Curry Hammock State Park

Located halfway between Key Largo and Key West, Curry Hammock State Park is an unspoiled patch of nature nestled amid a long stretch of development. Encompassing 1,000 acres of mangrove swamp, rockland hammocks, and seagrass beds, this is the biggest uninhabited chunk of land between Key Largo and Big Pine Key.

So if you're cruising along US Highway 1, it's well worth your while to stop and check this park out. If you're a keen kayaker or paddleboarder, you'll find perfect launching points in both the day-use area and campground. With miles of shoreline on both the Atlantic and Bay of Florida sides of the park, as well as a peaceful creek, there's plenty of calm water for you to explore.

Snorkeling is another popular pastime in Curry Hammock State Park. The water is typically shallow and the bottom covered with seagrass, which means these waters are teeming with a vast array of marine life. Other park features include a 1.5-mile nature trail, picnic area, designated swimming areas, and excellent wildlife watching opportunities.

The 28-site campground at Curry Hammock State Park is open all year round and is located just a stone's throw from the Atlantic Ocean. Each campsite comes with its own picnic table, charcoal grill, water, and electrical service. A $5.50 park entry fee applies, and you can visit the park's reservation website to find out how much camping costs.

Happily, pets are more than welcome in the campground. However, they'll need to be leashed, on a leash no longer than six feet, and under your control. As always, don't forget to show courtesy to other campers and clean up after your dog whenever necessary.

Curry Hammock State Park is a unique natural retreat that's quite hard to come by in this part of the world. Make sure you take the time to explore it all with your canine pal.