The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Key West (Even With Kids!)

Key West isn’t just for honeymooners and spring breakers—it’s also an incredible spot for adventurous families hitting the road by RV! We recently took our two kids on a sun-soaked road trip all the way to the southernmost point of the U.S (from Jacksonville, FL), and spoiler alert: it was unforgettable. From camping right on a military base to boating, snorkeling, and seafood feasts, here’s everything you need to know to plan your own family-friendly RV getaway to Key West.

Where We Stayed: RV Camping on the Military Base in Key West

Because we wanted as much bang for our buck, we decided to stay at the RV campsite at Naval Air Station Key West. There are two main campgrounds, the first is Sigsbee Park (where we stayed) and Trumbo Point. The main difference between campgrounds was that Sigsbee Park had hook-up options and Trumbo did not, nicknamed a “dry site”. I will mention that although booking and checking in/out were easy, it was a little outdated. We had a specific window in which we needed to check in by which didn’t allow us much road trip stopping time. Luckily, we were stocked on snacks and had a toilet on the RV for the kids to use. The front reception also gave us a safe and convenient spot to park our boat while not in use, which was also awesome! Check out this website for more information and to book your stay!

Amenities, privacy, and kid-friendliness

Sigsbee Park had hookups, which allowed us to use the electricity and bathroom/water in the RV (YAY)! RV camping in the summer with no A/C? No thank you! Sigsbee Park also had a spacious three-stall shower and bathroom, a few feet from the RV parking spots and laundry facilities. My favorite amenities were everything we could walk to on the base, for example, the kids’ splash pad, community center, kids’ parks, Dog Park, Commissary (groceries), NEX (little shopping market), Sunset Lounge (bar & grill), Sigsbee Marina (bait, gear, mosquito repellent and fishing tips!), boat storage, and dock.

When we weren’t exploring the amenities themselves, we would walk right outside our oceanview RV spot to watch the sunset, attempt and fail to catch the very quick curly-tailed lizards, climb palm trees, and walk along a mangrove beach path to count the washed-up sponges and avoid mosquitoes! (bring repellent!!!)

RV Tips for Long Drives with Kids

Well, well, well, how far we have come! We had a very long trip ahead of us, and I drove myself and my two eldest children from Jacksonville to Orlando, then met with my family and continued on the journey to Key West via RV. Finally, I didn’t have to drive, yay! Now, how to keep these two kids entertained? That was the tricky part. Luckily, I did my due diligence before hand and used the tricks that have served me well on the many, and I mean many, road trips with these kids!

Entertainment

Tablet loaded with wi-fi free games and downloaded movies
Nintendo Switch with multiplayer games
Florida/Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
Education and age appropriate activity books
Coloring books with new crayons
Character playing cards
Kinder Joy Eggs, or any fun snack/candy
Playdough
Manicure or Pedicure time (thorough nail cleaning time)
Facemasks
Magnetic Puzzles
Individual reusable cups
Gummies
Crosswords/Word Search puzzles
Window Clings
Stickers
Finger Lights (for light battles, haha)

Stops Along the Way

Jolly Roger Donuts Gas Station (Naples) A pirate themed gas station and donut shop
Aliens Welcome Gas Station (Tavernier, FL)
West Palm Beach Service Plaza, stretch your feet and enjoy the kids’ designated area.
Pose at the “Welcome to the Florida Keys” sign. According to Shoestrings weekend blog, you can find it by “US-1 at Mile Marker 126.7, turn onto Card Sound Road and head East 12.5 miles where you’ll find it down on the right-hand side of the road just in front of biker bar favorite Alabama Jacks.”
Blowfish Mailbox (Islamorada)
Rain Barrel Artisan Village (Islamorada) Giant lobster statue (“Big Betsy”)
Cracked Conch Cafe (Marathon)

What We Packed

We decided to pack light since we knew we would be spending the majority of time in bathing suits, but here is the complete list of things I packed to make RV Camping + Boating for a week with kids easy and fun!

3 shirts, 3 shorts, one bathing suit including SPF shirt, 7 undies, 2 pairs of socks, sandals, shoes
Nightime pullups and wipes (for my youngest child)
Mini Wagon for city walking
Battery Powered Fan
Pillows, blankets
Sunglasses
Hats
Lifejackets
Sunblock
Pool Noodles
Beach toys
Children’s Sunblock
Marvel Themed Kids Mosquito Bracelets
Mini Flashlight
Fairy lights for sleeping area
Collapsable toilet
Kids dramamine, pepdodismal
Daily Lunchable, Kinderegg (we love the fun little toys)
Lego set
Sun Bum Beach Umbrella
Shower towels + Beach/Boat Towels
Toiletries
Reusable bags for wet clothing, boating gear, carrying items to the shower
Snorkel Gear (mask, snorkel, fins, sock fins, de fogging gel)
Lobster gear (net, tickle stick, measuring tool, gloves, dive knife, shark repellent bracelet)
Garbage bags for on-board trash
Keys Waterproof Map
Gopro
Phone w chargers
Tide watch

Packing List for RV Camping in the Keys

Baby + toddler camping essentials post here, with free printable

Things to Do from Your RV Basecamp (in the Keys)

Boating + lobster-catching + Fishing Snorkeling
Visiting Musuems, historic sites
Beach and sunset spots
Water activities (jet skiing, parasailing)
Local eats
Nature centers (butterflies, zoo, aquarium, turtle hospital)

Why We Loved RVing vs. Staying in a Hotel

1. Home on Wheels = Comfort & Convenience

Everything we needed — snacks, clothes, baby items, even a potty — was always within reach.
No unpacking and repacking at each stop — our home traveled with us.
We could keep our routines (naps, nursing, bedtime) even on the go.

2. Perfect for Kids and Babies

The kids had space to play, nap, and unwind between adventures.
We didn’t have to worry about hotel noise or bothering neighbors with cries or late-night potty runs.
We could stop anywhere for a diaper change, lunch, or a stretch break without relying on rest stops or lobbies.

3. Cost-Effective for Our Family

We saved on multiple hotel rooms, meals out, laundry services, and entertainment.
Cooking our own meals helped keep us within our travel budget — and we could accommodate allergies or picky eaters.
Parking at military bases or campgrounds was often cheaper than one hotel night.

4. We Woke Up in Nature

Coffee tastes better when you’re surrounded by palm trees or ocean views instead of hotel parking lots.
The kids woke up and ran outside, not down a hallway.
Stargazing, campfires, and sunrises right from our front door — magical.

5. Clean Space = Peace of Mind

We knew exactly who used the bathroom, who slept in the bed, and how clean it was.
No mystery stains or hoping the remote control was disinfected.
We could control the cleanliness without relying on housekeeping schedules.

6. Freedom & Flexibility

Changed plans? We just turned the wheel and headed somewhere new.
We didn’t have to check out by 11am or wait for check-in.
We could explore hidden gems off the main roads — and stay longer if we loved a place.

7. So Many More Memories Made

From cooking breakfast with the kids to late-night card games by lantern light — the RV made even the in-between moments memorable.
We made friends with other campers and swapped stories, something that rarely happens in hotel lobbies.

8. It Felt Like an Adventure, Not Just a Trip

Every day felt like part of the journey — not just a destination.
The drive became a fun part of the experience instead of something to “get over.”

Tips for those planning their first RV trip

1. Practice Camping in the Driveway
Let kids get used to the RV environment before the trip. A backyard “campout” helps them adjust to the space, sleeping setup, and routines.

2. Pack Light—but Smart
Storage space is limited. Pack multi-use clothing, collapsible items, and only the essentials. Think layers and SPF for Florida sun!

3. Create a Kid-Friendly Packing Station
Let each child have a small bin or bag with their own toys, books, and snacks. It gives them autonomy and keeps clutter under control.

4. Use a Daily Rhythm (Not a Strict Schedule)
Kids thrive on routine, even while adventuring. Create a loose structure for meals, rest time, and exploring. Use a whiteboard or visual chart in the RV!

5. Include Familiar Comforts
Favorite pillows, stuffed animals, or blankets can help with sleep and transitions. A night light or fairy lights make bedtime feel magical and secure.

6. Prioritize Safe Seating & Sleep Setups
Ensure all car seats are properly secured in seatbelt-equipped spots. For sleep, use bed rails or tuck kids into lower bunks or make a floor bed.

7. Use Campsites with Kid-Friendly Amenities
Look for places with playgrounds, nature trails, or swimming spots. It’s a great way to unwind after a long drive.

8. Plan for Rainy Day Fun
Bring small LEGO sets, coloring books, audiobooks, or movies downloaded on a tablet—just in case you’re stuck inside during bad weather.

9. Be Flexible, Not Frustrated
Things will go sideways: traffic, blowouts, tantrums. Build in buffer days, keep expectations loose, and stay in adventure mode.

10. Involve the Kids in Planning
Let them help choose stops, meals, or daily adventures. It keeps them engaged and teaches travel skills!

Final Thoughts

Would we do it again? Absolutely! We have already made plans to visit Key West at the same time next year for the mini Lobster season and increase our daily catch of lobster and fun bonding time. Plus many more RV camping trips in between.