There are few things in the world as magical as spending time with family and friends outdoors at a Disney theme park. Disney camping outside the theme park, however, may not be as envisioned by the Walt Disney Company. However, camping at their theme parks and other locations is nothing new. In fact, there are thousands of families who spend their vacation outdoors at these popular theme parks every year.
To join the many families who enjoy their vacation outdoors at Disney, there are many inexpensive destinations to stay at. Sleeping and camping outdoors at Florida’s theme parks and other popular locations is no longer a distant dream. All you need is a little careful planning and expense to join the many other happy campers who spend their vacation enjoying the wonders of nature, as well as the sights of one of the world’s most populated and most visited destinations.
Choosing the right place for your family’s vacation is not a problem. There are many Disney owned campgrounds in the Florida Keys, or you can stay at a private campground in the nearby city of Key West. If staying in the Keys, one of the best campgrounds is the island named after the Key’s largest fish, the Manatee. The island has become a hot spot for families who wish to see Manatees, dolphins and other wildlife. Another option is Bahia Honda State Park which is located just south of the Florida Keys and is very easy to get to by transportation. If you choose to stay at the campground in the Keys you can camp directly on the beach and only spend your time watching the Manatees in their natural habitat, or you can camp on the beach and spend a few hours also watching other marine life, such as dolphins and sea turtles.
One of the best things about camping at the Florida Keys for many is that you are never too far from the water. If you are really into fishing, which is a great past time for many at the Keys, bringing a fishing rod is a great idea. If you also enjoy kayaking or canoeing, both of which are very popular at the Keys, bringing a boat along is a great idea. You can do these activities both on-shore and off-shore and both are very relaxing ways to spend your time on-shore. Of course, if these are not your preferred activities, and you prefer to relax in the warmer waters of the Keys, then you can do so by purchasing a Florida Keys Vacation package that includes your hotel stay, a private boat, fishing equipment and anywhere in between.
While Manatees are great and most everyone can relate to the concept of “mans versus fishes” so there is no need to romanticize it, having a fantastic experience while camping is a great way to send children and adults right into the groove of a great camping trip.
Flipflops make good camp footwear. Bring a pair with a short strap and a pair of light shoes to enter the water in. Bring life jackets for the children. For teenagers, they can stay put in their allowances and hang out on the beach (but be careful of the wildlife).
Since the terrain is different in the Keys, you need to know what types of insects and plant life are active in the area. Familiarize yourself with the poisonous plants in the region in order to avoid possible exposure.
Getting lost is not a concern in the Keys because the islands are well marked from top to bottom. If you do happen to get lost and to need help, it’s easy to get located by services such as the Coast Guard and they will help you to find your way back to the mainland.
The weather in the Keys is very unique. During the summer months, you can expect the temperatures to be in the 80s and 90s with occasional breaks in the 100s. The famous Atlantic Temperatures are found in the Keys and include evenings staying well into the 90s and even during the daytime. During this time, you can imagine the temperature in the Keys to be 30 degrees plus. The winter months are rather colder with nighttime lows around the 50s.
rainforests
Bird watching
Water activities
Antique shopping
Fishing
Including the underwater diving
Diving
During the winter months, the Keys feature some of the most magnificent scenery anywhere to see fish and other marine life. The seashore is not the same as the mainland; it features shallow horizons and excellent seafood. The marine life there is stronger. If you plan to spend a lot of time snorkeling or scuba diving, it might be best to visit between November and the beginning of April.
Key Largo
This area of the Florida Keys marks the southernmost point in the United States toward the Gulf of Mexico. The view of the ocean from Key Largo is unlike any other in the world.
