State: Florida
Short Name: John Pennekamp Coral Reef SP
Address 1: U.S. 1 Mile Marker 102.5
City: Key Largo
Zip: 33037
Phone: 305-451-1202
Open all Year: Yes
Electric Water: 47
Camp URL: http://www.floridastateparks.org/pennekamp/default.cfm
Full Hook: Yes
Free: No
About: The first underwater park in the U.S., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. While the mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks in the parks upland areas offer visitors a unique experience, it is the coral reefs and their associated marine life that bring most visitors to the park. Many enjoy the view of the reef from a glass-bottom boat tour, but visitors can get a closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. Canoeing and kayaking through the parks waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas. Visitors can enjoy walking on short trails, picnicking, or swimming at the beach. The Visitor Center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature videos are shown in its theater. Full-facility and Youth/Group campsites are available. Beach wheelchairs are available without cost.
For boat tour information and reservations, please call (305) 451-6300.
Located at Mile Marker 102.5 Overseas Highway in Key Largo.
NOTE: The campground will be closed through from August 2, 2010 through March 30, 2011, to upgrade camping facilities.
The park campground offers 47 campsites for both tent and RV campers with water and electricity: 30 amp, 50 amp and 110 volt. Each site also has a picnic table and grill. A dump station is available. The main restroom has toilets and hot showers that meet ADA requirements. Well behaved pets are welcome in the campground.
The Pond Restroom, next to the group campsite, has an ADA-accessible private family bathroom. There are three paved sites with paths paved to the ramp to the main restroom located in the center of the campground. Coin-operated washers and dryers are also located at the main restroom. Campers can enjoy the coral reefs from a glass bottom boat tour or by snorkeling or scuba diving.
Maximum RV length = 45 ft.
Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica.
The Organized Youth and Adult Group Camping area is available to nonprofit organized groups, of six or more people, of all ages. At least one adult chaperone is required per ten youths. Chaperones must be at least 21 years of age. This camping area will accommodate up to 24 people. The site has a fire circle, benches, a large grill, picnic tables and a potable water faucet. There is no electricity at the site. Restrooms and hot showers are available. Pets are not allowed at this campsite. Reservations for this camp may be made no earlier than 60 days in advance for youth groups and no earlier than 30 days in advance for adult groups, by calling the park at (305) 451-1202. A group representative must check in before 5:00 p.m. on the day of arrival.
