Actually, the LOST is paved for much of the distance around the lake, with the exception of the leg from Moore Haven northeast to Okeechobee. You can ride the road for that leg as the levee is pretty rugged there (I've ridden it on a MTB and wouldn't attempt it on a road bike.) There is also some construction on the section of the levee between Pahokee and Canal Point, but the road is ridable. Pahokee is an interesting place, it's as impoverished a place as you'll ever see, but probably pretty safe in daylight.

There are several primitive camp sites along the levee, most are between the levee and the lake, so you won't hear any noise from the highway. The sites consist of a fire ring and a small shelter in most cases, and I've never seen them occupied.

In all honesty, the scenery on the LOST gets a bit tedious, but it's better than riding through our endless suburbia.

Edit - I mistook Pahokee for, Belle Glade. The latter is a real eye-opener...