Saturday, February 11, 2006

New State Park


Curry Hammock State Park is not really new, but they have just built a campground there that opened in November 2005. Situated at mile marker 56 just up from Marathon Florida, this small camground is in the middle of the most uninhabitated part of the middle to lower keys. Lots of mangrove and low areas, but a series of islands with some thatch palms as well as some hardwoods in the high elevations. The facilities at the campground are obviously all new, but its nice that the state of Florida is continuing to provide another small area to camp at down here in the keys.
The campground itself is relatively small with only 28 sites, but half of those sites are right on the ocean just up from the beach. It really is quite nice. Litlle or no shade but given some time to develop it should be a pleasant place to stop.
As you can see, it really is right on the ocean and if the wind were blowing it could be uncomfortable. Obviously, word has gotten out already as the place was full and in checking it out on the web pretty much booked for the prime months.
They have also provide a play ground for kids just up from the beach. Great for Grandkids!


This area shown just below is a small harbor in the park that doesn't have any launching facilities for large boats, but it provides an area to fish and gives access to those that may have a small inflatable boat like we do.

The beach is sandy and shallow with seagrass and shallows just right for exploring for shells and starfish and such. It really would be great place to take kids as long as the wind wasn't blowing too hard.

Even though its new, the park is booked solid and somewhat so for next year already. If your interested, www.ReserveAmerica.com does an excellent job of providing reservations.