Key West is one of the most expensive places to sleep in Florida, and during big events like Fantasy Fest it gets wild. Basic hotel rooms start around $350 a night and only go up from there. This year I found a better way. I tent camped right on the water for Fantasy Fest, at one of the cleanest campgrounds I’ve stayed at in the Keys.
The Short Answer
The cheapest place to stay in Key West is Boyd’s Key West Campground on Stock Island, right next door to Key West. Tent sites start around $65 a night, RV sites around $105 and tiny homes at $200, compared with $350+ for a basic Fantasy Fest hotel room. You also get waterfront sites, a pool, a game room and a boat dock, and it’s a short Uber ride to Duval.
Key West Hotels vs. Camping: The Price Reality
Fantasy Fest, Lobster Mini-Season, New Year’s and spring break all send Key West prices through the roof. Rooms book 6 to 12 months out, and whatever’s left is pricey. Here’s how the numbers compare per night:
| Where you sleep | Price per night |
|---|---|
| Basic hotel room during Fantasy Fest | From about $350 |
| Boyd’s tent site | About $65–$105 (by season) |
| Boyd’s RV full-hookup site | From about $105 |
| Boyd’s tiny home or RV rental | From $200 |
Boyd’s rates are from its 2025–26 rate sheet, for two people, plus 12.5% tax. Waterfront, weekend and holiday rates are higher.
Why Boyd’s Campground Is My Budget Pick
Danny’s Pick
I’ve stayed at Boyd’s for Fantasy Fest more than once, and what stands out most is how clean it is. The staff is all over the grounds all day, even during the busiest week of the year. For a big event in Key West, I don’t think there’s a better value.
It’s Clean, Even During Fantasy Fest
This was the biggest surprise. With the campground packed for Fantasy Fest, the staff was constantly sweeping, emptying trash and keeping the bathhouses clean.
Waterfront Sites Other Campgrounds Don’t Have
Most campgrounds can’t give you this: you unzip your tent in the morning and you’re looking right at the water. Boyd’s has tent and RV sites with water views, plus dockside sites for RVs.
A Pool and a Game Room for Downtime
When you need a break from the Duval Street chaos, there’s a pool on the grounds. For rainy afternoons or lazy nights, the activities room has a pool table, video games and TV. It’s great for families or groups who want a place to hang out besides their site.
Bring Your Boat
Boaters will love this place. You can launch your boat right from the grounds or pull up to their dock, and when you come back with dinner there’s a fish cleaning station for your catch.
Tent, RV or Tiny Home: Pick Your Stay
- Tent camping: the cheapest way into Key West, and what I did this year. Primitive sites run about $65 to $105 a night, with water-and-electric and water-view tent sites too. Tent sites allow up to 4 guests, 1 tent and 1 vehicle.
- Bring your own RV or rig: full-hookup sites start around $105 a night, with waterfront and dockside sites costing more.
- Tiny homes and RV rentals: from $200 a night if you want four walls and a real bed without hauling a rig. They’re booked by request, and the team confirms within 24 hours.
Rates cover two people. Guests 14 and older are $15 extra a night, and kids under 14 stay free. See the full breakdown on my Boyd’s Campground listing, or check rates and reviews for Boyd’s.
Getting to Duval Street (and My Free Parking Hack)
Boyd’s is at 6401 Maloney Avenue on Stock Island, just over the bridge from Key West. I get to Duval by Uber or by driving in. Here’s my local hack: I don’t pay for parking. There’s free street parking just north of White Street, and from there it’s about a 20-minute walk to Duval.
Just make sure there are no signs, and nothing painted on the street, saying residential permit only, or you’ll come back to a ticket. More tips are in Do You Need a Car in Key West?
Tips for Booking a Budget Stay for Big Key West Events
- Book early. Boyd’s fills up for Fantasy Fest, Lobster Mini-Season and holidays too.
- Call for event dates. Holiday and weekend rates are higher, so call the front desk at (305) 294-1465 for an exact quote.
- Budget for tax. Add 12.5% to the nightly rate.
- Plan your rides. Ubers surge during big events, so the free parking north of White Street can save you a lot.
Not a Camper? Other Budget-Friendly Options
If camping isn’t your style, the Southernmost Inn is one of the Key West hotels I’ve stayed at, and this vacation rental near the airport keeps costs down for groups. For more ideas up and down the Keys, see where to stay in the Florida Keys on a budget.
Watch: My Stay at Boyd’s
Keep Planning
- Key West Fantasy Fest Guide
- Best Things to Do in Key West
- Florida Keys Road Trip Guide
- Boyd’s Campground Key West listing
Boyd’s Campground hosted my October 2026 stay. All opinions are my own. Rates come from Boyd’s 2025–26 rate sheet and can change. Some links are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Cheapest Place to Stay in Key West FAQ
What is the cheapest place to stay in Key West?
Camping is the cheapest way to stay in Key West. Tent sites at Boyd’s Key West Campground on Stock Island start around $65 a night depending on the season, compared with $350 or more for a basic hotel room during Fantasy Fest.
How much are hotels in Key West during Fantasy Fest?
Basic hotel rooms in Key West during Fantasy Fest start around $350 a night and go up from there, and rooms often book 6 to 12 months ahead.
Can you camp in Key West?
Yes. Boyd’s Key West Campground on Stock Island, right next to Key West, has tent sites, RV sites and tiny home rentals, including some sites on the water.
Where can you park for free in Key West?
There is free street parking just north of White Street, about a 20-minute walk from Duval Street. Check for residential permit signs or street markings before you park.
How do you get from Boyd’s Campground to Duval Street?
Take an Uber, or drive in and park for free on the street just north of White Street, then walk about 20 minutes to Duval.
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