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Where to Stay in Everglades National Park

Where to Stay in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Florida, USA Travel Guide

Standard Accommodation Choices

Lodging Categories

  • Camping:

    Front-country campgrounds are available at Long Pine and Flamingo within Everglades National Park. Backcountry camping needs a permit.

  • Lodges:

    The Flamingo Lodge & Restaurant, reopened in 2023-2024, offers modern, eco-friendly lodging within the park at Flamingo.

  • Hostels:

    Hostel options are few in nearby towns, more common in Miami.

  • Motels/Hotels:

    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).

Further Out Lodging

  • Luxury Hotels:

    These are mainly in larger surrounding cities like Miami, Coral Gables, or Naples.

  • Beach Resorts:

    Coastal resorts with beaches and broad facilities are present in Naples and Marco Island.

  • Airport Hotels:

    Hotels near Miami or The Venice of america airports provide convenient staying overnight before or after flights.

  • City Stays:

    Urban accommodation is abundant in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples.

Unique Local Accommodation

Discover distinct lodging options for a memorable stay near the Everglades.

Eco-Tents

Highlights
  • Eco-friendly design
  • Located within Flamingo
  • Canvas tents with comfy beds
  • Close to nature
Considerations
  • Limited availability
  • Seasonal operation
  • Shared facilities
  • Potential for wildlife encounters

Houseboats

Highlights
  • Rentable at Flamingo Marina
  • Overnight stays in Florida Bay
  • Unique water-based experience
  • Access to remote areas
Considerations
  • Seasonal access
  • Requires booking far in advance
  • Basic amenities onboard
  • Weather dependency

Vacation Rentals

Highlights
  • Available in Homestead, Florida City, Naples, Miami
  • More space and amenities
  • Good for families or longer stays
  • Full kitchens for self-catering
Considerations
  • Require self-transport
  • Further from park interior
  • Cleaning fees apply
  • Varying quality standards

Homestay and Community-Based Tourism Opportunities

Presence:

These are less common for direct Everglades visits. They are more prevalent in rural Florida outside the park's focus.

Local Engagement:

Limited opportunities for direct homestay immersion directly adjacent to the park.

Camping and Outdoor Accommodation Details

Embrace the wild with camping choices within the national park.

Long Pine Campground

  • Open seasonally, typically November-May.
  • Offers drive-up sites for tents and RVs.
  • Restrooms with cold showers and a dump station are present.
  • Reservations are suggested, especially in high season.

Flamingo Campground

  • Open year-round.
  • Offers drive-up sites, walk-in sites, and primitive sites.
  • Restrooms, cold showers, and a dump station are available.
  • Eco-Tents and Houseboats are also available here.

Backcountry Camping

Access:
  • Wilderness campsites are accessible by canoe, kayak, or powerboat.
  • Permits are required from visitor centers.
Experience:
  • Offers extreme solitude plus deep nature.
  • Prepare for primitive conditions.

Important Information on Wildlife

Mosquitoes:

Mosquito presence is high, especially during the wet season. Mosquito repellent is a very good idea.

Alligators/Crocodiles:

Observe wildlife from a safe distance. Do not feed animals.

Safety:

Follow all park regulations and ranger how to safety.

Neighborhood Guide

Discover the varied character of towns bordering Everglades National Park.

Homestead / Florida City East Entrance

Character

These are the closest major towns to the main park entrance (Ernest Coe Visitor Center). They possess an agricultural and working-class atmosphere.

  • Practical amenities available
  • Supermarkets, gas stations
  • Budget to mid-range lodging
  • Agricultural surroundings
Pros & Cons

Good access to the main park road (Royal Palm, Pa-Hay-Okee, Flamingo). Lodging and places to have a meal are more affordable.

  • Close to other attractions like Biscayne National Park
  • Can feel a bit dated
  • Practical amenities
  • Affordable pricing

Everglades City / Chokoloskee West/Northwest Entrance

Character

A small, historic fishing village known as the "Gateway to the Ten The Thousand islands archipelago." It offers a simple, old Florida charm.

  • Main access point for Gulf Coast Visitor Center
  • Focus on fishing and boating
  • Quiet and laid-back atmosphere
  • Historic buildings
Pros & Cons

Easy access to paddling and boat tours in the Ten The Thousand islands archipelago. Serene atmosphere.

  • Limited dining and lodging options
  • Further drive from Miami/Fort Lauderdale airports
  • Less convenient for main park a road leading to
  • Authentic small-town feel

Naples / Marco Island Northwest of the Park

  • Character:

    Upscale cities on the coast with beautiful beaches, fine dining, and luxury resorts.

  • Pros:

    Luxurious amenities, diverse dining and shopping. Convenient for accessing northern Big Cypress National Preserve.

  • Cons:

    Significant drive to Everglades National Park. Much higher accommodation costs.

  • Cost:

    Higher expenditure for lodging and dining.

Miami / South Miami / Coral Gables Northeast of the Park

  • Character:

    metropolitan areas with extensive cultural and entertainment offerings.

  • Pros:

    Widest range of accommodation, international airport access, many cultural attractions.

  • Cons:

    There can be a lot of traffic. Minimum 1-hour drive (without traffic) to the main park entrance.

  • Travel Time:

    Day trips can be lengthy due to travel time.

Safety and Proximity Considerations

Safety by Area

All listed areas are generally safe for tourists. The usual precautions for a city apply in Miami. In little towns, crime is generally low.

  • General caution in urban settings
  • Low crime in villages
  • Secure belongings
  • Awareness in crowds
Proximity to Attractions and Transportation Hubs

Homestead/Florida City is closest in proximity to the main park entrance, good for getting to Royal Palm and Flamingo.

  • Everglades City: Ideal for Gulf Coast and Ten The The thousand islands archipelago archipelago.
  • Naples/Miami: Good for airport access and combining city experiences.
  • Longer drives to the park from large cities.
  • Consider travel time when planning.

Noise Levels and Ambiance

Homestead/Florida City

Generally quieter than Miami/Naples. A suburban atmosphere.

Everglades City

A extremely peaceful, rustic, small-town atmosphere.

Flamingo Campground

A peaceful setting, surrounded by nature, with minimal human noise.