Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina – Lower Keys Resort Review
Last updated: August 28, 2026
Choose Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina if...
- You're an RV traveler wanting a full-service Lower Keys base with ~400 sites, hookups, and a marina on a private island
- You're a boater wanting marina slips with on-site Keys Boat Tours for kayaks, SUP, fishing, and snorkeling
- You're a family wanting a self-contained resort with heated pool, playground, dog park, and Bahia Honda a mile away
Skip Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina if...
- You want a traditional hotel or luxury resort — this is an RV and marina compound
- You want walkable restaurants or nightlife — Ohio Key has no commercial development
- You need strong cell service — coverage on Ohio Key is limited
AskTheKeys Traveler Match
How well does Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina fit your trip?
Before you book — the one trade-off
Sunshine Key is an RV-and-marina island compound, not a hotel — you get a private-island base, beach, and dockage at low rates, but no hotel comforts and spotty cell service.
AskTheKeys Decision SummarySunshine Key RV Resort & Marina is best for RV travelers, boaters, and outdoors-focused families wanting a self-contained private island base in the Lower Florida Keys. Located on its own 75-acre island (Ohio Key) at MM 39, with ~400 sites, 165-slip marina, heated pool, beach, dog park, and Keys Boat Tours on-site. Non-RV guests can book cabins or tiny homes. 1 mile from Bahia Honda State Park. Not ideal for travelers seeking a traditional hotel experience, luxury amenities, or walkable dining and nightlife.
Choose Sunshine Key if you're an RV traveler or boater wanting a self-contained private-island base with a marina. Skip it if you want a traditional hotel, luxury amenities, or walkable dining.
Compare current room availability and secure member-only pricing.
We handle our lodging checks through Expedia's network engine so you can lock in hidden seasonal discounts and stack your One Key™ rewards points across different island brands.
Before You Book
The details that matter after you've narrowed down your options.
Best for
- RV travelers wanting a full-service Lower Keys base with ~400 sites, full hookups, boat ramp, marina, and waterfront settings on a private 75-acre island
- Boating enthusiasts wanting marina slips with on-site Keys Boat Tours (Blue Star Operator) for kayaks, SUP, fishing, and snorkeling
- Families wanting a self-contained resort with heated pool, playground, fenced dog park, sports courts, and 1-mile proximity to Bahia Honda State Park
- Non-RV travelers wanting budget waterfront cabins, tiny homes, or rental RVs with marina and recreation access
Not ideal for
- Guests wanting a traditional hotel or luxury resort — this is an RV resort and marina compound, not a hotel property
- Travelers wanting walkable restaurants, bars, or nightlife — Ohio Key has no commercial development and is car-dependent
- Visitors expecting strong cell service — cellular coverage on Ohio Key is limited
Quick facts
| Address | 38801 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (305) 872-2217 |
| Check-in / Out | 1:00 PM (RV sites) / 4:00 PM (rentals) / 11:00 AM (late check-out to 3:00 PM available for fee) |
| Parking | On-site (complimentary); electric golf carts only, registration required |
| Pets | Yes (fee may apply) |
| Beach access | Yes |
| Pool(s) | Yes |
| Spa | No |
| EV charging | No |
Location & nearby
Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina is located in Ohio Key (MM 39) within Lower Keys.
What's nearby
- Bahia Honda State Park(1 mi, 0 min walk)
- National Key Deer Refuge(4 mi, 0 min walk)
- Blue Hole (Big Pine Key)(5 mi, 0 min walk)
- Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary(10 mi, 0 min walk)
- No Name Pub(6 mi, 0 min walk)
- Seven Mile Bridge (Historic)(2 mi, 0 min walk)
- Baby's Coffee(8 mi, 0 min walk)
- Square Grouper Bar & Grill(6 mi, 0 min walk)
Amenities overview
Property highlight features
- ~400 sites in 3 tiers: Standard, Premium (water views), Elite (all waterfront)
- Full hookups with 50/30/15 amp electrical, remodeled showers, large laundry room
- Full-service marina — boats over 18 ft require slip reservation at (305) 780-7087
- Keys Boat Tours on-site (Blue Star Operator): kayaks, SUP, bikes, fishing charters, snorkeling tours
- Heated swimming pool with outdoor seating
- Private beach and fishing pier with direct ocean access
- Boat ramp and fish cleaning station
- Fenced dog park
- Sand volleyball, basketball, tennis/racquetball courts, workout area, horseshoes, playground
- Cabins, tiny homes, and rental RVs for non-RV guests
- General store plus adjacent gas station with convenience store
- Indoor and covered outdoor areas for group gatherings
- Jet ski tours, sandbar excursions, sunset cruises, reef and offshore fishing
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas, library, complimentary on-site parking
Pricing positioning
Typical nightly pricing tends to fall in the $ range, depending on season and room type.
budget marina lifestyle — the most accessible waterfront-and-boating property in the Lower Keys, with cabins and tiny homes for non-RV travelers
Compare current room availability and secure member-only pricing.
We handle our lodging checks through Expedia's network engine so you can lock in hidden seasonal discounts and stack your One Key™ rewards points across different island brands.
Independent Decision Engine
Florida Keys Resorts operates as a fully objective, crowdsourced review system. We do not accept paid placements from hotels to alter their scoring records. Instead, we use standardized API connections to provide transparent third-party rate checks for our community.
How Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina Compares to Other Lower Keys Resorts
Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina vs Parmer's Resort
- Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina wins:75-acre private island RV resort with ~400 sites, marina, fenced dog park, Keys Boat Tours on-site, and cabin/tiny home rentals
- Parmer's Resort wins:quiet waterfront cottage compound on Little Torch Key with bay views, Old Florida character, and no marina
Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina vs Looe Key Reef Resort
- Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina wins:75-acre RV resort and marina on a private island with ~400 sites, beach, pool, fenced dog park, and Keys Boat Tours on-site
- Looe Key Reef Resort wins:dive-first reef resort on Ramrod Key with on-site dive shop, daily Looe Key sanctuary trips, and tiki bar
Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina vs Barnacle Bed & Breakfast
- Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina wins:75-acre RV resort and marina compound on Ohio Key with ~400 sites, heated pool, fenced dog park, and community recreation
- Barnacle Bed & Breakfast wins:boutique 6-room beachfront B&B on Big Pine Key with Treehouse, Key deer nightly, gourmet breakfast with vegan options, and sunset BBQs
Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina vs Sugarloaf Lodge
- Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina wins:75-acre private island RV resort with ~400 sites, marina, Keys Boat Tours, fenced dog park, and cabin/tiny home rentals
- Sugarloaf Lodge wins:31-room waterfront lodge on Sugarloaf Key with pool, on-site restaurant, full-service marina, and standard hotel rooms
FAQs
Where is Sunshine Key RV Resort located?
Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina is located on Ohio Key, a private 75-acre island in the Lower Florida Keys at Mile Marker 39, just outside Big Pine Key. While it uses a Big Pine Key mailing address (38801 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043), the resort itself is situated on its own island with direct access to Florida Bay. It is approximately 1 mile from Bahia Honda State Park and 30 miles from Key West.
Is Sunshine Key a hotel or an RV resort?
Sunshine Key is an RV resort and marina on a private 75-acre island, part of the Thousand Trails / Encore RV Resorts network. It has approximately 400 sites in three tiers: Standard, Premium (water views), and Elite (all waterfront). Non-RV guests can book cabins, tiny homes, or rental RVs.
Does Sunshine Key have a marina?
Yes. The full-service marina requires slip reservations for any boat over 18 feet — call (305) 780-7087. Boats without reservations may be turned away. Manatees frequently visit the marina. Keys Boat Tours operates on-site as a Blue Star Operator offering kayaks, SUP, bikes, fishing charters, and snorkeling tours.
Does Sunshine Key have a beach?
Yes. There is a private beach area on the property. Bahia Honda State Park — widely considered the best natural beach in the Florida Keys — is just 1 mile away, about a 3-minute drive.
Does Sunshine Key have a pool?
Yes. A heated swimming pool with outdoor seating. The pool can get crowded during peak winter season (January–March). No hot tub.
Are pets allowed at Sunshine Key?
Yes. The resort is pet-friendly with a fenced dog park on property. Contact the resort directly for current breed restrictions and fees.
Can you stay at Sunshine Key without an RV?
Yes. The resort offers cabins, tiny homes, and rental RVs for non-RV guests. Rental check-in is at 4:00 PM; RV site check-in is at 1:00 PM. Check-out for all guests is 11:00 AM, with late check-out to 3:00 PM available for an additional fee.
Is there cell service at Sunshine Key?
Cellular coverage on Ohio Key is limited. Plan for minimal connectivity. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the resort.
Are golf carts allowed at Sunshine Key?
Only electric golf carts are allowed. All guests must register their golf carts upon arrival, and operators must be licensed drivers.
How far is Sunshine Key from Key West?
Key West is approximately 30 miles south, about a 50-minute drive. Ohio Key is quiet and remote with no walkable restaurants, nightlife, or commercial development.
Is there a maximum stay at Sunshine Key?
From April 15 to September 15, there is a 14-day maximum stay per site. Consecutive stays are allowed if you move to a different site. Contact the resort for off-season availability.