Port Bougainville Campsite

For many Floridians, the mention of the Florida Keys conjures images of vibrant coral reefs, bustling marinas, and lively beachfronts. However, for those of us who seek a deeper connection with nature and prefer a more rugged, less-developed outdoor experience, the area known as Port Bougainville in Key Largo offers a unique perspective. It’s important to clarify that "Port Bougainville Campsite" is not a traditional, commercial campground with typical amenities. Instead, this area is historically significant and is largely encompassed within the protected lands of Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.

This locale represents a fascinating intersection of Florida's natural beauty and its conservation efforts. What was once envisioned as a massive development project has since been largely preserved, allowing rare ecosystems to thrive. For locals who appreciate primitive camping, extensive hiking, and unparalleled opportunities for birdwatching and ecological exploration, the Port Bougainville area provides a distinct and valuable outdoor experience that stands apart from typical RV resorts. It's a place where the focus is on raw nature and the quiet enjoyment of one of Florida's most unique botanical treasures.

The area historically referred to as Port Bougainville Campsite is located around 1 Loquat Dr, Key Largo, FL 33037, USA. This address points to a specific point within or adjacent to what is now largely the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. The park itself is situated in northern Key Largo, off County Road 905, just north of the intersection with U.S. Highway 1 at Mile Marker 106.

Accessibility to the "campsite" area within the park is primarily limited to specific, designated primitive sites for paddlers on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. The main entrance to Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park offers paved trails for walking and cycling, which are accessible from the main road. The larger Port Bougainville Trail, which winds through the former development site, is a mix of gravel and leaf-littered coral rock, requiring appropriate footwear or fat-tire bicycles for exploration.

Access for vehicles to general camping directly at the Loquat Drive address is restricted, with reviews indicating roads are often blocked and "no camping" signs are posted, underscoring its protected status. For those interested in the primitive camping options, arrangements must be made in advance through the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park Ranger Station. This controlled access ensures the preservation of this sensitive ecological area while allowing permitted visitors to experience its unique wilderness.

As "Port Bougainville Campsite" is not a commercial campground but rather a designated area within a state park, the "services offered" are those provided by the state park for specific, managed activities, particularly primitive camping for paddlers.

Services offered:

• Primitive Campsites for Paddlers: The park offers a primitive campsite, often referred to as the Port Bougainville/Garden Cove campsite, specifically for paddlers on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Reservations are required and managed by the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park Ranger Station. These sites are typically limited to 8 people and 4 tents.
• Composting Toilet: A composting toilet is available at the primitive campsite to minimize environmental impact.
• Fire Ring: A fire ring is provided at the primitive campsite for controlled campfires.
• Designated Trails for Hiking and Biking: The Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park offers a network of trails, including the paved main boulevard and the more rugged Port Bougainville Trail, suitable for hiking and bicycling.
• Interpretive Exhibits: Along the Port Bougainville Trail, visitors will find kiosks and interpretive displays providing information about the park's unique ecosystem and history.
• Picnic Pavilion: A picnic pavilion with tables is available near the butterfly garden, a short walk from the main entrance, for day-use visitors.
• Wildlife Observation Opportunities: The protected status of the area ensures a rich habitat for diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for birdwatching and observing rare species.

It is crucial to note that water is not available at the park, so visitors must bring their own. Also, traditional RV hookups, developed campgrounds, or general public camping at the Loquat Drive address are not provided; camping is restricted to the specific primitive paddler sites.

The Port Bougainville area, now largely part of Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, is celebrated for its significant ecological features and unique historical context.

• Largest Remaining Tropical Hardwood Hammock: The park protects the largest contiguous tract of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the United States. This rare ecosystem is a critical habitat for numerous endangered and threatened species of plants and animals, making it an ecological treasure.
• Rich Biodiversity: The park is home to 84 protected species, including the white-crowned pigeon, mangrove cuckoo, black-whiskered vireo, and rare butterflies like the Schaus' swallowtail. It's a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
• Historical Significance: The area bears the remnants of the ambitious but ultimately failed Port Bougainville development from the 1970s. Exploring the trails, visitors can see scars of the past, now slowly being reclaimed by nature, offering a compelling story of conservation success.
• Primitive Camping Experience: For those seeking a truly immersive and self-reliant camping adventure, the designated primitive campsite for paddlers provides a rare opportunity to camp in a protected, undeveloped part of the Keys.
• Varied Trail System: The park offers a mix of paved, gravel, and coral rock trails, catering to different levels of hikers and cyclists, from easy strolls to more rugged explorations.
• Educational Opportunities: Interpretive displays throughout the park enhance the visitor experience by providing insights into the unique flora, fauna, and ecological history of the hammock.
• Tranquil and Secluded Atmosphere: Despite its proximity to the Overseas Highway, the park offers a profound sense of peace and solitude, allowing visitors to disconnect and enjoy the natural sounds and sights of the Keys wilderness.

As the "Port Bougainville Campsite" refers to an area largely within a state park and not a standalone commercial entity, direct contact information for a "campsite" office is not applicable. For inquiries regarding primitive camping permits or general park information, you should contact Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.

Address: 1 Loquat Dr, Key Largo, FL 33037, USA (This address points to a general access area or historical point within/near the park. The main park entrance is typically accessed off County Road 905).

Phone: For primitive camping reservations and general park information, contact the Ranger Station at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. The most reliable public number for inquiries is typically found through the Florida State Parks official website. A general contact number often associated with the park is (305) 676-3777.

The Port Bougainville area, particularly as part of Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, is exceptionally suitable for Florida locals who are true nature enthusiasts and adventurers. For us Floridians, it offers a rare opportunity to experience a pristine, undeveloped side of the Keys, a stark contrast to the more commercialized areas. If you appreciate ecological conservation and prefer the solitude of primitive camping over resort-style amenities, this is your ideal spot.

Its significance as the largest remaining tropical hardwood hammock in the U.S. means locals can access a unique ecosystem teeming with rare plant and animal species right in their backyard. This makes it perfect for birdwatching, nature photography, and an immersive hiking experience. For paddlers, the designated primitive campsite offers an authentic and challenging overnight adventure on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. While some past reviews mention bugs, that's a part of experiencing Florida's wild beauty, and preparedness is key for such environments. The clear indication of "no camping" for general visitors at the Loquat Road entrance also clarifies that this area is managed for specific recreational uses, ensuring its preservation for future generations of Floridians to explore and enjoy its natural splendor.

Port Bougainville Campsite

1 Loquat Dr, Key Largo, FL 33037, USA