Diving/Camping in the Keys

[JTMoney]

A buddy and me are planning on driving down to the keys to do some camping, fishing, and diving over spring break. We were also hoping to get some bugs before the end of the season. Does anyone know of a good place to go where all of those can be accomplished? It's going to just be for around 3 days so we were hoping to not have to go to a bunch of different areas.

[caroln]

My LDS is going to the Keys in April and we are camping here Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - Key Largo, Florida Keys

Might be worth checking out.

[rox@ucf11]

John Pennekamp state park is your best bet it wil most likely be the cheapest being a state park, but it fills upfast so I would call and book now, if unsuccessful use google earth to find some other camp grounds

[JTMoney]

Originally Posted by rox@ucf11

John Pennekamp state park is your best bet it wil most likely be the cheapest being a state park, but it fills upfast so I would call and book now, if unsuccessful use google earth to find some other camp grounds

Yeah I was looking at that one but I can't fnd out if they let you get lobster. Any idea whether or not it's allowed?

[rgerman95]

Yeah I was looking at that one but I can't fnd out if they let you get lobster. Any idea whether or not it's allowed?

As long as you buy a license for the lobster, you'll be ok. You have to use a sizing gauge so you don't get underage ones.

Rich

[JTMoney]

Originally Posted by rgerman95

As long as you buy a license for the lobster, you'll be ok. You have to use a sizing gauge so you don't get underage ones.

Rich

Glad to hear it. I already have the license and all the proper gear, just didn't know if that park permitted it. Now to just keep our fingers crossed that the gas prices don't go up too much between now and then, poor college kids and all. I'll post pictures after we go.

[rfb3]

JTMoney,
Please update us with a trip report when you return. My wife and I are looking at doing the same thing next year. Hope it turns out great!

[NitroWill]

You can NOT lobster in Pennekamp State Park - it is restricted - check the guidelines.

Also, be sure you have plenty of bugspray and a fan as the bugs are vicious and it can get VERY hot. Don't expect great visibility at the inlets inside the park - its usually not very good (10-20ft)

[JTMoney]

Originally Posted by NitroWill

You can NOT lobster in Pennekamp State Park - it is restricted - check the guidelines.

Also, be sure you have plenty of bugspray and a fan as the bugs are vicious and it can get VERY hot. Don't expect great visibility at the inlets inside the park - its usually not very good (10-20ft)

Thanks, that's what I've been looking for. Know of any places close by or other camp grounds where we can lobster?

And I'm from Florida, which means I'm used to the heat and my deet is never out of arms reach.

So long as it doesn't turn into a bust there'll be a write up.

[BuzzGA]

If you want to go a little further south check out Bahia Honda State Park. It is also right on the water. Make sure when you are lobstering you know where you are, the Keys are all part of the National Marine Sanctuary and there are some no take zones, but all the LDS will readily have the info on where you can catch dinner and where you can't