Often just off the main road, it waits to be discovered. Florida s southernmost state recreation area, this park has several biological communities. Birds include white-crowned pigeons, great white herons and reddish egrets. Unlike most of the Keys, the area offers excellent swimming in the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay. Also, fishing, camping and boating from two launching ramps.
Cabins are available.
The first underwater state park in the country, John Pennekamp covers 70 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps. The park offers swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, camping, fishing and boating. Abundant marine life and birds, as well as tropical hammock trees, can be observed along two nature trails. What makes Long Key most unusual is the availability of camp sites directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Activities include camping, swimming, fishing, picnicking, canoeing and hiking.