Long Key State Park

OVERVIEW

Nestled above the shimmering Atlantic and bathed in tropical breezes, Long Key State Park offers a slice of the Florida Keys wilderness and history. Located at 67400 Overseas Hwy (Mile Marker 67.5) on Long Key in Layton, Florida, this roughly 965-acre park is a peaceful retreat where mangroves, seagrass flats, and ocean horizon meet.

Once the site of the lavish Long Key Fishing Camp built by railroad pioneer Henry Flagler for elite anglers and guests, the park blends that storied past with raw natural beauty.

THE CAMPGROUND

The campground at Long Key offers a distinctive, eco-immersive stay for those willing to trade full hookups for panoramic seascapes and mangrove tranquility:

• Walk-in, tent-only campsites sited near the Atlantic shoreline.
• Each site includes a picnic table, grill, hammock stand; no electric/water hookups.
• Restroom facilities are provided; outdoor/ cold showers available.
• Pets allowed in designated areas (leash required); note that certain shoreline zones restrict pets.
• Because of past storm damage (notably from Hurricane Irma in 2017), some ocean-front camping loops remain under restoration.

It’s a stay designed for nature-lovers, tent campers, and adventurers who want to wake up to the sound of waves rather than generators.

THE WATER, TRAILS & LOCAL ADVENTURE

Long Key brings together ocean-water access, unique habitats and nature trails for a multifaceted outdoor experience:

• Shoreline & paddling: The shallow flats and natural shoreline invite kayaking or canoeing among mangroves and clear tropical water.
• Hiking & exploration: Two land trails—
  • The 1.1-mile Golden Orb Trail traverses mangroves, rockland hammocks and dunes.
  • The shorter Layton Trail winds on the bayside, offering a quieter walk.
• Wildlife & bird-watching: The park sits on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Visitors can spot herons, egrets, the rare white-crowned pigeon, and other shorebirds.
• Snorkeling & fishing: The seagrass flats and clear water provide good conditions for flats fishing (bonefish, permit) and snorkeling.
• Picnicking & beach time: Designated picnic pavilions and shoreline access allow for relaxed downtime near the water.

Whether you’re waking at dawn to the tide, exploring a mangrove boardwalk, or letting tide pools glisten in the afternoon sun, the park offers both activity and restoration.

EVENING VIBES & FAMILY MOMENTS

As the sun sets and the Key’s breezes slow, Long Key State Park becomes a place of rhythm and reconnection:

• Gather around a campfire (in allowed rings) under the stars, with the Atlantic beyond.
• Hammocks sway gently between palms as tides lap nearby — a moment of pause.
• Children and families may toast marshmallows, share stories, or stroll the shoreline at dusk listening to the waves.
• Night skies in the Keys are remarkably dark; bring a flashlight, lie back, and watch for stars or even a meteor.
  It’s an atmosphere that says: slow down, stay awhile, and let the place speak to you.

WHO IT’S FOR

Long Key State Park is ideal for:

• Tent campers and small-group travelers who don’t require full RV hookups but value proximity to ocean and nature.
• Couples or solo adventurers looking for a quiet, scenic Keys getaway, with fewer crowds than resort-heavy areas.
• Nature lovers, birders, and water-enthusiasts drawn to mangrove ecosystems, shallow flats fishing and natural shoreline paddling.
• Families who appreciate rustic comfort plus unique environment—though note the primitive nature of camping here.

PARK ADDRESS & KEY LOGISTICS

Address: 67400 Overseas Hwy (US-1 MM 67.5), Layton, FL 33001.
Reservations/Status: Tent camping availability may vary due to restoration efforts—check with the park ahead of time.
Contact: (305) 664-4815
Season & Hours: Open year-round for day use; check current camping status for overnight stays.
Accessibility / Trails: Boardwalks, accessible restrooms and beach wheelchair are available for certain trails/areas.

WHY LONG KEY STATE PARK?

Because sometimes escape means salt in the air, hammock-swaying between palms, and the gentle hush of waves in the Florida Keys. At Long Key State Park, you’ll find more than just a campsite — you’ll find space to reconnect: with nature, with your pace, and with the wider sea. Whether you’re launching a kayak into turquoise flats, walking a mangrove boardwalk at dawn, or simply lying back under tall palms as stars begin to shine—this is a place to breathe deeper and remember what really matters.