North Nest Key

Aerial view of green vegetation of North Nest Key surrounded by turquoise blue waters

A thin band of light-colored sand fronts dense mangrove and vegetation on this Florida Bay island, marking the interface between subtidal sediments and higher ground. North Nest Key is one of only two camping islands in Florida Bay, yet vessel traffic here is extraordinarily high—15-20+ boats daily on weekends—making it far from a quiet wilderness escape. The multi-vessel dock sits in a tidal zone experiencing 2-3 foot daily fluctuations, and the site's popularity means constant vigilance for approaching traffic is mandatory. Accessible only by powerboat (5 miles from Upper Florida Keys), this backcountry site demands experienced boaters comfortable with open-water navigation and active collision risk.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 25.149857, -80.509591
Accessibility: Powerboat access only via multi-vessel dock. Thin sandy beach with dense vegetation beyond limits movement. No vehicle or foot access.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Clubhouse Beach, East Clubhouse Beach, Mormon Key, Flamingo Marina, Flamingo Fish Cleaning Station, Florida Bay
Nearby Facilities: Flamingo Marina 23 miles southeast (fuel, supplies, boat rentals); Key Largo supplies approximately 20 miles away
Best Time To Visit: Early morning for calmest waters and best snorkeling visibility; weekdays for significantly fewer boats
Tips Advice: DOCK ACCESS: Tidal range is 2-3ft daily; plan arrival on rising tide for easiest berthing
CONSTANT VIGILANCE: Heavy weekend boat traffic; scan horizon continuously for approaching vessels
SNORKELING SAFETY: Use dive flag and buddy required. Clear water ideal for observing stingrays, snappers, tarpon
BEACH ONLY: Dense vegetation prevents exploration; plan all activities within thin beach zone
FACILITIES: Vault toilet only; no fresh water. Bring extra supplies and drinking water
WEATHER: Dense vegetation provides some wind shelter; position tent accordingly for prevailing winds
Insider Tips: Dock fills by mid-morning on weekends—arrive early to secure mooring spot
The clear to light blue water indicates minimal sediment load and excellent snorkeling visibility
One of only two keys open to camping in Florida Bay (Mormon Key is the other); both receive heavy use
Winter (November-April) offers lowest wind conditions for small-boat access and most comfortable camping
Mangrove fringe provides natural shade during midday heat; position campsite accordingly

More details

Park Area: Florida Bay backcountry
Family Friendly Notes: Not recommended for young children. Experienced boaters only. All children must wear USCG-approved PFDs. Heavy vessel traffic presents collision hazard. No medical services on site; nearest help is 5-20 miles away via boat radio.
Attraction Type: Island Backcountry Campsite
Distance From Entrance: Approximately 23 miles from Flamingo Marina; 5 miles west of Upper Florida Keys
Accessibility Level: Powerboat required; no walk-up access
How To Get There: North Nest Key is accessible by powerboat only. Located 5 miles west of Upper Florida Keys in Florida Bay, approximately 23 miles from Flamingo Marina. Launch from Key Largo or other Florida Keys marinas. The site features a multi-vessel dock. Not recommended for paddlers due to open-water distance, except experienced paddlers launching from Key Largo.
Seasonal Access: Open year-round; best boating and camping conditions November-April
Entry Fees: $35 (vehicle/vessel, 7-day pass); $20 (per person); $80 (America the Beautiful Pass)
Main Features: Thin sandy west-facing beach; dense mangrove vegetation inland; clear to light blue water; multi-vessel dock; picnic tables; vault toilet. Island formed by sediment deposition processes in Florida Bay.
What Youll See: Thin sand beach, dense mangrove vegetation, clear to light blue shallow water with visible fish and rays, anchored sailboats and powerboats, wading birds (herons, egrets), occasional osprey, sunset colors across Florida Bay
Unique Characteristics: One of only two camping keys open to the public in Florida Bay. High-traffic boating area despite basic backcountry facilities. Popular with both powerboat and experienced paddler communities.
Safety Considerations: COLLISION RISK: Heavy vessel traffic (15-20+ boats on weekends) with minimal warning. Stay alert; keep dock clear of swimmers. OPEN WATER: 5+ miles from shore; 2-3ft tidal swings affect dock depth. Do not access in winds >15 knots. SNORKELING: Mandatory dive flag and buddy system—boats cannot see subsurface swimmers. ISOLATION: No cell service; no medical help available. File float plan before departure.
Photo Opportunities: Sunrise over Florida Bay, sunset views over water, wildlife photography (wading birds, rays, boats), underwater photography with proper safety protocols
Photography Spots: West-facing beach provides optimal sunset compositions; clear shallow water ideal for underwater photography with dive flag and buddy system in place
Stargazing Quality: Excellent; remote location with minimal light pollution typical of Florida Bay backcountry
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Excellent west-facing sunset over Florida Bay and mangrove fringe; calm water conditions on most evenings
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault/Composting toilet
Picnic Areas: 1
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Unreliable or absent; do not rely on cell service for emergencies
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: None (water access only); connects to Everglades Paddling Trail and Everglades Wilderness Waterway via water routes
Connecting Trails: Everglades Paddling Trail, Everglades Wilderness Waterway
Common Wildlife: Marine: fish, rays, seasonal manatees. Birds: herons, egrets, ospreys, cormorants
Geological Formation Type: Sediment-deposited mangrove island
Winter Access: Optimal for boating and camping; calm winds and stable water conditions make access and site use most pleasant
Best Season: November through April (dry season, calmer winds and water)
Weather Patterns: Afternoon thunderstorms common June-September. Strong northwest winds December-February. Tidal currents significant year-round in bay.
Busiest Season: March through April and all weekends; Saturdays and Sundays peak with 15-20+ vessels
Fishing Species: Snappers, groupers, permit, bonefish, tarpon
Fishing Nearby: 1
Swimming Allowed: 1
Boating Allowed: 1

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this accessible by kayak or canoe?

Not recommended. The site sits 5 miles from Upper Florida Keys over open Florida Bay. Powerboat access is strongly advised except for experienced paddlers launching from Key Largo with proper navigation skills.

How crowded is North Nest Key on weekends?

Extremely busy. It's one of only two camping keys in Florida Bay and very popular with boaters, especially Saturdays and Sundays. Weekday visits are significantly quieter with fewer vessels.

Is snorkeling safe here?

Snorkeling is possible in clear water, but mandatory safety protocol is a dive flag and buddy system. Remain constantly alert for approaching boat traffic; vessels cannot see subsurface swimmers.

What facilities and amenities are available on the island?

Minimal: vault toilet, picnic table, multi-vessel dock, and benches. No potable fresh water, no shade structures, no commercial services. Bring all supplies and drinking water.

Is cell service available for emergencies?

Unreliable or absent. File a float plan before departure. Use VHF radio for emergencies. Do not rely on cell phone communication.

Is this suitable for families with young children?

No. Experienced boaters only. Young children must wear USCG-approved PFDs. Heavy vessel traffic and isolation make this unsuitable for families unfamiliar with water safety and boating hazards.