Camp Biscayne facts for kids

Camp Biscayne was a special winter resort in Coconut Grove, Florida. It was started in 1903 by a man named Ralph Middleton Munroe. He wanted to create a cozy place for visitors to stay. This was especially needed because another popular inn had closed down.

The resort was located near a famous spot called the Barnacle. Today, this area is known as the Barnacle Historic State Park. Camp Biscayne was perfect for people who loved the outdoors. Guests enjoyed activities like sailing and fishing. They also liked the peaceful, simple life there.

By 1925, when the resort closed, it had grown quite a bit. It featured several small cottages for guests. There was also a main building with a large dining room. This room could serve meals to 100 people at once.

Ralph Middleton Munroe cared deeply about nature. He worked hard to protect the beautiful tropical forest, called a "hammock," around the resort. He believed the forest was important and belonged there. Munroe even named each of the 11 cottages after different trees. These trees were either native to Florida or pretty ornamental ones. Guests could find tags on each tree and a list of all the tree names.

What Was Camp Biscayne?

Camp Biscayne was a unique vacation spot. It was designed for people visiting Florida during the cooler winter months. Unlike big, fancy hotels, it offered a more relaxed and natural experience. Guests could truly connect with the beautiful environment of Coconut Grove.

Who Was Ralph Middleton Munroe?

Ralph Middleton Munroe was a very interesting person. He was a yacht designer, a photographer, and an early settler in Coconut Grove. He loved the sea and the natural world. Munroe wanted to share the beauty of South Florida with others. Founding Camp Biscayne was one way he did this. He also built his own home, The Barnacle, which is now a historic park.

Why Was Camp Biscayne Special?

Camp Biscayne stood out because of its focus on nature. Munroe made sure to keep the land as natural as possible. He believed in preserving the local "hammock" forest. This was a tropical hardwood forest with many different kinds of trees. He even named the cottages after these trees. This helped guests learn about the local plants. It also made each cottage feel unique and connected to nature.

Life at the Resort

Guests at Camp Biscayne enjoyed a quiet and active vacation. The resort was a perfect escape from busy city life. It offered a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Activities for Guests

The main activities at Camp Biscayne were centered around the water. Guests loved to go sailing on Biscayne Bay. The calm waters were perfect for this. Fishing was another popular pastime. People could catch various fish right from the bay. Beyond these, guests simply enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. They could explore the natural surroundings or just relax in their cottages.

The Cottages and Lodge

The resort had 11 cottages, each named after a tree. These cottages offered a comfortable stay for visitors. The main lodge was the heart of the resort. It had a large dining room where all the guests could eat together. This helped create a friendly, community feeling among visitors. The lodge was a central spot for meals and gathering.

The End of Camp Biscayne

Camp Biscayne welcomed guests for over two decades. It closed its doors in 1925. The resort had provided a wonderful "stopping place" for many years. It left a legacy of appreciating nature and simple living in Coconut Grove.