Curry Hammock State Park Marathon Florida
A serene Florida Keys escape with kayaking, camping, and a shallow beach amid wetlands and seagrass beds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Curry Hammock State Park Marathon Florida
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Florida Keys escape with kayaking, camping, and a shallow beach amid wetlands and seagrass beds.
"Very quiet and a nice retreat from the busy city work life."
Bug Spray is Essential! 🦟
No-see-ums and ants can be intense, especially after rain. Pack strong repellent!
Kayak Rental App 📲
Kayak rentals are often self-serve via an app. Have it ready before you go!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mangrove Tunnels
Kayak trails
Paddle through nature's secret passages, spotting incredible wildlife along the way.
Sandbar Swim
Offshore sandbars
Kayak or swim to a nearby sandbar for a quintessential Florida Keys experience.
Hammock Trail
Separate parking lot south of the park
Hike a rugged trail through limestone and roots, a unique natural challenge.
Family-Friendly Beach
Main park beach
Enjoy a shallow, crystalline beach perfect for families and a peaceful retreat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Bugs and the Crowds
Kayak to Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bug Spray is Essential! 🦟
No-see-ums and ants can be intense, especially after rain. Pack strong repellent!
Kayak Rental App 📲
Kayak rentals are often self-serve via an app. Have it ready before you go!
Pack for the Sandbar 🏖️
Bring water shoes for the sandbar and island across the park.
Campground Gate Code 🔑
Campgrounds require a gate code for entry and exit. Keep it handy!
Tips
from all over the internet
Bug Spray is Essential! 🦟
No-see-ums and ants can be intense, especially after rain. Pack strong repellent!
Kayak Rental App 📲
Kayak rentals are often self-serve via an app. Have it ready before you go!
Pack for the Sandbar 🏖️
Bring water shoes for the sandbar and island across the park.
Campground Gate Code 🔑
Campgrounds require a gate code for entry and exit. Keep it handy!
Check Sargassum Status 🌊
The beach can sometimes be covered in sargassum grass. Check conditions before you visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Curry Hammock State Park for its tranquility, cleanliness, and natural beauty, offering a peaceful escape. The kayaking opportunities, including mangrove tunnels and sandbars, are a major highlight. However, some guests note the absence of full RV hookups and the persistent issue with ants and no-see-ums, especially after rain.
"Very quiet and a nice retreat from the busy city work life. Park is well-maintained and very clean. Camp grounds are by reservation and gate code is necessary to enter and exit. RVs and tent campers welcomed."
Jasmine Cabañez
"Almost 5 star review if they had full hookup. Enjoyed our stay riding bicycles, beach, watching wind surfers, very well maintained central shower facilities, would stay again. Warning the ants are incessant, first park in 2 years invaded our rv after every rain, which was frequent. No see ums bring your bug spray. Love the foliage between most all rv lots, privacy one of best parks we’ve stayed!!!!"
H. Yee
"Very nice park with a beach and kayaks/paddle board rentals available. The sand bar is relatively close where all the boats and PWCs stop and you can easily swim to kayak there. The island across from the park is super nice as well with a bunch of palm trees and coconuts."
Joshua Lidberg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Curry Hammock State Park is located at 56200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050. It's centrally located in the Florida Keys, making it accessible from both Key West and Islamorada.
Yes, parking is available. However, the park can fill up, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
It might be possible to kayak to a sandbar from nearby resorts like Grassy Flats, but confirm with the resort directly. The park itself offers excellent kayaking access to sandbars and mangroves.
The park is situated on the Overseas Highway (US-1). Simply follow US-1 South through Marathon, and you'll find the entrance to Curry Hammock State Park.
Yes, the park welcomes RV campers. While some reviews mention a desire for full hookups, the park offers a beautiful setting for RV stays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Curry Hammock State Park is open 365 days a year from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.
Entrance fees are typically around $5 per vehicle, making it an affordable option for families. Campground fees are separate, around $36 per night plus tax.
Yes, campgrounds are by reservation only. A gate code is required for entry and exit to the campground area.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available and often self-serve through an app, which can be very convenient. Ensure you have the app downloaded and ready.
Yes, Curry Hammock State Park offers a Junior Ranger program, which is a great activity for kids visiting the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include kayaking through mangrove tunnels, paddling to sandbars, fishing, snorkeling, hiking the Hammock Trail, picnicking, and enjoying the beach.
The park features a shallow, crystalline beach that's great for families. However, be aware that sargassum grass can sometimes cover the beach, affecting swimming conditions.
The Hammock Trail is accessed from a separate parking lot and offers a rugged hiking experience with plenty of roots and limestone to navigate. It's a unique natural challenge.
Yes, you can spot incredible wildlife while paddling through the mangroves.
Amenities include picnic tables, a playground, clean restrooms, kayak/paddleboard launch, and camping facilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Curry Hammock State Park. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or enjoy dining in Marathon.
Yes, picnic tables are available throughout the park, making it a great spot for a scenic lunch.
Marathon, Florida, offers a variety of dining options, from casual seafood shacks to more upscale restaurants. You can find many choices just a short drive from the park.
Campers can cook at their campsites. Many RV sites have space for cooking, and tent sites are also equipped for meal preparation.
Yes, there are grocery stores in Marathon where you can stock up on supplies before heading to the park or for your camping trip.
📸 📸 Photography
The mangrove tunnels offer unique photographic opportunities.
Absolutely. The combination of coastline, wetlands, and tropical foliage provides diverse landscape photography subjects.
Yes, keep an eye out for birds, marine life, and even hermit crabs.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Florida State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Check the official Florida State Parks website for current regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kayaking through the mangrove tunnels is an adventure that kids will love, providing a chance to spot wildlife and explore nature. The island across the park is also a fun spot for families to relax and play. Remember to pack plenty of bug spray, as no-see-ums can be a nuisance, and bring snacks and drinks for a full day of family fun.
🏕️ Campers and RVers
+1 Reservations are highly recommended, and a gate code ensures a secure camping experience.While some reviewers mention a desire for full hookups, the natural beauty and central location for exploring the Keys make it a top choice for many.
🎣 Anglers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
+1 The ability to kayak to sandbars and explore the surrounding waters makes it a prime spot for aquatic adventures.Whether you're casting a line, paddling through mangroves, or exploring offshore sandbars, Curry Hammock provides a diverse range of activities. The self-serve kayak rental system adds to the convenience for spontaneous water excursions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Kayaking and Paddling Adventures
Paddlers can explore the intricate network of mangrove waterways, a vital ecosystem teeming with marine life. Many visitors enjoy paddling to the sandbars offshore, where they can relax, swim, and enjoy the shallow, clear waters.Kayak rentals are available and often operate on a self-serve basis via an app, which is convenient for spontaneous adventures.
The park's location in Marathon makes it a central point for exploring the Keys by water.When planning your kayaking trip, consider the tides and weather conditions. While the park is generally calm, conditions can change. Always wear a life jacket and be aware of your surroundings. The experience of gliding through the quiet waters, surrounded by nature, is a highlight for many visitors to Curry Hammock State Park.
Camping Amidst Nature
+1 The campgrounds are well-maintained and welcome both RVs and tent campers. The park's location in Marathon is ideal for day trips to other Keys attractions.Campground reservations are essential, and a gate code is required for access, ensuring a secure and peaceful environment.
Camping here provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the park's amenities, including stargazing, as the lack of light pollution offers clear night skies.
It's a perfect spot for those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle, offering a chance to reconnect with nature in a beautiful coastal setting.Wildlife Encounters and Conservation
The mangrove ecosystems are crucial habitats for a variety of marine life, birds, and other creatures. Paddling through the park's waterways allows for close encounters with the natural world. Keep an eye out for colorful fish, wading birds, and even sea turtles that frequent the area.The park also plays a role in conservation efforts. For instance, the nearby Turtle Hospital has conducted heroic rescues of sea turtles entangled in fishing gear off the coast of Curry Hammock State Park.
This highlights the importance of the park's marine environment and the ongoing efforts to protect its inhabitants. Visitors can learn about these conservation initiatives and contribute to preserving the delicate balance of this coastal ecosystem.Additionally, the park is home to fascinating smaller creatures like hermit crabs, which can sometimes be observed switching shells.
These encounters, whether large or small, add a unique dimension to the visitor experience, reminding everyone of the rich biodiversity present in the Florida Keys.
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