Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA Resort Blog
Soak up the sun this summer with RV sites starting at $109 a night! Book your stay today.
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
Located at Mile Marker 20 on US-1 in the Florida Keys.
Left on Old State Rd 4a/State Road 939.
Every July, lobster lovers flock to the Florida Keys for an exciting two-day “mini” event. Dubbed Mini Lobster Season, this is a time when recreational divers and snorkelers get to catch spiny lobsters before commercial fishing season begins. When you participate, you get to do more than fish — you celebrate a long-enjoyed tradition and experience the adventure of catching and cooking your own fresh seafood. Read on to learn more about this exciting event.
Mini Lobster Season in 2025 is July 30th and 31st. It is always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday and ending at midnight on Thursday.
Commercial lobster fishing season runs from August 6th to March 31st.
Mini Lobster Season is celebrated in the Florida Keys — especially in areas like Key West and Islamorada. Hunters usually flock to areas in the Middle Keys, which is from Islamorada to Marathon, as well as places like:
These locations are known for their abundant lobster habitats, making them popular destinations to get a share of the bounty.
Key West Mini Lobster Season has clear guidelines that make the hunt fun, safe and legal. When you follow the rules, everyone can enjoy these delectable crustaceans for years to come.
You will need a recreational saltwater fishing license and lobster permit to harvest spiny lobster. Make sure you get these items before the season begins so you can join in the fun.
Gather the necessary gear for your hunt. You will need the following:
Before participating in Mini Lobster Season, familiarize yourself with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations. Rules include:
While Mini Lobster Season is an exciting time for recreational hunters, there are certain areas where you are not allowed to take lobsters from the water. Prohibited areas include:
Additionally, night diving is prohibited in Monroe County during sport season.
Now that you have your gear and know the rules, it is time to get out onto the water for this exciting event! The best time to hunt lobsters is early morning or late afternoon when they are most active. You will want to check the tides so you have the best time.
Other best practices include:
You will need somewhere to stay to fully embrace Mini Lobster Season in the Keys. Let the Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA Resort be your place to spend time on the water during the festivities and unwind after the celebrations. The resort is located right on the beach, so you have direct access to the shoreline for this spectacular event.
Choose from RV Sites with a KOA Patio®, Deluxe Cabins or Premium Tent Sites. When you are not partaking in Mini Lobster Season events, you can take advantage of activities and amenities at the campground like boat, bike and golf cart rentals, on-site hot tub and sauna and poolside pub for delicious cocktails, frozen drinks and ice-cold beverages.
Ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Florida Keys? Whether you are a seafood lover or need a fun summer getaway, there is no better place to participate in the annual tradition of Mini Lobster Season than at Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA Resort! The campground has everything you need for an exciting excursion, from the year-round open pool and on-site pub to boat, kayak and paddle board rentals.
Enjoy private beach access and plenty of amenities that make this an incredible getaway for everyone. Book your stay today!
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