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Safety Updates

Effective Feb. 6: Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is now federal law that all persons on a tour boat, ferry or other park-provided watercraft within Florida State Parks are required to wear a mask. Florida State Parks will comply with this order and continue efforts to provide for staff and visitor safety. Please review individual park pages for specific information for each location.

View details about online payments, park and campground closures, park programs/events and facial coverings.

Limited Visitation at this Park

Effective November 10, 2020: Long Key State Park is open (see hours of operation and fee information below). Due to local orders, facial coverings or masks are required inside buildings for staff and visitor safety. The campground is closed for construction but primitive camping is available. Visitors are expected to maintain distances of at least six feet apart. 

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History

Campground Closure

Due to campground reconstruction, our main campground is currently closed. However, we have opened a separate area of primitive walk-to tent sites that are available to rent. Please visit ReserveAmerica for details.

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Early Spanish charts show Long Key as Cayo Vivora, meaning Viper Key. The name of Long Key was cemented when Henry Flagler's railroad reached this area in the early 1900s, as the bridge that reaches southwest to Conch Key was the longest yet constructed along the railroad right-of-way. By 1912, the Keys were easily traversed by rail, allowing passengers to travel to Key West. The upscale Long Key Fishing Camp became a mecca for the world's great saltwater anglers and the rich and famous. This glamorous era came to an end when the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 struck the Middle Keys with devastating force. Long Key State Park officially opened in 1969.

Railroad depot by the Long Key Fishing Camp cottages

Railroad Depot by the Long Key Fishing Camp Cottages - Layton, Florida

Railroad Wheels

The wheels located in front of the ranger station came from a miniature railroad used at the Long Key Fishing Camp. The small train was located on the lower end of Long Key and ran from 1907 to 1935. It was used to carry guests from the docks on the bayside through a small tunnel to the luxury hotel and bungalows on the oceanside.

Scenic Camping

Since the park opened in 1969, camping has been a popular past-time at Long Key. Campers still flock to Long Key State Park to enjoy the ocean breezes offering respite from the day's heat. All of Long Key's campsites are oceanfront and offer easy access to the Atlantic's cooling waters.

Florida State Parks

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    • Work for Us

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(850) 245-2157

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FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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