Camping Near Everglades National Park
Florida | Established 1947
About Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park encompasses 1.5 million acres of subtropical wetlands at the southern tip of Florida. Two frontcountry campgrounds serve vehicle-based campers. Flamingo Campground, 38 miles from the main entrance at the park's southern tip, has 234 drive-in sites with 41 electric hookup sites ($50-60/night) and 193 non-electric sites ($33-38.50/night). Long Pine Key Campground, near the main entrance, offers 108 first-come, first-served sites at $30-35/night, open November through April only.
Beyond the frontcountry, 47 backcountry sites are accessible only by canoe, kayak, or motorboat. These include ground sites, beach sites, and elevated chickee platforms built over open water. Backcountry permits cost $21 plus $2 per person per night through Recreation.gov. The 99-mile Wilderness Waterway from Flamingo to Everglades City takes 7 to 10 days by canoe and is considered a premier paddling trip in the United States.
Camping Tips for Everglades
- Reserve Flamingo Campground three to four months ahead for dry season (December through April). Electric hookup sites ($50-60/night) fill first. Non-electric sites run $33-38.50/night depending on day of week.
- Long Pine Key Campground (108 sites, $30-35/night) is first-come, first-served only and operates November through April. Arrive early on winter weekends to secure a site.
- Backcountry chickee platforms and ground sites require permits ($21 plus $2/person/night) through Recreation.gov up to 90 days in advance. Chickees are elevated platforms over water with roof and toilet.
- Mosquitoes are intense from May through November (wet season). Bring DEET-based repellent, head nets, and long sleeves. Dry season (December through April) has dramatically fewer mosquitoes and is the best time to visit.
- Alligators and crocodiles inhabit every waterway in the park. Maintain at least 15 feet distance. Never feed wildlife. Keep dogs on a six-foot leash and away from water edges, as alligators prey on pets.
RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Everglades National Park
1.Big Pine Key RV Park
Big Pine Key RV Park is a ten-acre oceanfront resort located in Big Pine Key, Florida, positioned between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean at mile marker 33 on the...
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2.Chokoloskee RV Park
Chokoloskee RV Park is a waterfront resort located at the southernmost point of Florida's southwest Gulf Coast, positioned between Ten Thousand Islands and neighboring Everglades...
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3.Sun Outdoors Marathon
Sun Outdoors Marathon is an oceanfront RV resort located in Marathon, Florida, featuring exclusive access to 300 feet of secluded waterfront along the Gulf of Mexico. Formerly...
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4.Keys Palms RV Resort
Keys Palms RV Resort is an exclusive luxury RV resort located in Key Largo, Florida at mile marker 104, just 1 hour from Miami and 2 hours from Key West. The resort features 30 RV...
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5.Key Largo Kampground & Marina
Key Largo Kampground & Marina is a privately owned residential community nestled on 40 scenic acres along the Atlantic Ocean at Mile Marker 101.5 in Key Largo, Florida. Located...
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6.Trail Lakes Campground
Trail Lakes Campground is located in Ochopee, Florida, offering a unique camping experience in the heart of the Everglades region. The campground provides diverse accommodation...
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7.Grassy Key RV Park & Resort
Grassy Key RV Park & Resort is located in the heart of the Florida Keys in Marathon, offering easy access to attractions from Key Largo to Key West. The resort accommodates...
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8.Everglades Isle
Everglades Isle is a luxury motorcoach resort and marina located in Everglades City on Florida's Gulf Coast, just 35 miles south of Naples. The exclusive resort features 59 motor...
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9.Sun Outdoors Islamorada
Sun Outdoors Islamorada is a premier RV resort located in Islamorada, Florida, in the heart of the Florida Keys' Sport Fishing Capital. This all-ages, pet-friendly resort offers a...
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10.Kings Kamp RV Park, Marina, Hotel Rooms
Kings Kamp is a comprehensive RV resort and camping park located in Key Largo, Florida, offering diverse accommodation options including RV sites, tent sites, motel rooms, and a...
Show moreShowing 1–10 of 77 campgrounds within 50 miles
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are inside Everglades National Park?
Everglades has two frontcountry campgrounds: Flamingo (234 sites, 41 with electric hookups at $50-60/night, 193 non-electric at $33-38.50/night, year-round) and Long Pine Key (108 sites, $30-35/night, first-come, November through April only). Neither has water or sewer hookups at individual sites.
Flamingo sits at the southern end of the park, 38 miles from the main entrance, with a marina, boat rentals, and a camp store. Long Pine Key is closer to the entrance amid a pine rockland forest. Flamingo requires reservations during peak season (November through April) through the park concessioner at 855-708-2207. A dump station is available at Flamingo. RVs up to 45 feet are accepted at both campgrounds.
How do I camp in the backcountry on chickee platforms?
Backcountry permits ($21 plus $2/person/night) are required for all 47 wilderness sites, including chickee platforms. Reserve through Recreation.gov up to 90 days in advance. Chickees are elevated wooden platforms over open water with a roof and portable toilet.
Chickee platforms accommodate one or two tents and are spaced along canoe and kayak routes through the mangrove backcountry. You must be entirely self-sufficient with water, food, stove, and waste bags. Ground sites and beach sites are also available along the coast and inland waterways. The 99-mile Wilderness Waterway from Flamingo to Everglades City takes 7 to 10 days and is the premier backcountry paddling route.
When is the best time to camp at Everglades?
December through April (dry season) offers the best camping with lower temperatures (60s to 80s), minimal mosquitoes, and concentrated wildlife around remaining water. Wet season (May through November) brings 90-degree heat, daily thunderstorms, and aggressive mosquitoes.
During dry season, wading birds, alligators, and other wildlife concentrate around shrinking water pools, making wildlife viewing exceptional. Ranger programs and boat tours operate on expanded schedules. Long Pine Key Campground only operates during dry season. Flamingo stays open year-round but summer heat, humidity, and mosquitoes make camping uncomfortable from June through October. February and March are peak visitation months.
How do I stay safe around alligators while camping?
Maintain at least 15 feet from all alligators and crocodiles. Never feed any wildlife (illegal, fines up to $5,000). Store all food securely. Keep children and pets away from water edges, especially at dawn and dusk when alligators are most active.
American alligators are found in every freshwater body in the park. American crocodiles inhabit saltwater and brackish areas around Flamingo. Both species are generally not aggressive toward humans who maintain distance. Alligators may approach campgrounds near water. If an alligator hisses, you are too close. Never swim in canals, ponds, or lakes. Report aggressive alligator behavior to a ranger or call 305-242-7700.
Can I bring my dog to Everglades campgrounds?
Dogs on a leash of six feet or shorter are allowed at Flamingo and Long Pine Key campgrounds, on paved roads, and in parking areas. Dogs are prohibited on all trails, boardwalks, the Anhinga Trail, Shark Valley Tram Road, and in the backcountry.
The pet restriction protects both wildlife and pets. Alligators and crocodiles will prey on dogs near water. Pythons and venomous snakes also pose risks. Never leave pets unattended or tied to objects at campsites. For pet-friendly outdoor activities near the park, Homestead and Florida City have dog parks. The nearest pet boarding is in Homestead, 10 miles from the park entrance.
What is the entrance fee for Everglades?
The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass. Motorcycles cost $30 and individual entry on foot or bicycle is $20. An annual Everglades pass costs $55. Shark Valley and Gulf Coast entrances have separate fees.
The main entrance on SR-9336 near Homestead provides access to Flamingo and Long Pine Key. Shark Valley on US-41 (Tamiami Trail) charges $30 per vehicle for a separate seven-day pass. The Gulf Coast entrance in Everglades City has no entrance fee but boat tours are fee-based. The America the Beautiful pass ($80) covers all entrances. Active-duty military enter free.
What is the Shark Valley Tram Tour?
The Shark Valley Tram Tour is a two-hour narrated tour along a 15-mile loop road through sawgrass marsh, with a stop at a 65-foot observation tower. Tours depart multiple times daily and cost $29 for adults. The road is also popular for cycling and walking.
Shark Valley is on US-41 (Tamiami Trail), a separate entrance from the main park road. Alligators line the road, especially during dry season, making it one of the most reliable wildlife viewing areas in the park. Bicycle rentals are available at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. The loop is flat and paved. The observation tower at the halfway point provides panoramic views of the River of Grass extending to the horizon.
What should I bring to protect against mosquitoes?
Bring DEET-based insect repellent (30% or higher), long sleeves, long pants, head nets, and permethrin-treated clothing. Mosquitoes are present year-round but are most intense from May through November during wet season. Dry season (December through April) has significantly fewer mosquitoes.
Mosquito intensity varies dramatically by season and location. Flamingo and backcountry areas near standing water have the heaviest populations. The park describes summer mosquito levels as ranging from 'unpleasant' to 'unbearable.' Chemical-free alternatives like picaridin also work. Treat tent mesh and clothing with permethrin before your trip. Wind reduces mosquito activity, so campsite selection near open areas helps. The Flamingo area can be tolerable even in summer when sea breezes are active.
Quick Facts
- Entrance Fee
- $35/vehicle (7 days)
- Best Time to Visit
- December – April
- Nearest Town
- Homestead, FL, Florida City, FL, Everglades City, FL
- Elevation
- 0 – 8 ft
- Park Size
- 1.5 million acres
- Annual Visitors
- ~1.3 million