Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge

Pros & cons

PROS

Direct water access with boat ramp, docks, and fish‑cleaning station
Heated/chilled rooftop pool and a well‑stocked camp store
Central Keys base near Bahia Honda with regular Key deer sightings

CONS

Tight, close‑together sites; big rigs may find maneuvering tricky
No true swim beach on‑site; shoreline can have seagrass and bugs
Some highway/bridge noise, plus no‑see‑ums at dawn and dusk

Overview

Formerly known as Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge, this waterfront campground at mile marker 33 is all about life on the water—boats, kayaks, and fishing rods at the ready. You get a marina with a launch ramp, docks, and a fish‑cleaning station, plus a chilled/heated rooftop pool when you’re done chasing tarpon under the nearby bridges. A camp store, laundry, clean bathhouses, and a rec room keep the practical stuff easy.

Why it’s great

If you’re here to boat, fish, or paddle, it’s a slam dunk. Oceanfront, canal, and interior sites put you steps from the water, and kayaks slide in with minimal fuss. The location is gold: a quick hop to Bahia Honda State Park and an easy day trip to Key West. Key deer routinely wander through—cool to see, just don’t feed them.

The setup

RV sites with full hookups (30/50A), some pull‑throughs and big‑rig friendly—but sites run tight and neighbors are close.
Rustic tent sites (no hookups) in a more natural zone; expect a longer walk to the bathhouses.
Rentals range from Airstreams and luxury trailers to cottages; organized activities pop up on weekends and holidays.
Connectivity is solid for most carriers; Wi‑Fi exists but can be spotty.

Tradeoffs to know

This isn’t a true swim beach—seagrass collects along the shoreline, so plan on the pool or nearby beaches for swimming. Bugs (no‑see‑ums) flare up near vegetated shorelines, especially in spring and summer. Waterfront and highway‑side spots can pick up road and bridge noise.

Wildlife & water

Look for tarpon around the bridges and keep an eye out for Key deer wandering the grounds. Remember: observe, don’t interact. The marina setup makes dawn launches easy when the bite is best.

Getting the right site

Oceanfront and canal sites book first—reserve early if a view or a slip matters. For quieter nights, ask for interior/basin sites away from the highway and bridge. If you’re running a larger rig, request roomier approaches and be ready for tight turns.

Best time to visit

It’s open year‑round. Sunrises and sunsets shine along the water and bridges. If bugs bother you, be extra prepared in spring and summer and especially at dawn/dusk. Peak‑demand waterfront spots go fast anytime—book as early as you can.

Nearby highlights

Bahia Honda’s beaches and snorkeling are minutes away, and you’re roughly 30–40 minutes from Key West for food, music, and sunset strolling. Bridge fishing is an easy add to any day here.