Top 8 Huts and Cabins in Florida

Florida offers a diverse range of unique hut-like accommodations. You can experience traditional Chickee Huts in natural settings like the Everglades, brilliantly hued wooden stilt structures at Stiltsville near Key Biscayne, or even a floating cabin like The Burrow on Grant Farm Island. For an unparalleled adventure, Jules' Undersea Lodge in Key Largo offers an underwater stay.

Yes, Florida's trails feature shelters for hikers. For example, Shelter Camp is a rare three-sided wooden shelter along the Florida Trail, equipped with a fire ring, benches, and picnic tables, offering ample space for additional tents. Another option is the Iron Bridge Shelter.

For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, the Golden Orb Nature Trail, Long Key State Park, provides oceanfront, hike-in campsites where you can enjoy kayaking, birdwatching, and observing diverse wildlife in the mangroves. Additionally, the Bird observation gazebo at Lake Hancock is perfect for spotting herons and ibis.

Several hut and cabin options in Florida are suitable for families. The Starkey Park Campground Cabin offers primitive cabins, tent sites, restrooms, showers, picnic shelters, and a playground. Curry Hammock State Park Campground also provides family-friendly amenities, and the Golden Orb Nature Trail, Long Key State Park, is great for family outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.

Florida's huts offer a glimpse into the region's history and culture. The traditional Chickee Huts, originally built by Seminole Indians, showcase indigenous building techniques. Reproductions can be found along trails at places like Fort Caroline. Stiltsville, with its stilt structures dating back to the 1930s, offers a unique historical escape near Miami. Florida-style bungalows also represent a distinct architectural heritage adapted to the local climate.

Amenities vary by location. For instance, the hike-in campsites at Golden Orb Nature Trail, Long Key State Park, include a picnic table, grill, and hammock stand, with access to restrooms and cold outdoor showers. Starkey Park Campground Cabin offers primitive cabins, tent sites, restrooms, shower facilities, and picnic shelters. Some shelters, like Shelter Camp, provide a fire ring, benches, and picnic tables.

Reservations are often required for hut and campsite stays. For example, campsites at Golden Orb Nature Trail, Long Key State Park, can be made via reserve.floridastateparks.org or by calling 1-800-326-6521. Reservations for Starkey Park Campground Cabin can be made up to 30 days in advance, and a fee is required.

Florida's huts and cabins are often situated near excellent outdoor activity opportunities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy routes like the Brickell Key Loop or the Old 7 Mile Bridge. For cycling, explore MTB trails such as Markham Park or Virginia Key North Point. Running enthusiasts can enjoy running trails like the Tampa Riverwalk or Bayshore Boulevard. Many locations also offer kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing.

Yes, Florida offers distinctive floating and overwater experiences. Stiltsville near Key Biscayne features brilliantly hued wooden stilt structures hovering over the water, accessible only by boat. The Burrow, a floating cabin on Grant Farm Island, provides a houseboat-style rental directly on the water. For the truly adventurous, Jules' Undersea Lodge in Key Largo is the world's only underwater hotel, requiring a scuba dive to enter.

Florida-style bungalows are an architectural type characterized by low-pitched rooflines with wide overhangs, large covered front porches, and raised foundations designed for the local climate. They often feature compact, open floor plans and multiple windows for cross-ventilation. Many charming 1920s bungalows can still be found in older neighborhoods across Florida, offering a blend of historic character and practicality.

Florida's climate is a key factor for hut trips. The state experiences a hurricane season, typically from June to November, which might impact outdoor plans. Huts like Chickee Huts are designed with open sides for natural ventilation to keep campers cool and deter insects. Florida-style bungalows often have raised foundations to protect against flooding. Visiting during the cooler, drier months (roughly November to May) generally offers more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.

Absolutely. The Chickee Huts in Everglades National Park provide a unique 'miniature island' camping experience, perfect for getting away from it all in the heart of the wilderness. Stiltsville, located a few miles off downtown Miami, offers a remote feel despite its proximity to the city, accessible only by boat, providing a serene escape from urban life.