Park Summary for Print - John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Visitors of all ages enjoy the water & sand at mangrove-lined Far Beach.

Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The first underwater park in the U.S., John Pennekamp encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles. While the mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks in the park´s upland areas offer visitors a unique experience, it is the coral reefs and their associated marine life that bring most visitors to the park. Most enjoy the view from a glass bottom boat tour, but visitors can get a closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling through the reefs. Canoeing and kayaking through the park´s waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas. Visitors can enjoy hiking two short trails, or picnicking and swimming at the beach. The visitor center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and theater showing nature videos. Full-facility and youth/group campgrounds are available. For boat tour information and reservations, call (305) 451-6300. Located at Mile Marker 102.5 in Key Largo.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, please call 305-451-1202.

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Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located on US Highway 1 at Mile Marker 102.5, north of Key Largo in the Florida Keys.

Park Fees

Entrance Fees

$1.50 - Pedestrian/bicyclist fee
$3.50 - Single-occupant vehicle
$6.00 - Double-occupant vehicle
$0.50 - Each additional occupant up to 8 people
$1.50 - Each additional occupant over 8 people
$10.00-Boat Ramp (Day Use only)

Campsite Fees

$31.49 (includes taxes) – 8 people maximum per site; includes water & electric

Pavilion Fees

$53.75 (includes taxes) – Large (maximum capacity 60 people)
$32.25 (includes taxes) – Small (capacity 12-15 people)
Pavilion fees do not include the required entrance fees.
Admission is not guaranteed if the parking capacity is full.

Activities at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

	Beaches John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has two manmade beaches, each with its own distinct personality. Cannon Beach is the park's primary snorkeling beach, where you will find the remnants of an early Spanish shipwreck approximately 100 feet offshore. Far Beach, with its palm trees is a relaxing place to swim, or just sit and enjoy the sun. Any swimming or snorkeling done outside of the designated swimming areas is prohibited, unless a Diver Down flag is properly displayed.
	Boat Ramp The park has a very good deep water boat ramp, the ramp is located at the marina. The ramp can handle most boats up to 36 feet in length.
	Boat Tours John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has four different types of boat tours to ensure that all park visitors have the best opportunity possible to experience the park's coral reef system. Glass bottom boat tours: These 2 ½-hour tours allow for 1 ½ hours of water time to view the parks living coral reef and its many inhabitants up close and personal. These trips depart from the parks docks three times a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting. Sailing/ Snorkeling tours; Our Sailing/Snorkeling tours depart daily aboard a 38-foot catamaran. These four-hour tours provide 1.5 hours of snorkeling at one location on the coral reef. Tours depart daily at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Rental equipment is available. The park also has a dive shop which is a PADI Resort Facility, offering a full range of courses from Open Water through Instructor. Our specialty courses introduce you to diving and our coral reef in one day with the Resort Course. Scuba diving tours: These four-hour tours allow divers two dives at a different location.
	Boating Boaters should always use caution in shallow reef areas and when approaching any area where there are Diver Down flags displayed, swimmers, or moored boats. Always obtain a navigation chart before departing for open water. Combustible engines are not permitted in or near shore areas of the park where the water is less than four feet deep. For those boaters that do not have a boat, the park concession maintains a boat rental where boats may be rented for four hour and eight hour intervals. Boat slips and moorings are available at the marina for overnight rental. Slips are located in the marina and include water and electric hookups with bathroom and shower facilities nearby. Mooring buoys are located in Largo Sound with dingy dockage at the marina. both include full use of park facilities, trash disposal, and pump-out. Reservations are recommended. For more information you may contact the marina at (305) 451-6322 or on VHF channel 16.
	Campfire Circle From January through February, the Park Rangers hold a Friday night campfire circle where various programs on the local environment, wildlife, activities, or local history are given in an informal atmosphere.
	Canoeing & Kayaking You can explore the park's 2 ½ miles of marked mangrove wilderness trails. The mangroves, and the crystal clear waters which surround them provide habitat for a wide variety of birds and marine life.
	Concessions Our Visitor Services Provider maintains a lunch counter and snack bar. Gifts and snorkeling equipment, for the beach area, may also be obtained at the concession.
	Facilities
	Fishing Fishing is permitted in designated areas in accordance with Florida State Law. Saltwater fishing licenses are required for out of state visitors. Spearfishing, possession of spearfishing equipment, and collection of tropical fish [by any method] is prohibited inside the park. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Full Facility Camping Our campgrounds offer 47 full-facility camping sites for both tents and RV campers. Maximum occupancy is 8 people per site; in 2 tents, or one RV and one tent. Restrooms, with hot showers, are available as are laundry facilities. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Campers register at the park entrance. Pets are allowed in the campground.
	Nature Trails The park maintains two nature trails each in a uniquely different environment. The Wild Tamarind Trail winds through the park's beautiful tropical hardwood hammocks, allowing visitors to view many of the areas native hardwood species. The Mangrove Trail winds peacefully through the mangroves and over the mangrove estuaries allowing visitors to view this unique environment up close and personal. Nature walks, for organized groups, need to be requested in advance, if possible to ensure that a Park Ranger is available for the walk.
	Pet Camping Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.
	Picnicking Designated areas for picnicking are located throughout the park. Barbecue grills are provided, no ground fires are permitted. The park has 12 pavilions for use on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations for the pavilions are accepted. The 11 small pavilions, with two picnic tables each, rent for $30.00 per day, plus tax. The large pavilion has eight tables and rents for $50.00 per day, plus tax. None of the pavilions are equipped with electric or water. Whether on land or the water, please do not litter.
	Playground
	RV Camping
	Scuba Diving To fully enjoy the diving possibilities of the park, boat trips to the reef are recommended. A new diver, or a diver that needs a refresher, finds the waters of cannon beach a great place to hone their skills.
	Showers Public showers are provided.
	Snorkeling In addition to the park's snorkeling tours, there are areas in the park designated for snorkeling. These areas are in a tropical lagoon and offer a look at the various sea grass communities in the park. In these areas there are some natural ledges that do hold some interesting marine life. There are also some artifacts from an early Spanish shipwreck approximately 100 feet offshore.
	Swimming Swimming is a popular activity at both Cannon Beach and Far Beach. The swimming areas are located in a tropical lagoon that provides a good place for younger swimmers to enjoy the water.
	Visitor Center The highlight of the park's Visitor Center is its 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. Park staff conduct a fish feeding for visitors at 11:00 a.m. daily. There are also six additional 100-200 gallon aquariums which offer the visitor different looks at the park's marine inhabitants. The Visitor Center also features natural history exhibits, which interpret the park's unique marine environment. The park has a theater where visitors may view nature videos relating to the park and its surrounding area. The hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., daily. Free with park admission.
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park.
	Youth Camping The youth camping area is available for both organized youth and adult groups. The site has a fire circle, benches and picnic tables. There is no electricity at the site. Restrooms and hot showers are available. The youth camping area will accommodate up to 24 people. There must be at least one (1) adult chaperone per ten (10) youths, and no more than one (1) adult chaperone to three (3) youths. Chaperones must be at least 21 years of age. Reservations for the youth camp can be made 60 days in advance (for youth groups), or 30 days in advance (for adult groups) by calling the park at (305) 451-1202. A representative of the group must check in before 5:00 p.m. on the day of arrival. All park rules and regulations apply to this campsite.

Special Events for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Ranger Programs

BOAT TOURS
Daily, 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM
Fee. Enjoy a tour of the reef on the air-conditioned, glass-bottom boat "Spirit of Pennekamp" or get wet with a snorkeling tour. Tours depart three times a day, weather permitting. For reservations and information, call (305) 451-6300.
Call (305) 451-6300 for more details.
RANGER-LED INTERPETIVE PROGRAM
Year-round
Throughout the year, programs are offered to park visitors on a wide range of natural and cultural history subjects. Guided nature walks along the park's Mangrove and Wild Tamarind trails are offered as possible upon request by organized groups. Nature videos may be viewed in the Visitor Center theater. Call Park Services Specialist Elena Muratori at (305) 451-1202 to arrange for a program or walk.

For information on glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling tours, sailing/snorkeling tours, SCUBA lessons and tours, and canoe, kayak, and motorboat rentals, please contact the park concession at (305) 451-1621 or visit their website at: http://www.pennekamppark.com.
Call 305-451-1202 for more details.
2008 LECTURE SERIES
Wednesdays, January 9 through March 26, 2008, 7:30 - 9 p.m. (Park gates open at 7 p.m.; seating is limited.)

The staff from Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park will once again be hosting the annual "Delicate Balance of Nature in the Florida Keys" lecture series. Call (305) 451-9570 for agenda click here and additional information. Lectures will be held in the Visitor Center at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Call (305) 451-1202 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Question: How far are we from Key West?
Answer: The park is 102.5 miles from Key West. It is about a two hour drive south on US 1 to Key West.

Question: Are pets allowed in the campground?
Answer: Pet camping is allowed at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.

Question: What size of 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, reservation are recommended.

Question: Are reservations required for camping?
Answer: Reservations are highly recommended, during the busy season and many weekends our campground sells out. We do maintain a few sites on a first come, first serve basis.

Question: Are there restaurants and stores close by?
Answer: Yes, there are several very good places to eat within a couple of miles of the park. Key Largo is like most other small cities; we have a couple of grocery stores and department stores.

Question: Since the park is locked at night can I get out at night?
Answer: Yes, all camper are provided with a simple means of entering and exiting the park at night.

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

Question: What is provided with each campsite?
Answer: Each campsite has water, electricity if requested, a grill, and a picnic table.

Question: Do the campsites have sewer hook-ups?
Answer: We do have a dump station, however we do not have hook ups at the campsites.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park History

Comprised of over 200 separate islands and islets, the Florida Keys have the only living coral reef formations to be found in the continental United States. Dr. Gilbert Voss first became aware of the extent of damage occurring to the reef structure during his studies of the marine species in the Keys.

In 1957 a biological conference concerned with the preservation of the natural resources of South Florida was held in Everglades National Park. At this meeting, Dr. Gilbert Voss of the Marine Institute of Miami, described the extent of damage which was occurring to the reef structure that he had noted during his studies in the Keys.

The tourist trade was taking its toll on the coral structures as souvenirs for visitors. Seashells, corals, sponges, sea horses, and marine life were being hammered, chiseled, and even dynamited to provide knickknacks to the tourists. The coral reefs that took thousands of years in the formation, were quickly being decimated by thoughtless vendors. Dr. Voss then suggested that no more profitable scientific project could be undertaken than the protection of this area. Without some restrictions on the exploitation of the reefs, commercial interests would easily extinct the only hard coral reef formation in North America.

Dr. Voss successfully recruited conservationists to support his contentions that the reef should be protected, but his most powerful ally would eventually become an assistant editor for the Miami Herald, John D. Pennekamp.

Pennekamp had played a major role in the establishment of Everglades National Park as legislative chairman of the State Commission appointed to bring it about; he was the first chairman of the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials; he was a member of a civilian team of consultants which surveyed the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the Department of the Interior in 1954, and held numerous state, local, and national conservation awards.

When the two men joined forces they were able to utilize the research of Dr. Voss and the journalistic effort of John Pennekamp to organize a coalition of conservationists that would undertake the project of protecting the valuable marine resources. The road ahead was not an easy one, but the efforts of Dr. Voss and Mr. Pennekamp were sufficient enough to get the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials to designate a 75 square mile section of offshore Florida as a permanent preserve. For three years the advocates of the preserve struggled to win approval for the park, and successfully resisted all opposition from commercial interests that wished to leave the reefs open for pillage.

In the spring of 1960, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed the area as Key Largo Coral Reef Preserve. By the time the dedication ceremonies were held on December 10, 1960, Governor Leroy Collins made a slight change and named America’s first underwater park as John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Governor Collins named the park after John D. Pennekamp in appreciation of the continuous editorial support that had been given by Pennekamp in the Miami Herald.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Volunteer Information

The Campground Host/Volunteer Program at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park relies upon individuals to help us accomplish our mission of preserving and protecting the natural resources of Florida and providing outstanding guest services to park visitors.

Our volunteer program has opportunities for both local residents (seasonal and year-round) and overnight campers. From assisting in the field and working in the shop, to helping with interpretive materials and guiding nature walks; from toll collecting to boat patrolling; there is some way every person can help us in our mission. Some duties we prefer that you reside locally, while others are possible when the individual is only here for a short time. We ask that you fill out the application form online, or call us if you need a paper copy sent to you. If you are interested in staying on a site, please note the procedures below. We have some job descriptions listed here; if you have a particular skill to offer, please contact us to see if we might be able to use your services as well.

All of our staff (paid employees and volunteers) plays a vital role in achieving our mission of providing a quality resource-based recreational experience for our visitors. Volunteering in Florida State Parks provides the community with an opportunity to give something to the park while providing a much-needed work force to enhance the overall operation of the park. We need your help to make John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park the best it can be!

Please contact our volunteer coordinator, Park Services Specialist Elena Muratori, at elena.muratori@dep.state.fl.us, call 305-451-1202, or write her at the park address.

REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEER CAMPSITE

Since our park has such a great demand for volunteer campsites, we ask that you follow these procedures when making your requests.

1. Requests will be accepted not more than fifteen months in advance and should be made in writing each year.
2. Assignments will be made no earlier than twelve months in advance.
3. Previous performance at JPCRSP will be considered, but does not guarantee placement.
4. Every person is expected to work 20 hours per week.
5. A site may be designated originally; however, this is subject to change due to schedule changes and park needs.
6. The Park Manager reserves the right to terminate volunteer status in the park, if necessary.

Please address your requests in writing to:

Elena Muratori, Park Services Specialist
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
P.O. Box 487
Key Largo, FL 33037
Or, e-mail at Elena.Muratori@dep.state.fl.us

Visit the Main Volunteer page for information on volunteering in Florida State Parks

Visit the Main Volunteer page at http://www.floridastateparks.org/volunteers/default.cfm for more detailed Information

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

P.O. Box 487
Key Largo, Florida 33037
Phone: 305-451-1202
Fax: Contact Park for Number

Visitor Service Provider

Daryl Obenour, Manager
Coral Reef Park Company, Inc.
P.O. Box 1560
Key Largo, FL 33036
(305) 451-6316 Fax # (305) 451-1427
http://www.pennekamppark.com/