Truman Annex Campground

For eligible Florida locals with military affiliation, Truman Annex Campground offers an exceptionally unique and highly coveted opportunity to experience Key West from an unparalleled vantage point. Located within the secure confines of the Truman Annex, this campground provides a distinctive dry camping experience that places you directly in the heart of one of Florida's most iconic and vibrant destinations. Unlike conventional RV parks with extensive hookups, Truman Annex Campground embraces a more self-sufficient style of camping, catering primarily to self-contained recreational vehicles. Its allure lies not in a long list of amenities at each site, but in its strategic location and the exclusive access it provides. Campers here are treated to the rare convenience of being mere steps away from Key West's most famous attractions, including the Southernmost Point and the bustling energy of Duval Street. This proximity is a significant advantage, eliminating the need for long drives or expensive parking in the often-congested downtown area. While the specific amenities at Truman Annex are basic, focusing on essentials like water faucets and a dump station, the overall value and prime real estate offered for military-affiliated travelers are unmatched. It’s a place where the charm of historic Key West intertwines with the practicality of a secure and centrally located camping spot, providing a truly memorable and authentic Florida Keys adventure for those who qualify.

Truman Annex Campground is exceptionally well-situated at G5WR+CR, Key West, FL 33040, USA, placing it on the southwestern end of Key West, directly within the historic Truman Annex. This prime location is its most significant selling point, as it offers "unbeatable proximity" to the heart of downtown Key West. Campers are just a short walk – less than a mile – from major attractions such as Mallory Square, Duval Street, the Truman Little White House, and the Southernmost Point. This unparalleled accessibility means you can easily explore Key West's vibrant culture, unique shops, diverse restaurants, and lively entertainment venues on foot, by bike, or via local shuttles, negating the need for a personal vehicle once you've arrived. Access to Truman Annex Campground is strictly controlled and limited to military personnel and their eligible affiliates, including active duty, retired military, reservists, eligible veterans, and DoD civilians. Visitors must present a valid military ID at the gate for entry. It’s also advisable for all passengers to carry a driver's license or other acceptable identification when entering or re-entering the base to ensure smooth processing. The controlled access enhances security, providing a safe and exclusive environment for campers. It's crucial to understand that Truman Annex primarily offers "dry" camping, meaning individual sites do not come with electric, water, or sewer hookups. This necessitates that campers are self-contained and prepared to utilize generators (during specific hours, typically 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.) or solar power for their electrical needs, and to fill and dump water tanks at designated stations. Despite these considerations, the strategic location and the ease of getting around Key West from this central base make Truman Annex Campground an exceptionally desirable choice for eligible travelers.

• Dry Camping Sites: Truman Annex primarily offers "Deluxe Sites" for dry camping. These are typically back-in sites located near the waterfront. Campers must be self-contained, as individual sites do not have electric, water, or sewer hookups.
• Water Faucets: While not at individual sites, potable water fill stations are available within the broader NAS Key West recreational lodging system, specifically at the nearby Sigsbee Annex, for filling fresh water tanks.
• Dump Station: A dump station for RV waste is available at the Sigsbee Annex, which campers at Truman Annex can utilize. An additional dump station is near the Navy Exchange Gas Station.
• Restrooms/Showers: Bathhouse facilities with showers are available within the NAS Key West recreational lodging system, likely at Sigsbee Annex, and potentially a small bathhouse at Truman Annex itself. Some reviews indicate that the condition of these facilities can vary and may require more maintenance attention.
• Laundry Facilities: Coin-operated laundry machines are available on the larger NAS Key West annexes, including Sigsbee Park and Trumbo Point. Campers at Truman Annex would typically use these nearby facilities.
• Generator Use: Campers relying on generators for electricity must adhere to specified quiet hours, typically 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Security: Being a military installation, access to Truman Annex is controlled, requiring valid ID for entry, which contributes to a secure environment for campers.
• Proximity to Base Amenities: Campers have access to various MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) amenities on the broader NAS Key West, such as a NEX Mini Mart, fitness center, and potentially other services like ITT (Information, Tickets & Travel) offices for discounted attraction tickets.
• Limited Stay: Reservations at Truman Annex dry sites are typically for shorter durations, often not exceeding 7 nights, and are booked directly with the front desk (likely the main MWR Recreational Lodging office at Sigsbee Park).

• Unrivaled Proximity to Downtown Key West: The absolute top highlight of Truman Annex Campground is its prime location. It offers the closest possible camping experience to the heart of downtown Key West, placing campers within a short walk of iconic attractions like Duval Street, Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point, and the Truman Little White House. This minimizes travel time and parking hassles, making it exceptionally convenient for exploring the island.
• Waterfront Deluxe Sites: While dry camping, the "Deluxe Sites" at Truman Annex are often located near the waterfront, offering "breathtaking views of sunrises and sunsets" over the water. This provides a serene and picturesque setting despite the lack of hookups.
• Exclusive Military Access: As a military-only facility, Truman Annex ensures a secure and private camping environment for authorized personnel. This controlled access fosters a sense of community and provides peace of mind.
• Affordable Key West Base: For eligible patrons, staying at Truman Annex offers a significantly more affordable way to experience Key West compared to civilian RV parks or hotels, allowing for more frequent or extended visits to this sought-after destination.
• Small and Intimate Setting: Truman Annex is described as the "smallest location with recreational lodging" among the NAS Key West annexes, which can contribute to a more intimate and less crowded camping experience compared to larger campgrounds.
• Access to NAS Key West Amenities: Despite its small size, campers at Truman Annex benefit from access to various MWR facilities across NAS Key West, including laundromats and dump stations at nearby Sigsbee and Trumbo annexes, and other base services.
• Ideal for Self-Contained RVs: This campground is perfectly suited for those with self-contained RVs who are comfortable with dry camping and appreciate the value of a prime location over extensive individual site amenities.
• Historic Ambiance: Being part of the Truman Annex, the campground is immersed in a historically significant area, adding a unique cultural dimension to the camping experience.

Address: G5WR+CR, Key West, FL 33040, USA

While Truman Annex itself is a specific camping area, inquiries for camping reservations and information for all NAS Key West campgrounds (including Truman Annex) are typically managed by the central NAS Key West MWR Recreational Lodging Office, often located on Sigsbee Park.

General Contact for NAS Key West MWR Recreational Lodging:

Phone: (305) 293-4432 (This number is commonly associated with the central campground office at Sigsbee Park, which handles reservations and information for all NAS Key West camping areas.)

Mobile Phone: +1 305-293-4432 (Same as above, often the best direct line for MWR lodging queries.)

Alternatively, general NAS Key West MWR phone numbers or the DoD Lodging website (www.dodlodging.net) are often used for reservations and information for military campgrounds across the U.S.

For Florida locals who possess military identification, Truman Annex Campground offers a truly unparalleled and exclusive opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique charm of Key West. Its most compelling feature is its almost unbeatable proximity to downtown Key West's legendary attractions. This means that locals can enjoy spontaneous day trips or extended stays in the heart of the Keys, dramatically cutting down on travel time and eliminating the constant search for parking that often plagues visitors to Key West. The ability to walk to iconic landmarks like Duval Street, Mallory Square, and the Southernmost Point is a convenience that few other accommodations, civilian or military, can provide. This prime location, coupled with the inherent security of being on a military installation, offers peace of mind and a comfortable base for exploration. While Truman Annex is primarily a dry camping experience, requiring self-contained RVs, this is often seen as a small trade-off for the incredible value and central location. For Floridians looking to experience Key West without the steep price tag of traditional lodging, especially for longer durations, this campground provides an exceptionally cost-effective solution. It allows locals to fully embrace the island lifestyle, from enjoying stunning waterfront views at their site to effortlessly diving into the bustling Key West scene. The community aspect, being among fellow military members, also adds a layer of comfort and familiarity that many appreciate. For those who understand and embrace the dry camping style, Truman Annex Campground is not just a place to stay; it's a strategically positioned gateway to the best of Key West, making it an ideal choice for eligible Floridians seeking an authentic and value-packed Keys adventure.

Truman Annex Campground

G5WR+CR, Key West, FL 33040, USA