By Jim & Cara Hocking
The Hockings and their four kids are content creators traveling the United States in a converted school bus under the handle The Hocking Adventure Bus. The family traded traditional living in 2021 to travel full-time. They’ve driven their beloved skoolie to 49 states and 50 national parks, but keep returning to the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys each winter.
Big Pine Key, Florida might be the best-kept secret in the Lower Keys for families. If you are looking for an affordable Florida Keys campground that feels relaxed, social, and welcoming – Big Pine Key RV Park is a great choice.
“It’s been amazing. Big Pine Key RV Park is such a beautiful place.”
Cara Hocking
It’s well-suited for families. The RV resort also offers an inviting atmosphere for couples, retirees, and travelers looking to enjoy the Florida Keys at an unhurried pace.
You can’t miss Big Pine Key RV Park if you’re heading to Key West. It’s tucked along the Overseas Highway along the Spanish Harbor. This waterfront campground offers Atlantic Ocean views. There’s also a mix of on-site activities, natural beauty, and easy access to nearby adventures.
Florida Keys Family Vacation Activities
It’s all the must-haves of a Florida family vacation without feeling crowded or overwhelmed.
The best part?
There’s plenty to do at Big Pine Key RV Park without ever leaving the campground.
Tap the photos above to expand the Hocking family photo gallery.
Don’t let the name fool you. Big Pine Key RV Park is no trailer park. In fact, the Florida Keys vacation hotspot offers RV sites, tiny home rentals, travel trailer rentals, and resort-style amenities.
Pool Time and Evenings Under the Stars
The heated swimming pool is one of the highlights. It is spacious, well-maintained, and offers beautiful sunset views in the evenings. During the day, it is the perfect place to cool off, relax, and spend time together.
Evenings bring a fun rhythm to the Florida Keys campground.
“The island feeling is hard to describe. It’s a whole vibe with the people, live music, and food trucks. It’s a local gem that’s both welcoming and fun.”
Cara Hocking
Campers gather each night at 5:00 pm to blow on conch shells. The unique tradition fills the air with a sound that feels uniquely Florida Keys. It quickly became one of our favorite daily events during our stay.
The waterfront fire pit is another community favorite for Big Pine Key guests. It’s the community gathering spot on winter evenings. It’s the perfect spot to embrace the slower pace of island life.
Recreation Center and Family-Friendly Games
The Big Pine Key RV Park recreation center is a favorite gathering place for guests of all ages. Inside, you will find ping pong, pinball, foosball, cornhole, giant Jenga, big Connect 4, and board games. It is an easy place for kids to make friends and for campers to enjoy casual time together during afternoons or evenings.
On game days, campers gather to watch sports on the big screen projector. It’s a relaxed and social environment at Big Pine Key RV where everyone feels welcome.
The space transforms to accommodate a wide variety of activities and entertainment for vacationers. You’ll find karaoke nights, bingo, and live music throughout the week.
Outside, the gaga ball pit is a huge hit with kids staying at Big Pine Key RV. The area provides a space for smaller guests to burn off energy while parents relax nearby.
Big Pine Key Wildlife Encounters
One of the most memorable parts of staying at Big Pine Key RV is how connected you feel to nature. Don’t be shocked if a deer wanders through your RV site. It’s common. The National Key Deer Refuge neighbors the oceanfront resort.
From the campground, we regularly saw sharks and sea turtles swimming through Spanish Harbor. We also had multiple sightings of key deer and iguanas.
Guests can walk the ocean shoreline next to the campground or explore the nearby Long Beach Trail for peaceful walks where wildlife sightings are common.
Kayaking and Biking Trails Nearby
Spanish Harbor sits directly alongside the RV campground on Big Pine Key. The location makes kayaking incredibly convenient.
Guests can launch kayaks right from the Big Pine Key resort boat ramp, making it easy and stress-free to get out on the water. Paddling through Spanish Harbors is calm and scenic, with frequent opportunities to spot marine life.
Biking is another great way to explore the area. From the campground, you can bike across the Spanish Harbor Channel Bridge, ride into Big Pine Key, and reach nearby spots like Horseshoe Beach for swimming and snorkeling. You can also bike to Spanish Harbor Wayside and even Bahia Honda State Park.
Just a short bike ride or drive away is Big Pine Community Park (not to be confused with the RV park). The park in the Florida Keys is a great stop for families. The park features a playground, skatepark, tennis courts, and basketball courts.
Big Pine Key RV Amenities Make Camping Easy
Big Pine Key RV Resort offers a mix of RV full hookup sites.
There are also rustic camping sites where you can park your RV or pitch a tent. Rustic campers still have access to water and a dump station on-site, making this a flexible and affordable option for different camping styles.
“Rustic is a great option to save money if you don’t need full hookups, and you can still enjoy all of the other amenities in the park. We love the rustic option!”
Cara Hocking
The bathrooms and showers are exceptionally clean and well-maintained at Big Pine Key RV Park. The hot showers feel like a luxury after a day outdoors. Laundry facilities are available on-site, which is especially helpful for longer stays.
The campground store is stocked with snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and essential items. One of our favorite small touches was the free coffee offered every morning.
There is also a boat ramp available for RV resort guests.
A Place to Slow Down and Stay Awhile
Big Pine Key RV Resort offers the kind of experience that makes you want to extend your stay. Between the daily activities, wildlife sightings, time on the water, and relaxed island pace, it is a campground that truly works for families while still feeling welcoming to every type of traveler.
Try something new. Skip Looe Key and Sugarloaf Key.
If you have been dreaming about a Florida Keys getaway that feels both adventurous and easy, this is your sign to take the trip. Book your stay at Big Pine Key RV Park, settle in, and experience the Florida Keys the way it should be.