Outdoor Activities - Miami and the Keys - page 441

Dry Tortugas National Park A small series of walks stretches around this old naval fort.
Camping
When you're finished hiking, take time to camp under Florida's starry skies. Camping op-
portunities abound. You'll be close to nature, and this is a good way to save money on ac-
commodations. If you want to hear the heartbeat of wild Florida, nothing beats sleeping in
the Everglades in a chickee (wooden platform above the waterline).
Miami
Miami is not exactly a powerhouse destination for camping. Still, two options - Oleta
River State Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park - are available, if you want
cheap(ish) outdoor accommodation.
The Everglades & Around
The National Park Service manages both primitive and developed campsites and can help
travelers who want to pitch in the backcountry. 'Primitive' sites lack running water and
electricity, while developed sites will at least possess running water and sometimes have
power hookups.
Our favorite camping option in the area is finding chickees and isolated beaches and
mangrove strands on the 10,000 Islands . When you're out here amidst the stars, dolphins,
birdlife, the breeze and little else, it's backcountry bliss. Off-shore islands in Biscayne Na-
tional Park offer a similar experience to camping in the 10,000 Islands.
If you're into socializing with other campers and budget travelers, and aren't too interes-
ted in nights alone in the wilderness, the backyard of the Everglades International Hostel is
a surreal, artsy garden, and consequently a lovely spot to pitch a tent.
The Keys
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Bahia Honda State Park both offer excellent
campsites with a good mix of hookup sites and tent areas, but these parks are very popular,
so reserve in advance. If you really want to feel like you're sleeping at the end of the earth,
reserve a spot at Dry Tortugas National Park. It's self-service camping, although you can
often barter with local fishermen for fresh fish and lobster.