Hotels in Lower Keys

There are a number of cheap fish shacks along the highway for those who want bare-bones accommodations. You'll find them, and other budget accommodations, on Airbnb and VRBO. So far, there are no national hotel chains in the Lower Keys.

Camping in the Lower Florida Keys

Bahia Honda State Park, 36850 Overseas Hwy., (MM37), Big Pine Key

(tel. 800/326-3521) offers some of the best camping in the Keys. It is as loaded with facilities and activities as it is with campers. But don't be discouraged by its popularity: this park encompasses more than 500 acres of land, 80 campsites spread throughout three areas, and three spacious and comfortable duplex cabins. Cabins hold up to eight guests each and come complete with linens, kitchenettes, wraparound terraces, barbecue pits, and rocking chairs. For one to four people, camping costs about $36 per site. Depending on the season, cabin prices range from $120 to $160.

Another excellent value, the newly spruced up oceanside facility known as Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Resort, has the largest tent camping area in the Keys, with rustic sites including shade structure, 25' x 32' cement pad power and water, picnic table, and your very own fire pit.  Private tent sites have water and electric hookup for those who need a little more modernity with their camping. There are also a ton of pull through and back-up RV hookups with ocean views, patios, and even private mangroves with rates around $265 a night. And then there’s the on-site Sugarloaf Key Hotel (sugarloafkeyhotel.com), for those of us, ahem, who prefer to sleep in A/C and on actual, comfortable full-sized beds off the ground and a window’s view away from nature. There are suites that hold up to six people, with bunk beds and even washers and dryers. Now that’s what we call glamping. Rates range from $225 to $450. The best part of it all is the pool and poolside pub open to campers and hotel guests. This place is especially nice because of its private beaches and access to diving, fishing, snorkeling, and boating; its grounds are also well maintained. There are also a ton of amenities, from bike and boat rental to trivia nights, live music, and an interactive dog park. The campground is near MM 20 at 251 SR 939 in Sugarloaf Key. Campsites $80–$170 depending on season, type of vehicle and more.

Near Sugarloaf Key, Sun Outdoors Sugarloaf Key has 17 premium, back-in full hookup 20-, 30- and 50-amp RV sites, offering a patio, Wi-Fi, and a picnic table. There are also lakefront sites,  a variety of waterfront hookups, retro-fab fully outfitted Airstream trailers with full bathroom, coffee-maker, mini fridge, and air conditioning, and pet-friendly, air conditioned bungalows, some with water views. Amenities are nice and include heated pool; kayak, paddleboard, and golf cart rentals; tiki bar with fire pit; dog park; lawn games; weekly live music parties; and Aquabana rentals—floating cabanas with table—these are cool and definitely a little luxe. Their address is 311 Johnson Rd., Summerland Key (tel. 305/745-1079).  Tent sites are $99 to $199 a night.