Driving the Florida Keys by RV: A Road Tripper's Dream

There are road trips, and then there's the Florida Keys. The Overseas Highway — US-1 from the mainland to Key West — is 113 miles of two-lane road connecting 42 bridges over turquoise water. It's one of the most visually stunning drives in the country, and it's perfectly suited for RV travel.

Here's how to do it right.

Most travelers start in Miami or Fort Lauderdale and head south on US-1. The Keys are organized by "mile markers" (MM), with MM 126 at the top of Key Largo and MM 0 at the southern end of Key West.

Key stops along the way:

• Key Largo (MM 106–90): The first and largest key. Home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater state park in the US. Excellent snorkeling and diving.
• Islamorada (MM 90–73): Known as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World." Great restaurants, art galleries, and the Theater of the Sea.
• Marathon (MM 60–47): The geographic midpoint of the Keys. The Turtle Hospital is a must-visit, and the Seven Mile Bridge is one of the most photographed stretches of road in Florida.
• Big Pine Key (MM 33–30): Home to the endangered Key deer — tiny deer that wander freely through the neighborhood. Speed limits drop to 35 mph (and lower at night) to protect them.
• Key West (MM 0): The end of the road. Duval Street, Mallory Square sunsets, the Hemingway House, and the southernmost point in the continental US.

The Keys present some unique challenges for RV travelers:

Size matters. The Keys are narrow, and many campgrounds have strict length limits. Most campgrounds accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, but some are limited to 35 feet or less. Always confirm before booking.

Bridges: The Seven Mile Bridge and other long bridges can be windy. Drive slowly and stay centered in your lane.

Fuel: Gas prices in the Keys are higher than the mainland. Fill up before you cross the Card Sound Bridge or the main US-1 entrance.

Cell service: Generally good throughout the Keys, but can be spotty in some areas.

One of the best state park campgrounds in Florida. Sites are shaded and close to the water. Reservations required — book well in advance.

Beautiful oceanside campground with sites right on the water. Limited to 40 feet. Very popular — book months ahead.

Consistently rated one of the best campgrounds in the country. Stunning white sand beaches, clear water, and excellent snorkeling. Sites fill up within minutes of opening for reservations.

The only campground in Key West proper. Walking distance to Duval Street. Sites are tight but the location is unbeatable.

• Snorkeling and diving: The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects the only living coral reef in the continental US. Rental shops are everywhere.
• Kayaking: The backcountry waters on the Gulf side are perfect for kayaking. Rent from local outfitters or bring your own.
• Fishing: Charter boats operate from every marina. Tarpon, bonefish, and permit are the prized catches.
• Sunset at Mallory Square: Every evening in Key West, street performers and locals gather at Mallory Square to watch the sunset. It's a tradition worth experiencing.
• Dry Tortugas National Park: Accessible only by ferry or seaplane from Key West, this remote island fortress is one of the most unique national parks in the system.

November through April is peak season — warm, dry, and busy. Book campgrounds 6+ months in advance.

May through October is hot and humid, with hurricane season running June through November. Campground availability is better, but watch the weather.

The Florida Keys are one of those places that gets under your skin. The pace slows down, the water is impossibly clear, and the sunsets are genuinely spectacular. Give yourself at least a week to do it justice.