About National Key Deer Refuge
NATIONAL KEY DEER REFUGEThe National Key Deer Refuge was established in 1957 to protect and preserve the national interest the Key deer and other wildlife resources in the Florida Keys. The Refuge is located in the lower Florida Keys and currently consists of approximately 9,200 acres of land that includes pine rockland forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, freshwater wetlands, salt marsh wetlands, and mangrove forests. It is home to 23 endangered and threatened plant and animal species and hundreds of others. Wildlife dependent activities are allowed; these include saltwater fishing, wildlife observation and photography, interpretation, and environmental education.WILDERNESSThe Refuge includes federally-designated Wilderness areas that are part of the Florida Keys Wilderness, Established by Congress in 1975 (Acreage: 6,197 acres)Why Wilderness? The Wilderness Act of 1964 created the National Wilderness Preservation System "in order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization does not occupy and modify all areas in the United States, and its possessions, leaving no lands designated for preservation and protection in their natural condition..."For more information: https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/?ID=188
How to Get There
From Key West- head east/north on HWY US 1 to Big Pine Key. The Nature Center is located just past the only traffic light on the island, on the left (north) side of the road. Look for the blue Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges sign.From South Florida and upper Florida Keys- Take HWY US 1 south and west to Big Pine Key. The Nature Center is located just prior to the only traffic light on the island. Turn right, (north) into the Nature Center parking lot.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to National Key Deer Refuge
Heading to National Key Deer Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for National Key Deer Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for National Key Deer Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1533) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to National Key Deer Refuge?
From Key West- head east/north on HWY US 1 to Big Pine Key. The Nature Center is located just past the only traffic light on the island, on the left (north) side of the road. Look for the blue Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges sign.From South Florida and upper Florida Keys- Take HWY US 1 south and west to Big Pine Key. The Nature Center is located just prior to the only traffic light on the i…
How do I contact National Key Deer Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 305-872-2239 or email: keydeer@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
