactly sunset we arrived 3 minutes after closing this evening and the gates were shut (keep that gate code with you)!
The Verizon data cell signal was reliably fast the whole time we stayed here (between 50-28 Mbps down, 12.5 - 9.4 Mbps up).
There are showers in the campground restrooms, which wasn't obvious on the map. The restrooms were pretty clean, but could use some updating. The outdoor laundry is located in the south end restroom (first one when entering the campground).
There were 2 washers and 2 dryers, which were $3.50 and $2.50 per load, respectively.
Kayak and paddle board rentals, snorkel gear, dive gear & tours are all available at the boat tour Gift Shop (book online or call to reserve), on the far side of the marina from the campground.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 5G
T-Mobile 5G
PBJ 4 the Road would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Friendly Park Staff, Clean Facilities And Quiet”
Reviewed 1/8/2023
| Days stayed: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Site Number: | 26 |
Overall Rating
I arrived early for my Saturday checkin and was welcomed, it was nice to set up and enjoy the park a few hours early. A very nice Florida state park, it was pet friendly. As for a complaint if I had to pick one it’s the shared water spigots, my neighbor was clearly using the one for my site. The sites are close, some more than others... more
I arrived early for my Saturday checkin and was welcomed, it was nice to set up and enjoy the park a few hours early. A very nice Florida state park, it was pet friendly. As for a complaint if I had to pick one it’s the shared water spigots, my neighbor was clearly using the one for my site. The sites are close, some more than others. If privacy concerns you, this isn’t your place. But if your going to enjoy the miracle that is the Keys you will find more positives to enjoy!
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T
Verizon 4G
T-Mobile 4G
camper-769532 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Hurricane Ian evacuate ”
Reviewed 9/30/2022
| Days stayed: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Site Number: | 5 |
Overall Rating
We were evacuated from KeyWest, found refuge here til it cleared out! Was safe and the staff was amazing, made us feel welcomed! Beautiful park with lots to do, although everything was on hold due to tropical storms warnings!
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 5G
Marty would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Base Camp”
Reviewed 8/1/2022
| Nightly rate: | $54 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 27 |
Overall Rating
I loved it here. I stayed 2 nights. I rode my Harley to Key West after the first night and took off after the 2nd night. Place feels safe. I had no problem leaving my vehicle and RV unattended while I was on the Harley all day. Showers are clean. Sites are clean. I think it is a great place. All my neighbors were great. I will defi... more
I loved it here. I stayed 2 nights. I rode my Harley to Key West after the first night and took off after the 2nd night. Place feels safe. I had no problem leaving my vehicle and RV unattended while I was on the Harley all day.
Showers are clean. Sites are clean. I think it is a great place. All my neighbors were great.
I will definitely stay here again.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
T-Mobile 5G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Location, location, location”
Reviewed 2/20/2022
| Nightly rate: | $57 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 10 & 15 |
| RV Length: | 21' (Class B) |
Overall Rating
This is all about location. The sites themselves are tight and no view. But the park is pretty. We were there when the weather wasn’t good, so we missed out on boat tours and snorkeling, but still enjoyed the park and the views.
Wherearedaveanddar would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice but Tight Sites and Crowds”
Reviewed 2/6/2022
| Nightly rate: | $43 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 14 |
| Site Number: | 26 |
| RV Length: | 30' (Class A) |
Overall Rating
Not much new to say here, its the Keys, great weather and tight sites, hope you like your neighbors. Our sewer line was 2 feet from our neighbors picnic table. Great kayaking, but little hiking. Neighbors were quiet and no one caused any problems. Great access from Hwy 1. Check-in required us to park and go in to the ranger st... more
Not much new to say here, its the Keys, great weather and tight sites, hope you like your neighbors. Our sewer line was 2 feet from our neighbors picnic table. Great kayaking, but little hiking. Neighbors were quiet and no one caused any problems.
Great access from Hwy 1. Check-in required us to park and go in to the ranger station. Had some no see ums at night.
AT&T cell service was usable but not great, 1-2 bars of 5G, we got RSRP of -93 unboosted, boosted to -66. No HDTV channels were available.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 1 of 4
Be the first to add a note for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground!
4 reviews
373 reviews
9 Stunning Florida Keys Campgrounds You'll Love in 2020
Are you searching for the best Florida Keys Campground?! If so, we understand your pain. Camping in the Florida Keys is amazing – but finding the best site is a huge challenge. Today we’re here to h...
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground Review - Know Your Campground
OVERVIEW John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the United States, and encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. This Florida Keys park was created to protec...
46 reviews
Diving in Florida
Yay, Florida! I’ve been looking forward to this leg of our trip ever since the idea for a cross-country RV trip was set in motion. Florida simply has plenty of the activities we love to do: swimming...
3 reviews
John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo - SewMona
John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo August 22, 2016 by sewmona Leave a Comment *This post contains affiliate links. We wanted to do one last camping trip before school started (anyone else thi...
20 reviews
RV camping and boondocking - RV boondocking blog
8/31/2016 0 Comments Although this is not a true boondocking location, I am listing John Pennekamp as my first blog ab...
RV Camping at John Pennekamp State Park Key Largo, Florida
Considered America’s first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is a popular destination for visitors who enjoy life on the water and below. The park is approximately 7...
4 reviews
The Journey to Self Sufficiency: John Pennekamp State Park - Key Largo, FL
Last week we had the pleasure of staying at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, FL for three nights. We loved it. I would definitely recommend this park to others, especially those with kids be...
Contact us to update this listing.
Amenities
Hookups
- 50 Amp
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- water
- sewer
- Full Hookups
Recreation
- boat ramp
- boat rental
- fishing
- picnic area
- recreation trail
- swimming beach
- water access
Site Amenities
- big rig
- picnic table
Facilities
- group sites
- ADA Accessible
- laundry
- restrooms: flush
- showers
- trash
- water available
Discount Clubs
- Senior Discounts
Pets
- pets
Nearby RV Rentals
In partnership with
Nearby RV Rentals
In partnership with
15 Reviews
2015 TRAVEL TRAILER
Grand Design Reflection 308BHTS
$95 /night | Sleeps 6 Guests
13 Reviews
2022 TRAVEL TRAILER
Heartland Mallard M26
$125 /night | Sleeps 8 Guests
12 Reviews
2021 CLASS C MOTOR HOME
Thor Motor Coach Four Winds 22E
$185 /night | Sleeps 5 Guests
New Listing
2023 CLASS B CAMPING VAN
Thor Motor Coach Tellaro 20L
$195 /night | Sleeps 2 Guests
7 Reviews
2023 CLASS A MOTOR HOME
Fleetwood Flex 34J
$300 /night | Sleeps 8 Guests
9 Reviews
2022 CLASS C MOTOR HOME
Winnebago Navion 24J
$180 /night | Sleeps 6 Guests
Nearby
Please select a reason for flagging this item: