does any one know of a good place to start a trip in the Keys, camping over night on the islands in a tent?

There is an outfitter on Key Kargo that could probably give you some good advice. Use Kayakflordiakeys.com. They have been there for some time.

***Just went on the web site listed above and it looks like they are selling the business! (SHOCK!)We have stopped there several times. They were always friendly, fun type folks, had lots of boat choices and very knowledgable of the area. They also did tours, I think.***

Also, post paddling.net and look for responses from JackL. I believe there are a few other keys residents on that forum as well.

Please let us know your results. It has been a dream of mine to do the keys this way as well.

Good Luck!

Don't try camping in the keys until about Nov unless you are a committed blood donor! (mosquitoes).

There is a nice overnight trip to Carl Ross Key (25° 2'35.72"N, 81° 1'5.95"W). You will need to reserve the campsite with the rangers at Everglades National Park. Carl Ross is ~9 mile paddle...put in at Flamingo, Everglades Natl Pk. You might share a camp site with someone who motors in, but the camp sites (about 2-3) are pretty far apart.

There is only one other island campsite in the keys, Nest Key (25° 8'58.64"N, 80°30'50.89"W). Put in at Key Largo.

However, there are some nice beach camping sites in the Keys, for example in Everglades Nat'l park. You can only reach these sites by paddling (or motor craft), thereby excluding car campers. Again, you need to reserve the campsites with the rangers. Telephone Everglades Natl Pk for details.

There is beach camping all along the keys (State Parks and other specific sites, only) but beware: these can be crowded with drive-in campers.

In addition, check out http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/paddling/Segments/Segment%20Home.htm for a description of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.

Last, you could drive all the way to Key West and take a 2 hour ferry ride (with your kayak on board) to the Dry Tortugas National Park and camp there 1-2 nights. Google the Dry Tortugas for descriptions, pictures, info.