Park Summary for Print - Long Key State Park

'Egret' by Duane LaBrie - Great white heron looks over midnight blue water as its reflection ripples across the calm surface.

Welcome to Long Key State Park

The Spanish named this island "Cayo Vivora" or Rattlesnake Key because its shape resembles a snake with its jaws open. In the early 20th century, Long Key was the site of a luxurious fishing resort that was destroyed during the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. Today, visitors can explore this island by canoeing through a chain of lagoons or hiking two land-based trails. The Golden Orb Trail leads visitors through five natural communities to an observation tower that provides a panoramic view of the island and its profusion of plant and animal life. Some of the best bonefishing in the Keys is found here. Full-facility campsites overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Located at Mile Marker 67.5, 67400 Overseas Highway.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Long Key State Park, please call 305-664-4815.

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Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Long Key State Park is located at Mile Marker 67.5, 67400 Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys.

Park Fees

Admission Fees:

$5.00* per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$2.00* Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

$4.00* Single-occupant vehicle or Motorcycle.

* Plus $.50 per person Monroe County Surcharge.

Camping Fees:

$36.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity.

Activities at Long Key State Park

	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.
	Facilities
	Fishing Some of the best sport fishing in the Florida Keys are popular year-round. Saltwater fishing licenses are required in Florida. Do you need a Fishing License?
	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
	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.
	Nature Trails In addition to the Long Key Lakes Canoe Trail, the park offers two land-based nature trails for visitors to explore. 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 bay side of the park and takes 15 minutes to walk.
	Pet Camping Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.
	Pets Pets are not allowed on beaches, along the natural shoreline, in picnic shelters, or in the bathhouses. In the areas where pets are allowed they must be on a six-foot hand held leash and be well behaved at all times. For more information, see the Official Pet Policy.
	Picnicking Picnic areas are available with a scenic view of the Atlantic Ocean.
	Playground
	RV Camping
	Showers Public showers are provided
	Snorkeling Snorkeling is available in designated areas
	Swimming Swimming is available in designated areas
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park

Special Events for Long Key State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Long Key State Park Ranger Programs

RANGER'S CHOICE
Thurs., Year-round, 10 AM
Something different every time! Programs include guided trail walks, interpretive talks, snorkeling, and beginning birding programs.

Call (305) 664-4815 for more details.
RANGER-GUIDED WALK
Wed., December - May, 10 AM
Join a park ranger for a 2-hour walk along the Golden Orb Trail. The trail is approximately 1.3 miles long and traverses several different plant communities including coastal scrub and tropical hardwood hammock.

Call (305) 664-4815 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Long Key State Park

Question: Where is Long Key State Park located?
Answer: Long Key is located halfway between Miami and Key West at Mile Marker 67.5.

Question: Are pets allowed in the campground?
Answer: Pets are permitted in overnight areas, but not on the beach. Service animals are welcome in all areas of the park.

Question: Do you have waterfront campsites?
Answer: Yes, all 60 of our campsites are located on the beach!

Question: Are there weekly or monthly rates for camping?
Answer: There are no weekly or monthly rates at the park. The maximum stay is 14 nights.

Question: If the park closes at sunset, how do I get in or out of the park if I am camping?
Answer: When you register to camp, you are given the combination to the park's gates.

Question: Do campsites have sewer hook-ups?
Answer: Individual campsites do not have sewer hook-ups. There is a dump station for your black and grey water located right after the first restroom in the campground.

Question: What kind of electric hook-up is available?
Answer: All 60 sites have both a 20-amp outlet for tent campers, and a 30-amp hook-up for RVs.

Question: What is located on each campsite?
Answer: Each campsite has a picnic table, a ground grill, a freshwater spigot and electricity.

Long Key State Park 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 Long Key.

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.

Long Key State Park Volunteer Information

Do you love snorkeling, diving and fishing in crystal clear waters? Or, do you enjoy camping right on the beach? Then you may want to become a volunteer at Long Key State Park in the fabulous Florida Keys. Long Key is looking for summer volunteers. We have openings from May through October. Our volunteers are required to work 20 hours a week to receive a free campsite during their stay. The minimum stay is 6 weeks. Pets are now permitted in the campground. Volunteers at the park perform a variety of duties including bathroom cleaning, trash pick-up, maintenance, special projects and staffing the park office. If you are interested, please contact Rebecca Rabe at the park office (305) 664-4815 or e-mail rebecca.rabe@dep.state.fl.us.