Everglades National Park Camping: Adventure in Florida’s Wetlands

Camping in Everglades National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Florida’s iconic wetlands. Whether you prefer accessible drive-in campgrounds or adventurous wilderness sites, the Everglades provides breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and an unforgettable outdoor experience. From planning your trip to packing essentials, this guide covers everything you need to know to make your camping adventure safe, enjoyable, and eco-friendly. Let’s take a look.

Can I Camp Anywhere in Everglades National Park?

No, you must camp in the two drive-in campgrounds or the numerous designated wilderness sites. Wilderness campsites require a permit and reservations, including ground sites, beach spots, and chickees (elevated camping platforms).  

Which Campground Is Best in the Everglades?

Which is best depends on your camping style. We’ve gathered a variety of locations, from boat-in wilderness campgrounds to RV spots with full hookups. Let’s take a look: 

Flamingo Campground

Flamingo Campground is one of two drive-in campgrounds within the park accessible from the Homestead entrance. It offers ample sites for tents, RVs with or without electricity, and accessible sites. Many have access to boating within walking distance. It also offers solar-heated showers, flush toilets, potable water, RV dump stations, picnic tables, grills, a camp store with ice and firewood, and seasonal Ranger programs. There are also lots of hiking and canoe trails and opportunities for saltwater fishing. This site is very popular for winter camping and early spring camping. 

• Cell reception works but is unreliable.
• Reservations are recommended from December to April.
• Cost is $33 to $50 on weekdays or $38.50 to $60 on weekends.
• Swimming is not allowed in lakes or ponds. 
• Fishing is permitted with a Florida State Fishing License.
• Generator hours are from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. However, since it operates just above a whisper, you can use the ultra-quiet EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W).

Lone Pine Key

Long Pine Key is the other drive-in site within the park, which is open seasonally from November to May. It has 108 campsites for RVs, tents, and accessible sites, all within walking distance of boating. It offers potable water, an RV dump station, flush toilets, showers, and utility sinks. There are no electrical hookups, so bring an EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series portable power station for lights and recharging electronic devices. Even though it’s a mini generator, it has no motor, so there’s no need to worry about generator noise restrictions. 

• Reservation and first-come-first-serve options are available. Reservations are made with Everglades Guest Services at 1-855-708-2207.
• Fires are permitted in grills only.
• Cell reception works but is not reliable.
• Sites cost $33 per night on weekdays and $38.50 on weekends.
• Due to noise restrictions, generators may only be operated from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Wilderness Camping in the Everglades

Plenty of ground sites, beach sites, and elevated camping platforms called chickees are located throughout the park for the adventuresome types. Most are only accessible by boat, though a few may be reached by hikers. There are some vault toilets, but otherwise, you will need to dig a hole, and there is no potable water available, so be sure to pack your own. Whether traveling with a group or solo camping, wilderness permits are required unless you sleep on your boat. You can purchase a permit online or at the Flamingo Visitor Center using a credit card. Bring the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank to recharge your phone so you can keep taking great photos of your adventure.

• Reservations are required and should be booked online at Recreation.gov. There’s a $21 administrative fee plus $2 per person per night. 
• Purchase navigation charts online from the Florida National Parks Association. 
• Read the National Park’s trip planning information for a successful journey. 
• Do not use soap in the waterways. After washing dishes, sprinkle gray water on the ground. 

Bear Island Campground

Bear Island Campground is a primitive site for self-sufficient campers in the Big Cypress National Preserve, 30 minutes from the Everglades. It’s home to tropical and temperate plants and diverse wildlife, including the endangered Florida Panther. There are 40 tent or unpowered RV sites, 12 open all year round, with the rest open from August 15 to April 15. Vault toilets, fire rings, shared food storage, and picnic tables are available, but there’s no potable water, so pack your own. Activities include off-road vehicle access with an ORV permit, plus hiking, fishing, and hunting. 

• Cell service is limited.
• The cost is $10 per night, no cash. Payments must be made online, and advance reservations are recommended.
• Access is down a 20-mile secondary gravel road. 
• For their safety, pets are not allowed on trails, the water, or the backcountry and cannot be left unattended. 

Midway Campground

Midway Campground is a larger campsite in the Big Cypress National Preserve for those wanting more amenities. There are tent and RV sites with and without electricity, dump stations, flush toilets (no showers), and potable water on site. Each RV campsite has a picnic table and a grill, and covered picnic areas are around the lake for day use. Campers can enjoy the beautiful preserve from their campsite or go hiking through the many trails and boardwalks. There are also hunting and fishing nearby and off-road vehicle trails.  

• For their safety, dogs must remain on a leash at all times. 
• No swimming is allowed in the lake. 
• ORVs are not allowed to operate in the campground. 
• No cash payments on-site; payments must be made online, and reservations are recommended.
• Quiet hours without generator use are between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. 

What Should I Pack for an Everglades National Park Camping Trip?

• Cool, loose-fitting clothing.
• Sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. 
• Bug repellant, head nets, and bug jackets for summer.  
• Potable water. 
• Raincoat, boots, and rain pants, especially for summer camping. 
• A quality tent with a good rain fly in case it rains. 
• Standard sleeping bags in winter or a sheet for summer.  
• Cooking utensils and camp stove. 
• Solar generator for sites without power. Models like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus are ultra-quiet and not bound by generator noise restrictions. 
• EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner for beating the summer heat. It lasts eight hours wirelessly and can be recharged using portable solar panels. It also doubles as a heater to stay warm in winter.   

6 Everglades National Park Camping Tips

1. Permits are required for wilderness camping, but not for drive-in campgrounds or when sleeping on a boat. 
2. The dry season from November to April is the most popular, with fewer bugs and lower temperatures. If you’re summer camping, mosquito netting, and repellant are a must.  
3. Boats are strongly recommended since much of the park is only water-accessible.  
4. Even in the dry season, it might rain. Bring rain gear and a tent with a good rain fly. 
5. Help protect fragile ecosystems by removing trash and keeping soap out of the waterways.  
6. Keep pets on a leash at all times for their safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Camping in Everglades National Park is an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike. With various campgrounds, each offering unique amenities and access to incredible waterways, there’s something for everyone. Whether navigating the water, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, or exploring nearby trails, proper preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable trip. 

Don’t forget your EcoFlow River 3 Series portable power station; it’s small enough to bring in a kayak but powerful enough to run lights, recharge your devices, and even run small appliances. Since they operate with very little sound, they are not bound by noise restrictions. Now, embrace the beauty of Florida’s wetlands and start planning your Everglades camping adventure today.