Everglades National Park - Full Datasheet for Van Travelers

Everglades National Park, located in southern Florida, is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, covering 1.5 million acres of wetlands, sawgrass marshes, mangroves, and hardwood hammocks. The park is a critical habitat for a wide variety of species, including the endangered American crocodile, West Indian manatee, and Florida panther. Its vast and complex ecosystems are fed by the slow-moving "River of Grass," which flows from Lake Okeechobee through the Everglades, creating a unique environment that supports both freshwater and saltwater species. The park’s landscape is a mosaic of habitats that change with the seasons and the water levels, making it a dynamic and ever-evolving destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

For those exploring the Everglades by camper van, the park offers a wide range of activities, from hiking and birdwatching to boating and fishing. The main entrance at Homestead provides access to the Royal Palm and Flamingo areas, where visitors can take advantage of various trails and scenic drives. Popular trails like the Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail offer opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, wading birds, and turtles, in their natural habitats. Boating is another highlight of the park, with options for guided boat tours, kayaking, and canoeing through the park’s extensive waterways and mangrove tunnels. For those interested in fishing, the park’s waters are teeming with a variety of fish species, offering both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities.

Camping in Everglades National Park is a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the park's serene and remote environment. The park offers two front-country campgrounds: Long Pine Key Campground, located near the park’s main entrance, and Flamingo Campground, situated along Florida Bay. Both campgrounds are accessible by camper van and provide a base for exploring the park’s diverse landscapes. For those seeking a more primitive experience, backcountry camping is available on chickees, beach sites, and ground sites throughout the park, accessible only by boat. Whether you’re navigating the park’s waterways, hiking its trails, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, Everglades National Park offers a one-of-a-kind adventure in one of the most unique ecosystems in the world.

Park's Official Name: Everglades National Park

Location:
State: Florida
Nearest Major City: Miami, Florida
GPS Coordinates: 25.2866° N, 80.8987° W
Park Size, in Acres: 1.5 million
Annual Visitors: 1,200,000 (approx.)
Website:  https://www.nps.gov/ever
Phone Number: (305) 242-7700

Social Media Accounts:
Instagram: @EvergladesNPS
Facebook: Everglades National Park
X: @EvergladesNPS

Entrance Fees:
Vehicle Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
Motorcycle Fee: $25 (valid for 7 days)
Pedestrian/Bicyclist Fee: $15 (valid for 7 days)
Annual Pass: $55 for Everglades-specific annual pass
Fee-Free Days: Select days throughout the year (such as National Park Week or Veterans Day)

Operating Hours and Seasons:
Open: Year-round, 24/7
Visitor Center Hours: Typically 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours in winter
Best Times to Visit: Winter and early spring (cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitoes)

Camping & Overnight Stays:
Campgrounds:
Long Pine Key Campground: Located near the main entrance, open seasonally, first-come, first-served
Flamingo Campground: Located along Florida Bay, open year-round, reservations recommended

Fees: $20 per night for standard campsites.
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and dump stations.
RV Size Limits: Maximum RV length: 45 feet.
Backcountry Camping: Permits required for all backcountry camping.

Overnight Parking:
Overnight Parking: Allowed only in designated areas and campgrounds.
Stealth Camping: Not permitted within park boundaries, but available in nearby public lands.

Hiking & Trails:
Popular Trails:
Anhinga Trail: Easy, 0.8 miles round trip, a boardwalk trail offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
Gumbo Limbo Trail: Easy, 0.4 miles round trip, a shaded walk through a hardwood hammock
Pa-hay-okee Overlook: Easy, 0.16 miles round trip, a short boardwalk trail with views of the vast sawgrass marsh
Shark Valley Tram Road: Moderate, 15 miles round trip, a paved trail ideal for biking and tram tours with panoramic views of the Everglades
Mahogany Hammock Trail: Easy, 0.5 miles round trip, a boardwalk trail through a dense tropical hardwood forest

ADA-Accessible Trails:
Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail.

Points of Interest:
Shark Valley: A popular area offering tram tours, biking, and a 65-foot observation tower with panoramic views of the Everglades
Flamingo: Located at the southern tip of the park, offering access to Florida Bay, boat tours, and camping
Royal Palm: Near the park’s main entrance, home to the Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo Trails
Ten Thousand Islands: A maze of mangrove islands and waterways, excellent for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing
Pine Island: The largest island in the Everglades, offering hiking trails and picnic areas

Permits and Regulations:
Permits: Required for backcountry camping, commercial filming, and special events.
Fire Regulations: Fires allowed only in designated areas and fire rings at campgrounds.
Leave No Trace: Strictly enforced to protect the delicate ecosystems of the Everglades.

Wildlife & Safety Information:
Common Wildlife: Alligators, manatees, Florida panthers, and a variety of wading birds.
Safety Tips: Stay on designated trails, be cautious around wildlife, and carry plenty of water
Poisonous Plants/Insects: Watch out for mosquitoes, especially in the summer, and avoid contact with poison ivy.

Weather & Climate:
Summer: Hot and humid, with highs of 85-95°F, frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Fall: 80-90°F, with decreasing humidity and occasional rain.
Winter: Mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 55-75°F, ideal for outdoor activities.
Spring: 75-85°F, with warming temperatures and increasing humidity.

Weather Preparedness: Bring sun protection, insect repellent, and plenty of water for hydration.

Activities & Attractions:
Hiking: Numerous boardwalks and trails offering wildlife viewing and scenic vistas.
Boating: Opportunities for guided boat tours, kayaking, and canoeing through mangrove tunnels and waterways.
Wildlife Watching: Excellent opportunities to see a variety of species, including alligators, birds, and manatees.
Fishing: Allowed with a Florida fishing license, both freshwater and saltwater options available.
Scenic Drives: Main Park Road offers access to many of the park’s highlights and trailheads.

Accessibility:
ADA-Accessible Areas: Visitor centers, Anhinga Trail, Gumbo Limbo Trail, and some picnic areas.
Accessible Restrooms: Available at visitor centers and campgrounds.

Facilities & Services:
Visitor Centers: Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, Shark Valley Visitor Center, and Flamingo Visitor Center.
Restrooms: Available at visitor centers and major trailheads.
Dump Stations: Located at Long Pine Key and Flamingo Campgrounds.
Picnic Areas: Available near visitor centers and along scenic drives.
Medical Services: Nearest hospital in Homestead, FL.

Leave No Trace Guidelines:
Visitors are required to pack out all trash, follow trail regulations, and avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation.

Cell Service & Connectivity:
Cell Service: Limited in remote areas, better near visitor centers.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available at some visitor centers.
Off-Grid Preparedness: Download maps and resources in advance, as cell service is unreliable.

Nearest Towns and Supplies:
Homestead, FL: Nearest town with grocery stores, restaurants, and services
Florida City, FL: Located near the park entrance, offering more supplies and accommodations

Closest National Park to This Park:
Biscayne National Park, 30 miles away

Photography Tips:
Best Times: Early morning and late evening for the best lighting and wildlife activity.
Top Locations: Shark Valley, Anhinga Trail, Flamingo, and Ten Thousand Islands.

Park-Specific Rules and Regulations:
Drones: Prohibited within the park.
Pets: Allowed only in parking areas and campgrounds, not on trails.
Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 6 AM in campgrounds.

Emergency Contacts:
Park Rangers: (305) 242-7700
Nearest Hospital: Homestead Hospital, Homestead, FL
Emergency: Call 911

Special Events:
Ranger-Led Programs: Seasonal talks, boat tours, and guided walks focusing on the park’s ecology and wildlife.

Sustainability Initiatives:
Zero Waste Initiatives: Recycling bins available at visitor centers and campgrounds.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Located in nearby Homestead, FL.

*Please note that all information provided, including park details, fees, and regulations, is subject to change without notice and may vary depending on park management policies, seasonal conditions, or unforeseen circumstances.