HarleyTechTalk

Looking to ride to Key West next week. Going from Atlanta to Daytona Beach, then Key West. Coming back through Tampa possibly. Really no plans except to try to camp every night if possible. Any suggestions for decent friendly camp sites in the Keys and Tampa area.  Thanks

It's been a long time since I was down there, but the ride across the bridges to Key West is pretty awsome. I think the island north of Key West is Block Island and it has camping. We used to go down there for open lobster season and dive out of a small 14' boat. Campgrounds go right up to the beach. Don't think there is any camping on Key West proper. If you're going across Florida and get near Lake Okeechobee there are alot of campgrounds at the Lake. It's a big fisherman's hot spot. There are some state parks near Tampa that I think you can camp at. There are also some KOA campgrounds. Good thing about them is they have hot showers. Search the internet for KOA in Florida. I'm sure they have campgrounds north of Daytona, like the Ormond Beach area. All those Daytona bikers don't all stay at hotels. If you go inland a little bit towards Deland there are some decent campground.
Ride safe, have fun
Mike

I've stayed on Bahia Key, maybe 30 miles or so from Key West. I've rented a cabin at the state park when there were several of us sharing expenses. Nice and air conditioned, booked well in advance usually. I've also tent camped at the same state park. Miserable. I thought the campsites were on the beach but they are actually across the road from the beach and the road knocks all the breeze down. Very hot and muggy.

I have stayed in a hotel right on Duvall street. Expensive but very nice. Handy when you're doing the "Duvall Crawl"

Be sure and look up the "No Name Pub" at Big Pine Key. It's worth the stop. Also, Alabama Jacks restaurant just this side of the bridge from Key Largo has great conch fritters. Very tasty.

I've got a yard you can camp in here in the Daytona area.  I don't know about Tampa, but have friends who should have some idea.  I just need to know when you'll be in the area.  386-677-6809 Home, leave a msg if I'm not here.

G  : (

Enroute to Tampa we rode up the Tamiami Trail, very nice everglades ride.  Gives you a taste of the state, other than resorts.  Big Pine Motel pretty cheap centrally located, hit the No Name Pub, if you can find it.  Oh we did one night each week at the Tampa Hard Rock Casino.  For when you want a comfy bed and gambling, pricey but nice. 

its stock island

fort desoto in St peat right at the mouth of tampa bay is great. county park

Thanks for the ideas I looked at some places on line just need to decide what day and which route to take

Quote from: 99fxsts on May 26, 2009, 03:13:42 PM
Looking to ride to Key West next week. Going from Atlanta to Daytona Beach, then Key West. Coming back through Tampa possibly. Really no plans except to try to camp every night if possible. Any suggestions for decent friendly camp sites in the Keys and Tampa area.  Thanks

We stay at the KOA in Sugar Loaf in the Keys often. I really like it there, they have their own small beach and everything you need in the camp ground itself. There is a killer place to eat dinner across the main street from the KOA. The camp ground is close enough to ride across the bridge to Key West Island to "sight see" and "people watch" etc.etc. but far enough away to get away from the "craziness" of it all to get some rest.

I,m in FMY and have done this ride from here via 82/29 S to 41. its thru the country and you end up down by Everglades City. There is a good restr there Rod & Gun Club(old hotel).
41 E 20 mi there is a Gator viewing area on the right. Further down 41 watch your speed thru the Indian Resver.
Take 41 E to join 997 S thru Homestead and later US1. Watch the key Deer around Marathon.
You'll see a lot of bridges and water  by the time ya get to Key West.
We stayed at Avalon B&B at he S end of Duvall. Good rates, clean biker friendly and not a gay joint.
Going back n, its the same route until the N end of Key Largo at he US1/905 split. Take 905 and you'll have a$1.00 toll over bridge. The Panama Jack restr mentioned above is on the left after crossing this bridge, I'll confirm is a  good food and beverage stop.
Going west, you'll rejoin US 1 and later 997 north. Take 27 up to the big "O" and join 89 W to Clewiston. Stop at the Clewiston Inn  for good food and drink. Out of Clewiston 80 W to 27 and later  joining 17.
This is a good ride and being from FL, your aware the rainy season has started and you'll prob get west in the afternoon.
Enjoy and good luck.

GIVSPORT about has is nailed.  We run a group down to KY every yr.  If your get to Seabring for as stop try the Inn on he Lake.

In KW try the Casablanca for a hotel.  Basic and not too much $$$$

Avoid the rest..................  Have fun.