📷 U.S. Geological Survey from Reston, VA, USA, Public domainCedar Key
Cedar Key, FL
A quiet fishing town on a Gulf Coast island, with a small downtown, a pier and seafood restaurants over the water. Drive out in the late afternoon and stay for the sunset over the Gulf.
Cedar Key lies on a group of small islands in the Gulf of Mexico and is reached via State Road 24. From the early 1860s the town was the end of the line for the Florida Railroad, and cedar sawmills were built to supply the pencil industry. The hurricane of 1896, the rise of Tampa and the depletion of the cedar forests caused the town to shrink; about 700 people live there today.
On Atsena Otie Key, half a mile (800 m) offshore, stand the ruins of the Faber sawmill and a cemetery; at 52 feet (16 m), Seahorse Key is the highest point on Florida's west coast and a nesting site for herons and pelicans, with access restricted from March to June. Cedar Key Museum State Park recalls John Muir's visit in 1867. Today clam farming shapes the local economy. The town is exposed to hurricanes (record storm surge during Helene in September 2024), so check current conditions before you travel (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Cedar Key, FL
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 29.1386, -83.0350
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually October–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Shell Mound CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Cedar Key
- Shady Oaks CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Cedar Key
- Florida Sheriffs Youth RanchCampsite24 mi from Cedar Key
- Magnolia 1 Camping AreaCampsite24 mi from Cedar Key
- Magnolia 2 Camping AreaCampsite24 mi from Cedar Key
- Nature Coast Landings RV ResortMotorhome stopover24 mi from Cedar KeyMotorhomes
All campsites in Florida · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cedar Key?
Cedar Key is in Cedar Key, FL, at GPS 29.1386, -83.0350. It is about 31 mi from Crystal River.
Can you camp near Cedar Key?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Shell Mound Campground, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Cedar Key?
Places worth a stop nearby: Manatee Springs State Park (24 mi), Three Sisters Springs (32 mi), Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (36 mi) and Rainbow Springs State Park (36 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cedar Key?
The most pleasant months are usually October–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)