thinking of taking my boat to the keys?

[jbanderson]

I have never been down there but always wanted to do some island hoping on a boat, I know I couldnt afford to rent one so I am thinking of taking mine.
Is it possible to just launch the boat and take a tent to an island? I dont know if it would be trespassing or somthing stupid like that???? Are there places you can just go and launch your boat? Overnight fees for parking?
I really have no idea, any help would be great. I plan on just caring a small gas grille and fixing all my meals. Trying to do this for under $1000 and a week. Thanks

[Don S]

Moving to the Boating, Activities and Destinations forum

[jbanderson]

thanks I wasnt sure witch one it would go under

[jbanderson]

anyone? ever done this?

[tashasdaddy]

we rent a great house for August, on Little Torch Key. there are campground all up and down the Keys. Good book to learn more.
"http://www.amazon.com/Insiders-Guide-Florida-Keys-West/dp/0762738839"

[BillP]

There are plenty you can camp on...and they are inshore on the banks. Those in wildlife protected areas are off limits for camping and shown on charts. Most are mangrove islands, with or without a sandy shore line and plenty of bugs to keep you company. Camping is mostly on the sandy shoreline. It may take some exploring to find one that suits you.

Finding a good place to leave your car a few days is more of a challenge. Best bet is to find a marina with launch ramps and pay them for launch and parking. That's what I do...$10 a night. I used to leave my car at public ramps for a few nights but quit doing that because of security.

The price of camp grounds is almost as much as finding a room at a small mom and pop motel. I quit camping at them for that reason.

[Cap'n Brian]

For the last 2 years I have planned a trip to the point of knowing how much gas it would take and having the charts in my Amazon shopping cart. Every year I talk myself out of it. I would go here:

http://www.bahiahondapark.com/

[gcboat]

Cruising the Florida Keys is a most magnificent journey. If you are into boating and a bit of exploring then place that trip on your 'must do' list.
As BillP mentioned there are pitfalls but with some good investigating your journey will be one not soon forgotten. The internet is chock full of guides, pamphlets, brochures, etc. so make the best use out of them. Look up some of the Chamber of Commerce addresses as well - they'll send you all kinds of
'stuff'. The two biggest items you will need besides money is bug repellent and bug repellent. Just stay upwind if you can.
Do a lot of research and you'll have a GRAND TIME !!!!!!!!