So a few friends and I are trying to plan a trip from Key largo to Key west this summer. Does anyone have any info, campsites, etc? I've heard of the paddling trails through there and found a few campsites. We would like to keep this trip cheap though and pay as little as possible (if any) for camping. Are there any small islands on the gulf side that we could through a tent up for a night? Also, how long do you speculate this would take one way? Two ways? We'll have two boats (sol cat 18 and nacra 5.2).

Bahia Honda State park is beautiful with campsites, showers, etc, but sites fill up quickly. Not sure if they do walk-in's or beach camping, though. Get a chart before going- lots of coral reef shoals that would tear out your centerboards and/or rudders. Not like getting stuck in the mud or sand. Many years ago, I ran aground in a rented skiff with outboard motor. Not much fun trying to get unstuck while waking on coral, which is illegal.

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Eric C

Force 5 project boat
Unnamed

Previous boat
1980 Nacra 5.2
"Double Vision"
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this is not an easy trip, currents rip through the florida bay, very shallow, lots of islands, sandbars etc

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Kenneth Purdy
Hobie 16
Nacra 5.2 (2)
Banshee
First Coast, Florida
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I'm pretty set on the keys, but any other recommendations for about a week long trip (ocean, camping, etc)? Outer Banks? Looking for east coast.

i am not saying it can't be done, preparation is key, ha ha, get it. rick white still has a place on the bay side right around mile marker 100 or so, i am sure he would let you put in there, i think there are a few very shallow boat ramps around there on the bay side. you have the right boats, my warning was just for the current on the bay side especially closer to key largo, a lot of people underestimate it, as you move down the keys it is not so bad. there are hundreds of islands or spots you can camp ok, shouldn't be a problem if you have the right equipment, that said, it is the keys but it is not necessarily white sand beaches everywhere, there is a lot of inhospitable mangrove and rock and coral so scouting your locations putting in and taking out will be important. its 100 miles down the highway, could be anywhere from 120 to 150 by boat depending on wind and conditions. it is almost always windy in the afternoon might be light in the mornings. i don't see why you couldn't manage it in 2-3 days each way. if you really want to take a wild trip, continue on to the fort at the dry tortugas, some open ocean sailing at the end of the keys.

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Kenneth Purdy
Hobie 16
Nacra 5.2 (2)
Banshee
First Coast, Florida
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Hurricane Seasons comin up! Plan ahead to have an exit if something forms up. Lived in the Lower Keys and most of the Bay Islands 99% are mangroves! Skeeters and Birds. Tides and currents will play havoc with ya if your not taking some kind of kicker motor. As for goin to the Tortugas in a cat from KW, plan for everything, cause if something does go wrong............

Worked Search and Rescue in the CG the keys and KW and well.... SAFETY FIRST! A MARINE RADIO IS A MUST RIGHT UP THERE WITH A LIFEJACKET.

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1976 Prindle 16, Sailing since 1969, Retired Chief USCG, Disabled Vet, Father of 3 great daughters!
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i think i would try the gulf side of florida before attempting this one

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Kenneth Purdy
Hobie 16
Nacra 5.2 (2)
Banshee
First Coast, Florida
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