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Camping

Key West Camping
Long Key State Park
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LONG KEY STATE
PARK
P.O. Box 776
Long Key, Florida 33001
Phone: 305-664-4815
Long Key was once referred to by the Spanish as "Cayo
Vivora", which means Rattlesnake Key. The name was used to describe the
shape of the island, which resembles a snake with its jaws open. Today, Long Key
State Park is known for being rich in history and recreational opportunities as
well as natural beauty.
The 965 acres that make up Long Key were acquired between 1961 and 1973, with
the park's official opening in 1969. 

HISTORY
Long before the park was
established, the subtropical climate, clear waters and abundance of marine life
attracted explorers. The Calusa Indians lived off the plant and marine life
before the arrival of the first Spanish settlers. After Spanish occupation,
other travelers from nearby islands such as the Bahamas made their way to
Key West.
By 1912, the Florida Keys were no longer considered a remote area to travel.
By this time, the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railroad was
completed, allowing Long Key to become an important depot. Henry Flagler, the
founder of the railroad, also established the Long Key Fishing Club which was a
mecca for the world's greatest saltwater fishermen. This productive era came to
a temporary end when a hurricane destroyed the railroad and fishing club in
1935. 
GEOGRAPHY
& WILDLIFE
Long Key contains the remains
of ancient coral reefs that were formed 100,000 years ago when the sea level was
20 to 30 feet higher. The vegetation is primarily of West Indian or Caribbean
origin. A large variety of trees and shrubs are found, including species such as
the gumbo limbo, poisonwood, mahogany, Jamaica dogwood and crabwood. The shallow
waters off Long Key support an abundance of marine life. Various wading bird
species may be observed in the mangrove-lined lagoons, particularly during the
winter months.


ACTIVITIES
Educational offerings at the
park include fun and informative programs on snorkeling, fishing, birding,
canoeing, sea turtles, plants, history and the marine ecology of the area. Three nature trails are located within the park for visitors who enjoy
both walking and canoeing. The "Golden Orb" Trail, named after a
native spider, is a leisurely 40-minute walk through several plant
communities. The Layton Trail is located on the bayside of the park and takes
15 minutes to walk. The third trail is Long Key Lakes Canoe
Trail, which covers a shallow water lagoon. Canoe rentals and a self-guided
brochure are available for this hour-long journey.
Picnic areas are available with a scenic view of the Atlantic Ocean.Swimming and some of the best sport fishing in the Florida Keys are
popular year-round. Saltwater fishing licenses are required in Florida.Campsites are located along the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean
for visitors who wish to stay and enjoy all that Long Key has to offer.
Interpretive Programs
A two-hour guided walk along the
"Golden Orb Trail" is offered every Wednesday at 10:00am. Every Thursday, the
park offers a Ranger's Choice program at 10:00am. These programs may consist of
guided-walks, birding, photography, Florida's Native Americans, canoeing, and
Florida's unique wildlife. Programs are subject to Ranger availability and
weather conditions. Please check at the Ranger Station.
Canoeing & Kayaking
One of three nature trails in the
park, the Long Key Lakes Canoe Trail provides visitors with the opportunity to
enjoy a leisurely "paddle" through the park’s shallow water lagoon. Canoe
rentals and a self-guided brochure are available for this hour-long journey.


Full Facility Camping
There are 60 full-facility campsites
in the park, all overlooking the Atlantic ocean! Each campsite comes equipped
with a picnic table, ground grill, water, and electricity. Three restrooms with
hot showers, are centrally located. Also provided, is a dump station for gray
and black water. Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance. The sites
book quickly so make your plans well in advance. For reservations, please call
Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521 or online www.reserveamerica.com
FLORIDA
STATE PARKS
CAMPING AND CABIN FEES
Base
camping fee......$8.00-19.00 (1 - 4 people)
Campsite Reservation Deposit
one night's camping fee, must be cancelled within 24 hours of check-in
time.....credit cards and checks only
Waterfront Site......$2.00
extra fee (does not apply when fee is $8.00 minimum)
Extra Person
sites are up to four people......$2.00
Extra Car
non-towed vehicle.....$3.00 
DISCOUNTS
Florida
Seniors(65+) or 100% Disabled Florida Resident
(max. 4 people per site)......1/2 base fee
Weekly Rate Discount
(*selected parks, seasons vary)......10% off base fee
Monthly Rate Discount
(*selected parks, seasons vary)......30% off base fee
Club/Group Discount
Key West Camping
(10 site minimum, 1-7 nights, selected parks, seasons vary......10% off base
fee, plus one free site 
PRIMITIVE
CAMPING
nature/equestrian
trails and youth camps
adults......$3.00/person
under 18......$2.00/person
As time will allow I try to keep the Information
here as current as possible. All prices in this
section is subject to change without notice.
For the most up to date information give
them a call and ask them about their service.
Everyone I have talked to is friendly and eager
to answer any Question you may have.
Please be sure to mention that you were
sent to them by Clyde's Key West Camping.
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