Florida State Parks

[Lawrence]

Attempting to clarify whether Florida State Parks particularly in the Keys offer Biker/Hiker campsites.  No reservations, simply show up and a camp site will be available.  Thanks in advance.

Regards

[FlaSpin]

Kinda/sorta...

According to what I've read, if a nearby campground can't be found, then the park will try to accommodate the touring cyclist for one night.

Here's a link to an FAQ page on State Park rules and such. Scroll down about halfway to item #22:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/plan-your-visit/faqs

I've also attached a PDF with info on Florida's hiker/biker policy:

 

[Lawrence]

Thanks!

[John Nelson]

I also note the following comment in the same FAQ that FlaSpin provided:

All parks will close when they reach capacity.

Each park has a set carrying capacity which is established based on the estimated number of users a recreation resource can accommodate while maintaining the quality of the recreational experience and avoiding unacceptable resource degradation. Should a park close once they reach capacity, no further vehicles, bicycles or walk-in visitors will be allowed to enter until space becomes available – with exception to registered campers.

This seems to soften other information in the same FAQ that says that "park staff may use temporary space for one night to provide accommodation".

I would guess how helpful they will be may depend on the staff present when you get there. I might want to carry a copy of question 22 with me to help plead your case, just in case you find staff who are following the closed-campground rule.

[BikeliciousBabe]

I am curious as to why at least a tent is normally required.  Perhaps for protection from things like snakes and other potentially bitey things?

[staehpj1]

I am curious as to why at least a tent is normally required.  Perhaps for protection from things like snakes and other potentially bitey things?

Just a guess, but maybe a way to exclude homeless people.  If so it is misguided since quite a few homeless folks may have tents and non homeless campers may use tarps, hoopless bivies, or hammocks.

Personally I'd be inclined to call my hoopless bivy and tarp a tent.  While I typically may not pitch the tarp in good weather in the case of at those parks I guess I would in the interest of trying to "sell" the tarp/bivy as a tent.  I doubt it is likely to be questioned if I just call it a tent.

[Westinghouse]

It has been quite a few years since I last cycled the Florida Keys. If you are talking Hiker Biker camps like what they have in California, I do not think so. Maybe things have changed since I was last there.

[Ty0604]

I am curious as to why at least a tent is normally required.  Perhaps for protection from things like snakes and other potentially bitey things?

Tents are required because they forbid folks from sleeping in their automobiles, meaning non-campers. Tents aren’t required for hikers/bikers.

“Normally, a tent is required, but in this case, is waived, as long as the long-distance traveler has a sleeping bag.”

[hikerjer]

This is an interesting question since I've long contemplated a trip through the Keys. It doesn't seem a particularly friendly bike touring area.  What strategies would you suggest for finding a camping site while biking from the mainland to Key West.

Thanks.