Camping in Everglades National Park

Camping in Everglades National Park is bound to be an adventure that helps you discover a unique natural environment. How much you immerse yourselves in it is up to you. The park has two drive-up sites available to RV and tent campers (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground), and amenities vary depending on which campground and site you choose.

Reservations for drive-up camping sites can be made on the Everglades Guest Services web page or by calling (855) 708-2207. Both of the campgrounds at Everglades National Park are reached via the Homestead entrance to the park.

In addition, those who are prepared for a true backcountry wilderness adventure can experience camping on remote ground sites, on a beach or in a chickee (a roofed wooden platform above the slow-moving waters of the “River of Grass”).

Those heading to the backcountry should check the Wilderness Trip Planner. Campers can make reservations through Recreation.gov. Advanced reservations are available on a rolling basis, three months prior to your arrival. Before heading out, always check on the current conditions in the park. Areas of the park might be closed due to seasonal flooding (May through October tend to be the wettest months).

Camping tents — Make your reservations for the RV or tent site

Long Pine Key Boating Campground

Long Pine Key Campground, near the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, is open November 1 to April 30. It is one of two drive-to camping options in the park. It lacks power hookups but does have bath houses, a dump station and a potable water filling station. It has 108 campsites, some RV only, some tent only, and some walk-to/boat-to sites. Reservations are available for RV and tent sites, but some sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Rent a houseboat with all the creature comforts

Flamingo Campground

Flamingo Campground, near the Flamingo Visitor Center, is open year-round. Amenities include bath houses, dump stations, picnic tables, grills and an amphitheater for winter programs.

Of its 65 RV-only sites, 41 have electric hookups. Flamingo has 274 tent-only sites and 40 that are walk-to/boat-to.

Those who’d like a little more luxury can rent an eco-tent from the campground concessionaire, Flamingo Adventures. These tents have electricity, a queen-size bed or two full-size beds, screens to keep the bugs out and a private outdoor patio with seating.

Flamingo Kayaks — Spend the day kayaking on a kayak from Flamingo Adventures

Flamingo Adventures also rents bicycles, kayaks, canoes, powerboats and – for those who want to combine camping with boating – it also rents houseboats that sleep six. Houseboats are equipped with plenty of creature comforts, including linens, hot water, a refrigerator, utensils and cookware, screened windows and other furnishings. These and the smaller powerboats for rent can be used to explore Coot and Whitewater bays. All renters of power boats must first complete the free Everglades Boater Education Program.

Chickee Campground — Camp over the water in a chickee

Backcountry Camping

Everglades National Park’s backcountry camping sites are the way to experience the park beyond the manicured drive-up campgrounds. Some of these are “hike-in” campsites, while others are accessible by kayak or boat. These include chickees, platforms with a roof and open sides that are elevated above the water.

Backcountry Camping Permits

All wilderness camping sites require a permit. Permits must be picked up in person at the designated visitors center on the day before or the day of the reservation. View more wilderness permit FAQs.

For more information, visit Everglades National Park’s official website.