Florida Sea Base
Adventure In The Florida Keys
Experience the natural wonders of the Florida Keys – a tropical paradise at the southernmost tip of our country. The Florida Keys are home to BSA’s Florida Sea Base at Camp Jackson Sawyer. Camp Sawyer is a favorite destination of Family Adventure Campers and is the perfect jumping off point for exciting aquatic adventures of all kinds. At Camp Sawyer and nearby Bahia Honda State Park, families can enjoy clear water, world-class beaches, and spectacular views from sandy shorelines. The fun doesn’t stop there! From kayaking to snorkeling, sailing to swimming, Sea Base helps you coordinate activities that allow families to safely see and marvel at Florida’s natural beauty and wildlife – both on and underneath the water’s surface. In the evenings, campers will be awe-struck by some of the most beautiful sunsets on the East Coast. While visiting Florida Sea Base at Camp Sawyer, your family will soak in every moment of fun and never want to leave.
Camping
& Lodging
Onsite
Activities
Premium
Activities
Policies & Resources
CAMPING
An epic vacation starts with awesome accommodations. These include electricity and comfortable camping beds.
Luxury Deluxe Tents
Luxury Deluxe Tents
| Sleep with the sea right outside your door. The Luxury Deluxe Tents at Florida Sea Base’s Camp Sawyer are designed to give your whole group a comfy camping experience with modern creature comforts, like comfortable beds, electricity, and air conditioning. Sit on your porch, listen to the waves, and soak in the natural Florida beauty. |
Onsite Activities
Some program availability may be subject to change based on the seasons and weather (noted by an asterisk). Self-guided activities will be available year-round.
Star-Gazing
After the sun sets, the Florida sky sparkles with stars! In fact, nearby Bahia Honda State Park is the darkest location in the Florida Keys – which makes it the perfect location to lean back on your blanket or beach chair and enjoy the night sky.
Exploring Tidepools
Discover the flora and fauna of the Florida Keys while exploring the tide pools on Camp Jackson Sawyer’s shoreline. These shallow, near-shore water pools are a vital part of the Florida ecosystem and can be abundant with crabs and small reef fishes.
Bird Watching
Though most travelers flock to the Florida Keys for their underwater beauty, the area is also a paradise for birdwatchers! As you walk through the trees and down to the seashore, you’ll see birds like White-Crowned Pigeons, Ruddy Turnstones, Yellow-Billed Cuckoos, Yellow-Crowned Night Herons, and more.
Wading
Wade in the sapphire waters at the Camp Jackson Sawyer shoreline. There’s so much to explore and fun to be had – but remember to stay where your toes can touch the ocean’s bottom!
Bring Your Own Board/Yard Games
Bring your family’s favorite board games to play on the porch, or yard games to play on the beach! Outdoor games mean lots of giggles, memories, fun and stories.
BBQ and Making S'Mores
Savor the summer flavors of BBQ and s’mores! Camp Jackson Sawyer has camp grills and campfire pits, making it the perfect location to serve up some summer happiness.
Premium Adventures
These activities are available locally offsite and may be subject to season pricing scale.
Swimming
Dive on in, the water’s fine! Florida Sea Base’s Camp Sawyer is located near one of the most beautiful beaches in the Keys at Bahia Honda State Park. There, families can swim and splash in the crystal clear, blue waters – a refreshing relief from the Florida heat!
Paddle Sports
When it comes to aquatic adventures, paddle sports are always a family favorite! At Bahia Honda State Park, less than three miles from Camp Sawyer, campers can go kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. It’s a great way to exercise while exploring the Florida shoreline as a family.
Snorkeling
See an underwater world with awe-inspiring fish and plant life! No special training needed – only the ability to swim – making it a fun and easy activity for all. Charters usually go out daily from Bahia Honda State Park to one of the Keys’ most spectacular reefs: Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.
Local Area Activities
The Florida Keys and South Florida have so much to see and do! To learn more about some of the local adventures you and your family can enjoy, visit https://fla-keys.com. If you’re looking for the adventures that are closest to camp, check out the “Lower Keys” and “Key West” links under the “Our Destinations” drop-down menu. Note that Camp Sawyer is located within a couple hours of Key Largo and within an hour of Key West. You will need a car to best explore the area.
Policies & Resources
Here’s a library of helpful information and resources to help you plan your trip.
Family Adventure Camp at Florida Sea Base’s Camp Sawyer runs from October – April. Camping is not offered during the summer season.
Camping is open to BSA and non-BSA registered families camping with at least one youth under 18 years of age. If a youth is not part of the camping group, all adults must be registered with the BSA with a current background check and Youth Protection Training.
Camping fee is $150 per night per Luxury Deluxe Tent. Linens can be added for a one-time fee of $25 per tent. Luxury Deluxe Tents accommodate 6 – 8, depending on the bed setup chosen.
Camp Information: Camp Sawyer offers indoor shower and restroom facilities. There are common gathering areas with shade. A ship store offers the chance to purchase snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and some personal items you may have forgotten at home. There is a common BBQ area with several propane grills for common camp use. Please clean up after your group upon use of any common areas to ensure they can be enjoyed by all.
The following sections lay out the Boy Scouts of America’s policies on Tobacco, Alcohol, and drugs. These policies are meant to be taken very seriously. Violation of these policies may result in dismissal from camp, membership revocation, and/or police action.
Tobacco
BSA Family Adventure Camp at Camp Sawyer is a tobacco-free property and no use of tobacco, including electronic vaping, is allowed on site.
Alcohol
Alcohol is not allowed at Camp Sawyer under any circumstances.
Drugs
Illegal drugs, including the misuse of prescription drugs have absolutely no place at any Scouting function or on any BSA property.
Medical Marijuana
It is unacceptable for anyone to use or be under the influence of medical marijuana while onsite at Camp Sawyer.
Technology
Technology use is not discouraged at Camp. Participants are encouraged to appropriately document and share their experiences during their stay. The site offers full wireless and cell phone connectivity. Keep in mind that on an island, service can sometimes be poor or unavailable. Outlets are available in the Luxury Deluxe tents and in select common areas around camp; however, a battery back-up or solar charger is strongly recommended.
Pets
Pets are not allowed at Camp Sawyer.
Aquatic Activities
Family Adventure Campers are allowed to wade in the water onsite at Camp Sawyer. BSA regulations disallow campers to swim in water deeper than he or she can easily touch the bottom. Swimming and aquatic activities are available at Bahia Honda State Park located less than three miles north of Camp Sawyer.
Supervision
Children must be supervised by their parents or other adults in their party at all times. Camping staff is not responsible for supervision of youth.
Food and Garbage
You are welcome to bring food to Camp Sawyer. However, please do not eat inside the Luxury Deluxe Tents. Bugs and critters are an issue in the Keys and any food left out will attract them. Please be sure to throw all garbage out in the dumpster prior to your departure.
Find your adventure today!
