Everglades National Park Florida, USA Travel Guide
Front-country campgrounds are available at Long Pine and Flamingo within Everglades National Park. Backcountry camping needs a permit.
The Flamingo Lodge & Restaurant, reopened in 2023-2024, offers modern, eco-friendly lodging within the park at Flamingo.
Hostel options are few in nearby towns, more common in Miami.
Budget to mid-range motels and hotels exist in Homestead, Florida City (near the main park entrance), Everglades City, or Naples (near the Gulf Coast entrance).
These are mainly in larger surrounding cities like Miami, Coral Gables, or Naples.
Coastal resorts with beaches and extensive facilities are present in Naples and Marco Island.
Hotels near Miami or Fort Lauderdale airports provide convenient overnight stays before or after flights.
Urban accommodation is abundant in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples.
Discover distinct lodging options for a memorable stay near the Everglades.
These are less common for direct Everglades visits. They are more prevalent in rural Florida outside the park's focus.
Limited opportunities for direct homestay immersion directly adjacent to the park.
Embrace the wild with camping options within the national park.
Mosquito presence is high, especially during the wet season. Mosquito repellent is highly suggested.
Observe wildlife from a safe distance. Do not feed animals.
Follow all park regulations and ranger instructions for safety.
Explore the diverse character of towns bordering Everglades National Park.
These are the closest major towns to the main park entrance (Ernest Coe Visitor Center). They have an agricultural and working-class atmosphere.
Convenient access to the main park road (Royal Palm, Pa-Hay-Okee, Flamingo). Lodging and dining options are more affordable.
A small, historic fishing village known as the "Gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands." It offers a rustic, old Florida charm.
Easy access to paddling and boat tours in the Ten Thousand Islands. Quiet atmosphere.
Upscale coastal cities with beautiful beaches, fine dining, and luxury resorts.
Luxurious amenities, diverse dining and shopping. Convenient for accessing northern Big Cypress National Preserve.
Significant drive to Everglades National Park. Much higher accommodation costs.
Higher expenditure for lodging and dining.
urban centers with extensive cultural and entertainment offerings.
Widest range of accommodation, international airport access, many cultural attractions.
Traffic can be heavy. Minimum 1-hour drive (without traffic) to the main park entrance.
Day trips can be lengthy due to travel time.
All listed areas are generally safe for tourists. Standard urban precautions apply in Miami. In smaller towns, crime is generally low.
Homestead/Florida City is closest to the main park entrance, good for accessing Royal Palm and Flamingo.
Generally quieter than Miami/Naples. A suburban atmosphere.
A very quiet, rustic, small-town atmosphere.
A peaceful setting, surrounded by nature, with minimal human noise.
