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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located at MM 102.5 in Key Largo, was established in 1963 as the first undersea park in the United States. It was named for John D. Pennekamp, a newspaper editor in Miami, who was instrumental in preserving the land for nearby Everglades National Park. When you add the area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, adjacent to the park, you get a combined 178 nautical square miles of mangrove swamps, seagrass beds and the only living coral reef in the continental United States.
Things to do at Pennekamp State Park
Over a million people come from around the world to enjoy the water, trails and camping facilities. Activities around the park include camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and glass bottom boat tours.
The park sponsors environmental programs, along with a wide range of natural and cultural history programs, all year round. Just check at the ranger station for schedules. Guided nature walks along the mangrove and wild tamarind trails are offered seasonally, for individuals or groups.
Camping at Pennekamp State Park
The campgrounds have 47 sites to accommodate both RV and tent campers. Group camping facilities are also available. Amenities include restrooms with hot showers, grills, electric hook-ups and a dumping station. Picnic areas, pavilion rentals, concession stands, and a campground host are provided. There are three swimming areas with beaches. Canon Beach is one of the most popular, because of the remnants of an early Spanish shipwreck about 100 feet offshore which makes this a great place to snorkel
The park has a dock, boat ramps and a boat trailer parking lot. If you’re going to spend a week or so, you can rent a boat slip. They also provide a place for you to clean the fish you’ve caught. Fishing is in designated areas, and a saltwater fishing license is required. When diving, remember: spear fishing and collecting tropical fish are not allowed in the park.

Nature buffs will enjoy hiking trails, or water trails to explore by canoe or kayak. Rentals are available.
Diving and Snorkeling at Pennekamp State Park
Now the thing John Pennekamp is known for – the living coral reef. If you’re interested in a diving trip, several options are available. A full service PADI dive shop, across the marina from the main concession building, runs reef trips on the Reef Adventures, a custom-built 35-passenger catamaran.

Tags:  john pennekamp coral reef state park united states preserving florida keys national marine sanctuary