Florida Keys + Everglades — 7-Day RV Trip From Miami
Typical rate: $2,400-$3,200 all-in for two people, 7 days
The Florida Keys and Everglades make one of America’s most distinctive RV trips — Caribbean-tinged turquoise water at the southern terminus of the country, then dramatic Everglades wetlands. The 7-day version from Miami covers both with reasonable pacing.
The trip at a glance
- Length: 7 days
- Launch: Miami, FL (MIA or FLL airport)
- Distance: ~400 miles
- Recommended class: Class C under 32 ft (Bahia Honda and Long Key SPs cap at 32 ft; some Keys campgrounds restrict to 27 ft)
- All-in budget: $2,400-$3,200 for two people
- Best months: November-April (avoid Keys hurricane season and summer heat)
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Miami pickup → Key Largo
- Morning: Pick up RV at Miami rental (see Miami city guide)
- Drive: Miami to Key Largo — 65 miles, 1h 30min via US-1
- Afternoon: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (first underwater state park in US)
- Evening: Set up at Pennekamp campground OR Calusa Campground in Key Largo
- Camp: John Pennekamp SP ($43/night) or Calusa ($75-105 full hookup)
Day 2: Key Largo + Tavernier
- Morning: Glass-bottom boat tour at Pennekamp OR snorkeling
- Afternoon: Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
- Evening: Tavernier dinner; sunset
- Camp: Same as Day 1
Day 3: Key Largo → Marathon
- Drive: Key Largo to Marathon — 50 miles, 1h 15min via US-1
- Stops: Long Key State Park (no camping but worth a stop), Islamorada (Hurricane Monument), Robbie’s Marina (feed tarpon)
- Afternoon: Curry Hammock State Park OR Marathon-area private RV park
- Evening: Sunset at Sombrero Beach
- Camp: Curry Hammock SP ($43/night) or Sunshine Key RV Resort ($95-145)
Day 4: Marathon + Seven Mile Bridge
- Morning: Dolphin Research Center or Turtle Hospital
- Afternoon: Pigeon Key tour (accessible only by ferry or 2-mile walk on the Old Seven Mile Bridge)
- Evening: Sunset at Sombrero Beach
- Camp: Same as Day 3
Day 5: Marathon → Bahia Honda → Key West
- Drive: Marathon to Bahia Honda State Park — 12 miles, 20 min
- Morning: Bahia Honda beach + old railroad bridge walk
- Afternoon: Continue to Key West — 35 miles, 1h
- Evening: Mallory Square sunset celebration; Duval Street
- Camp: Boyd’s Key West Campground OR Leo’s Campground (both Stock Island, just outside Key West, $90-150/night)
Day 6: Key West day
- Morning: Hemingway Home tour, Key West Lighthouse
- Afternoon: Southernmost Point photo, Mallory Square exploration
- Evening: Dry Tortugas day trip planning OR sunset cruise from Key West Bight
- Camp: Same as Day 5
Day 7: Key West → Everglades → Miami return
- Drive: Key West to Everglades Shark Valley — 150 miles, 3h via US-1 and Tamiami Trail (US-41)
- Afternoon: Shark Valley tram tour (alligators commonly visible from the tram road)
- Late afternoon: Drive Tamiami Trail to Miami — 30 miles, 45 min
- Evening: Empty tanks, refuel, return rental
All-in budget breakdown
For two people, 7 days, Class C 25-28 ft:
| Line item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Class C rental: $185/night × 7 nights | $1,295 |
| Booking fees + insurance + cleaning | $400-$550 |
| Fuel (400 miles @ 8 mpg @ $3.55/gal) | $178 |
| Campground fees (mix of state park $43, private $90-150 in Keys) | $475-$700 |
| Activities (snorkeling, tram, Hemingway Home) | $150-$300 |
| Food, dining, propane | $500-$800 |
| Total all-in for 7 days | $2,998-$3,823 |
Florida Keys camping is expensive. Private RV parks routinely charge $90-$150/night in the Lower Keys during winter peak season.
Reservation timing
Critical for winter (December-April): Florida State Parks book 11 months ahead via FloridaStateParks.org and fill within minutes for popular dates.
- John Pennekamp: opens 11 months ahead at 8 AM Eastern via FloridaStateParks.org
- Long Key: same system
- Bahia Honda: the most-coveted Keys state park; books in minutes for peak winter dates
- Curry Hammock: opens 11 months ahead
- Boyd’s Key West / Leo’s: book directly with the campgrounds, 4-6 months ahead for winter peak
What can go wrong (and what to do)
- Bahia Honda reservations: if you don’t get one, consider Calusa Campground in Key Largo or Big Pine Key RV Park
- Hurricane season cancellations: June-November carries cancellation risk. Travel insurance recommended.
- Tamiami Trail wildlife: alligators commonly cross US-41. Slow down at dusk.
- Key Largo to Key West drive time: the Overseas Highway has speed limits 35-55 mph through populated areas. Plan 2.5-3 hours for the 110 mile drive in either direction.
- Salt spray cleanup: confirmed cleanup fees with rental company before return ($50-$150 typical for Keys trips).
Variations
Shorter 5-day version
- Skip Marathon day (Day 4)
- Compress Key West to one day
- Skip Everglades extension
Extended 10-day version
- Add 2 days at Everglades National Park southern entrance (Royal Palm + Flamingo)
- Add 1 day for Dry Tortugas NP day trip from Key West (ferry-only, weather-dependent)
Off-season alternative (June-September)
- Lower campground rates (40-50% off winter peak)
- Hot, humid, hurricane risk
- Travel insurance essential
Class choice math
| RV Class | Florida Keys Fit |
|---|---|
| Class B under 22 ft | Fits all Keys parks (Bahia Honda 21 ft cap on some sites) |
| Class C 24-32 ft | Sweet spot — fits Bahia Honda and most other parks |
| Class C 32-35 ft | Bahia Honda restricted; private RV parks fit |
| Class A 30-40 ft | Private RV parks only; locked out of state parks |
| Travel trailer under 28 ft with delivery | Works for stationary stays |
For most renters, Class C 25-28 ft is ideal.
Bottom line
The 7-day Florida Keys + Everglades trip is one of America’s most distinctive RV experiences. Budget $2,800-$3,500 for two people. Class C 25-28 ft. Book state parks 11 months ahead for winter peak. Avoid hurricane season unless you carry travel insurance.
See related guides: Florida state, Miami city, Pet-friendly rental guide.