Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA

After almost four years of reconstruction work, the Sugarloaf Key/Key West Kampgrounds of America (KOA) Holiday in the Florida Keys, has reopened as an island jewel of the KOA system. Destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, the park took longer than anticipated to rebuild, but Erik Gothberg, COO of KOA’s corporate-owned properties, told WOODALLSCM.com (WCM) that it was a labor of love. “This is a premier destination and a major destination point for tourists on the East Coast,” said Gothberg. “We invested the money in this property because we realized we were going to generate a return there and I think, quite frankly, this is probably the best campground KOA owns on the corporate side. “By being forced to start from ground zero due to the hurricane it was kind of a blessing,” he added. “It really allowed us to see what we could do.”

Recent update on the status of this park: Due to Hurricane Irma damage the park will be closed to the public until at least January 1, 2018. Rental cabins on the property will likely all have to be replaced. Will likely be open to guests on a very limited basis between January 1 and March 31. The campground will resemble a “work camp” while the bulk of the rebuilding efforts are under way from January 1 to October 15, 2018. 100 percent of the repair and rebuilt work triggered by Hurricane Irma should be completed by March 31, 2019