RV trip route from Miami - Southern Florida up to Key West

7 Day South Florida Motorhome Itinerary: Miami to Key West Route Planner

Trading the vibrant nightlife of Miami for the pristine coral reefs of the Florida Keys and the vast wetlands of the Everglades is a spectacular American adventure in a motorhome. Planning a 7-day roundtrip across southern Florida allows you to see the tropical tip of the United States at your own pace in a comfortable RV. This epic journey weaves through island chains, mangrove swamps, and historic literary homes, making it the perfect route for a campervan. Exploring these diverse southern regions is the absolute highlight of any camper holiday.

As of the time of writing this trip review, if your route is planned during the summer or early fall, it is important to emphasize seasonal reality. While the museums and aquariums remain beautifully air-conditioned year-round, outdoor attractions like the Everglades and the Overseas Highway are subject to intense summer heat, high humidity, and potential tropical weather. If you are traveling in the dry winter months (the optimal season for South Florida), your motorhome trip route planner will guide you toward bug-free swamp walks and incredible outdoor wildlife viewing. An RV journey through these cultural treasures ensures your holiday is comfortable and leisurely regardless of the weather.

To drive comfortably and leisurely and enjoy your road trip more, utilizing a dedicated camper route planner is a great choice. This detailed itinerary was specifically tailored to the needs of a campervan traveler to ensure safe passage, bridge clearances, and easy parking on small islands. By letting a professional route planner handle the logistics, your motorhome getaway becomes a relaxing and memorable experience. An RV road trip is a unique way to seamlessly connect the bustling beaches of the Atlantic with the southernmost point of the continental US.

If you are flying into the region to start your journey, securing your vehicle is simple. You can easily rent a camper in Miami to begin your scenic drive. Many travelers love picking up a campervan right near the Miami International Airport to immediately launch this tropical loop.

Itinerary Summary at a Glance

Day	Region	Primary Highlight	Vehicle Tip
1-2	Upper and Middle Keys	John Pennekamp and Wild Bird Center	Park your motorhome in the designated state park lots
3	Key West	Dolphin Watch and Hemingway Home	Use the oversized transit lots at the entrance of Key West
4-5	The Everglades	Shark Valley and Royal Palm	Utilize dedicated campervan areas at the National Park centers
6	Big Cypress to Ft. Lauderdale	Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and Beaches	Leave your camper in the spacious reservation parking areas
7	Miami Area	Zoo Miami and Dolphin Mall	Secure your motorhome at the mall's massive surface lots

The Overseas Highway and Coral Reefs

The journey down the Florida Keys offers a perfect blend of underwater exploration, avian rescue centers, and laid-back island culture for the touring traveler. Your grand adventure ignites as you drive your motorhome south from Miami onto the iconic Overseas Highway. Your first stop is Key Largo, where you can snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat tour at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. To drive comfortably and leisurely, your RV will easily fit in the massive state park parking areas.

Continuing south through Tavernier, you will discover the incredible rescue efforts at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center right outside your campervan. The journey continues into Islamorada, where you can relax in the tropical beer garden at Florida Keys Brewing Co, providing a wonderful afternoon break for a camper group.

Key West Culture and Coastal Dolphins

The southernmost city in the continental United States features famous literary history, vibrant streets, and incredible marine life. Arriving in Key West, navigating the narrow historic streets in an RV is challenging, so you will park at the designated oversized lots at the edge of town and use a bicycle or the local trolley.

Heading to the waterfront, you will embark on an unforgettable, eco-friendly oceanic journey with Dolphin Watch by Honest Eco®. Taking time to view dolphins in their natural habitat is a wonderful way to experience the local wildlife. Back on land, exploring the historic rooms and spotting the six-toed cats at The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum offers an unforgettable cultural adventure for the camper traveler before returning to your motorhome.

The River of Grass and Indigenous History

The Everglades and the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation feature vast wetland ecosystems, abundant alligators, and deep Native American heritage perfect for a campervan. Heading back to the mainland, you will enter Everglades National Park to hike the famous Anhinga Trail at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, easily accessible after parking your camper.

Your motorhome route then glides west along the Tamiami Trail. Taking time to rent a bicycle or take the tram at the Shark Valley Visitor Center provides a thrilling day of alligator viewing for an RV family. To complete the regional experience, driving north into the reservation to explore the incredible history and boardwalks at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum offers an unforgettable educational adventure for the camper traveler.

Gold Coast Beaches and Wildlife Encounters

The greater Miami area and Fort Lauderdale blend classic Florida beaches, massive zoological parks, and premium shopping. The route reaches Fort Lauderdale Beach, where you can enjoy the ocean breeze and white sands while your motorhome rests safely in the designated beachside lots.

Heading south back into Miami-Dade County, you will find incredible global animal exhibits at Zoo Miami. Because you are traveling in a campervan, the massive, sprawling parking lots at the zoo are incredibly easy to navigate. The grand finale brings your RV to the Dolphin Mall. Enjoying some premium retail therapy and gathering final souvenirs is incredibly easy here before you drop off your vehicle. Finally, returning your camper officially concludes your spectacular 7-day tropical masterpiece.

Expert Insights from Avi Bandana

As the owner of Bandana Caravan and an advocate for open road travel, Avi Bandana has guided many families across this exact South Florida circuit. Here are his top vehicle-specific tips for this route:

Location	Avi's Travel Tip
Key West City Center	"To drive comfortably, never take a motorhome into the historic Old Town of Key West. Park at the city's Park n' Ride garage on Grinnell Street which accommodates oversized vehicles."
Shark Valley (Everglades)	"Leave your RV at the dedicated National Park parking area, but arrive early in the dry season (December-April) as the camper spots fill up quickly by mid-morning."
Overseas Highway Bridges	"Navigate leisurely and keep both hands on the wheel. The Seven Mile Bridge is spectacular but can experience strong crosswinds that affect a high-profile campervan."
Miami Toll Roads	"Remember that South Florida uses cashless tolling (SunPass). Ensure your motorhome rental includes a toll transponder to avoid unexpected administrative fees."
Zoo Miami	"This massive wildlife park is incredibly accessible and serves as an excellent place to park your camper. The surface lots are huge and free of charge."

Frequently Asked Questions for Florida Road Trips

What is the best way to visit Key West in a motorhome?

The best way to experience Key West is by parking your campervan at Boyd's Key West Campground or the municipal oversized parking lots near the entrance of the island, and then renting a bicycle, scooter, or using the Duval Loop bus to get around.

Can I drive an RV along the Tamiami Trail through the Everglades?

Yes, US Highway 41 (the Tamiami Trail) is a classic two-lane highway that is wide, flat, and extremely accessible for a motorhome, offering numerous scenic pull-offs and visitor centers.

Are the Florida state parks accessible for campervan travelers?

Absolutely. Parks like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park are highly optimized for larger vehicles, offering dedicated RV campsites, wide turnarounds, and spacious day-use parking areas.

The Green Road: Why Choosing a Road Trip is a Win for the Planet

Embracing the camper lifestyle is a thoughtful way to protect the beautiful lands you visit. Compared to private car trips and hotel stays, taking a campervan road trip can lower your environmental impact. Because you carry your living space with you in a motorhome, you achieve energy savings by avoiding the heavy resources required for large hotel resorts.

Living in an RV encourages making do with less water and electricity, fostering a closer connection to nature. The routes mapped out in a professional camper route planner are designed specifically for travelers. The platform takes into account your campervan size and maneuverability to ensure you never waste fuel.

The Ultimate Road Trip Across South Florida

Get inspired for your next motorhome road trip and discover how simple tropical travel can be with the right tools. Use our RV route planner Free Trial to map out every viewpoint and eco-friendly campground day by day.

Plan your camper road trip now and dive into an unforgettable adventure. With our dedicated planner, you can create a campervan road trip route that suits your unique style. Plan a motorhome road trip today and experience the recommended road trip routes that travelers are raving about. This is an ideal RV road trip for beginners because it perfectly balances island charm with expert-guided roads.

Miami Roundtrip - Southern Florida up to Key West