Frequently Asked Questions about John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Question: How far is the park from Key West?
Answer: The park is 102.5 miles from Key West. From the park to Key West, it is about a 2.5-hour drive south on U.S. Highway 1.

Question: Are there restaurants and stores close by?
Answer: Yes, as a tourist destination there are many good places to eat within a few miles of the park. Key Largo, like other small towns, has a couple of grocery and drug stores and one department store. There are, of course, many gift, souvenir and specialty shops.

Question: Do I have to pay an entry fee each time I leave and return to the park?
Answer: Re-entry to the park is good for the day with the current day’s receipt, unless parking becomes unavailable and the park will temporarily close. When the park reopens, that day’s receipt holders will be readmitted.

Question: Are park facilities accessible?
Answer: Buildings, picnic areas, boat tours and Far Beach are wheelchair accessible and we are working to improve access to services and facilities. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please call the Ranger Station at (305) 451-1202.

Question: Do I have to take a boat to see the coral reef?
Answer: The coral reefs are 3-7 miles offshore. There are daily glass-bottom boat tours and snorkel trips offered through a private concession located in the park.

Question: Can I see the 'Christ of the Abyss' statue?
Answer: The 'Christ of the Abyss' statue is located in 15-20 feet of water at Key Largo Dry Rocks, about 5 miles offshore. It is too shallow for the glass-bottom boat, but the snorkel tours may go there if weather permits.

Question: Can I snorkel off the beach?
Answer: Cannon Beach is a popular snorkeling spot where cannons and an anchor, artifacts from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck, have been placed underwater. You may see a few colorful fish, but you must take a boat tour to see the coral reef. Looking carefully, you may see other marine life in the seagrass bed. If you venture past the marked swimming area, you must have a Diver-Down flag.

Question: What are the concession and Visitor Center hours?
Answer: Both are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with food service ending at 4:00 p.m.

Question: Does the park allow after-hours use?
Answer: The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. Only registered campers may utilize the park after sunset.

Question: What is the Monroe County surcharge?
Answer: As per Florida Statute 380.0685, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection shall impose and collect a surcharge of 50 cents per person per day, or $5 per Annual Family Entrance Permit, on admission to all State Parks in areas of critical state concern located in a county which creates a land authority pursuant to S.380.0663 (1)…Such funds shall be used to purchase property in the area or areas of critical state concern in the county from which the revenue was generated.

Question: Are pets allowed in the campground?
Answer: Yes, but they must be well-behaved and adhere to pet camping rules. (See Pet Camping under Activities)

Question: What size motor homes can be accommodated in the campground?
Answer: The campground has a limited number of sites that can handle a motor home up to 40 feet; reservations are recommended.

Question: Are reservations required for camping?
Answer: Reservations are highly recommended. We book eleven months in advance, and the time from late December to early April usually sells out eleven months to the day! Only a few sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Question: Are there discounts for camping?
Answer: Florida residents 65 years and older, or Florida residents that are 100% disabled, receive 50% off the base rate camping fee.

Question: Are there accessible sites?
Answer: Yes, sites 38, 39 and 40 are ADA compliant.

Question: If we are camping, is it possible to get out of the park when it closes for the day?
Answer: Yes, campers are provided with a simple means of entering and exiting the park at night.

Question: Is the campground on the water?
Answer: No, the campground is located in a wooded area within walking distance of the beach on Largo Sound. There is a small creek behind sites 1-22.

Question: Do the bathrooms in the campground have hot water?
Answer: Yes, the campground restrooms have hot water, showers and electricity.

Question: What is provided with each campsite?
Answer: Each campsite has water, electricity, a grill and a picnic table. Campers must supply their own charcoal or wood for burning in the grill. Foraging for wood is not allowed.

Question: Do the campsites have sewer hookups?
Answer: We do have a dump station located just outside the campground entrance. Campsites do not have sewer hookups. Transportable waste containers must be of the type specifically sold for that purpose. They may be used for 'gray water,' not 'black water,' and cannot be towed behind a vehicle. Proper hoses must be used when emptying the container or the RV holding tank.

Question: Are there laundry facilities for the campers?
Answer: There are two washing machines and two dryers located in the main restroom building in the center of the campground.

Question: Is there WiFi in the campground?
Answer: WiFi is available near the Dive Shop and the Main Concession Building.

Question: Is there a place to park my boat when I am camping in the park
Answer: There is an overflow parking area opposite the campground entrance where you may park your boat trailer. See the dock master in person only for limited camper dockage available on a first-come, first-served, basis. Boat slips or mooring balls may be rented for overnight stay by calling the dock master at (305) 451-1202.

Question: When is check-out time?
Answer: You must vacate your site on the last day of your camping visit at 1:00 p.m., but you may park your trailer or RV in the parking lot opposite the Dive Shop and remain in the park until sunset that day.