If you can access military bases, you are going to want to learn about camping on Key West! There are now three camping areas on Key West for anyone who can use military campgrounds, which includes active & retired military, reserve & guard, disabled veterans, and DoD civilians. 

Watch the video below or read on to learn more about these fabulous options for your next camping adventure in the Florida Keys.

Military Campgrounds on Key West

The campgrounds are: 

• Sigsbee RV Park – Combination of 93 full hook up sites and a few hundred dry camping sites open year round.
• Trumbo Point – All dry camping and only open seasonally from mid-Oct through April. 
• Truman Annex – New Deluxe Waterfront Sites. 

We’re going to focus on Sigsbee since that is where we stayed and where we plan to stay again. Sigsbee is basically a housing annex for Naval Air Station Key West. There are two different RV and tent camping areas here.

When we were there winter of late 2019/early 2020, you had to rotate between dry camping and full hook-ups. It was known as the Sigsbee Shuffle, but it no longer exists. Now you make a reservation for one or the other. No rotating. 

We would definitely go back even if we had to dry camp. They have a large dump station, several potable water fill stations, and a bath house and laundry. You can run a generator during the day, although it has to be a quiet one.

And of course, the thing we love about staying on bases is the commissary and exchange. In this case, since it is an annex and not many people live there, it is pretty small. Still it had everything we needed. There was also a 13’ tall car wash, a dog park, fitness center and outdoor track, a marina, and a bar & grill. 

Another major change is how long you can stay. The maximum stay for Sigsbee & Trumbo is 90 days. After that, you have to be out for 60 days before you can return. The new Deluxe area at Truman Annex has a 1-week stay limit. 

Read the Navy’s policies on the military’s Key West campgrounds.

Key West Activities

There are so many great activities for everyone around Key West. Whether you like dining, drinking, sun bathing, swimming, fishing, or touring historical sites, there is something for everyone.

One of the best things about these campgrounds is that they are close enough to ride your bike everywhere. We only took the truck out of the campground once during our entire stay.

Hemingway House

Tour the house that the author Ernest Hemingway lived in during the 1930’s and its grounds. I especially liked all the six-toed cats (polydactyl) that have the run of the entire estate. They are all descendants of Snow White, a six-toed cat that a ship’s captain gave to Hemingway when he lived here. Fun fact: polydactyl cats are considered good luck to sailors. They were a common sight on long ship journeys because they made excellent mousers and had such good balance.

Little White House

This home was Truman’s vacation home every November–December and February–March. It was originally the commandant’s home of a naval submarine base. During his visits, Cabinet members and foreign officials visited regularly for fishing trips and poker games. Today regular guided tours take visitors through the site, and one can enter the rooms where the Trumans lived, worked and relaxed. Items such as President Truman’s briefcase, books, telephone, and his famous “The Buck Stops Here” sign are still at his desk.

Duval Street and the Key West Historic Seaport

If you are looking for shopping, dining, or drinking establishments, then Duval Street and the historic seaport have plenty of options. My favorite was Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop where they have the best key lime pie on a stick! It is coated in chocolate and probably the best dessert I’ve ever had. Historic Seaport also has charter boats and other water excursions.

Dry Tortugas National Park

The highlight of our trip was a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park. It is only accessible by private boat, the ferry, or seaplane. We opted to splurge on the seaplane — after all we were saving by staying at the base campground — and it was worth every penny! You get more time on the island where you can explore historic Fort Jefferson, snorkel, and sunbathe. They even have overnight tent camping if you’re up for it.

Where to Stay on the Way

If you’re looking for other great military campgrounds to enjoy on your way to Key West (Florida is a big state), consider these:

• Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area has a wonderful campground just outside of Pensacola, Florida.
• MacDill Air Force Base has a large campground right on the Tampa Bay in central Florida.
• Patrick Air Force Base has waterfront camping near Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Learn More About Military Campgrounds

Read our complete guide to military campgrounds to learn more about who can stay, what type of campgrounds and amenities are offered, and more.

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Are you planning a visit to Virginia and looking for an unforgettable outdoor getaway? Look no further than Shenandoah River State Park, where you can experience nature at its finest with breathtaking views, entertaining outdoor activities, and excellent campground amenities. Whether you’re a first-time camper or an experienced outdoorsman, Shenandoah River State Park is the perfect destination for your next adventure. In this article, we will explore the reasons why you should pack your bags and head to this beautiful spot for your ultimate camping experience.

Watch the video review below or read on for more information:

Discover the Comfort of Campsites and Cabins

Shenandoah River State Park is open year-round and is only minutes from Shenandoah National Park. Whether you are camping in an RV, tent, or cabin, there is something for everyone. The best part about this campground is that it is situated only a few minutes walk from the beautiful Shenandoah River. However, it is important to note that you won’t have a river view from the campsites as there are trees between the campground and the river. 

• RV Sites: The campground has 32 back-in sites with water and power, as well as plenty of room for your RV, tow vehicle, and even a tent or canopy. 
• Cabins: The campground has nine 2-bedroom cabins with a bathroom, heating, and air conditioning. They also have four primitive camp cabins that don’t have a bathroom, heating, and air conditioning.
• Yurts: The campground also has three yurts that have one queen bed and a twin-sized trundle pull-out. The yurts do not have electricity or water, but water is available at the bathhouse. There is no heat or air conditioning. Each yurt has a dining table, a large wooden deck with patio tables, a picnic table, and a fire ring with a cooking grate.
• Tent Sites: There is a separate tent-only, hike in campground with primitive sites.

Enjoy the Array of Campground Amenities 

This is a typical state park campground, which means there aren’t as many amenities as you’d find in a private RV resort. However, the natural beauty of the area more than makes up for it. Shenandoah River State Park’s campground features restrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets, laundry facilities, and a dump station. 

Explore the Wonders of Shenandoah River State Park

With over 1,600 acres of pristine wilderness, Shenandoah River State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park has 24 miles of well-maintained trails catering to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders of all skill levels. Immerse yourself in nature as you walk along the tranquil riverbanks, or take on the challenge of exploring the park’s higher-elevation trails, which offer stunning panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley below.

The park also offers a wide range of fun-filled activities, such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking allowing you to enjoy the river’s waters.

The visitor’s center has a great display on local wildlife including a station where you can listen to the call of the region’s birds.

Enjoy all the Local Area has to Offer

Shenandoah National Park is the highlight of this region and is only a ten-minute drive away. It has a multitude of activities and is open year-round. Scenic Skyline Drive runs 105 miles north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park and is the only public road through the Park. It takes about three hours to travel the entire length of the Park on a clear day. Skyline Drive is generally open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. If it’s closed due to inclement weather, you may still enter the Park on foot at one of the entrance stations or from a boundary access point. The national park also has over 500 miles of trails with several waterfalls.

Let your adventure extend beyond the park’s boundaries by discovering the rich history and culture of the surrounding region. The area is home to many historic sites, such as the nearby Luray Caverns and Skyline Drive, which offer a glimpse into Virginia’s fascinating past. Local wineries and breweries add to the charm of the area, and make for perfect stops to unwind after a day of exploring the park.

Book Your Stay Now

Whether you are looking for a quick getaway or a family vacation, you can’t go wrong with this amazing state park campground! 

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