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General Camping Information
There are three campgrounds inside the park, Chekika, Flamingo and Long Pine Key.
Chekika is presently open for day-use only. Camping is not available, pending repairs of damage from Hurricane Irene in October 1999. Located six miles (10 km) west of Krome Ave (State Road 997) on SW 168 Street. (For More Information on this campground please call 305-242-7700)
All campgrounds are open year round. Reservations can be made for campsites at Flamingo and Long Pine Key Campgrounds at 1-800-365-2267. Camping from May through October will be by self-registration at all campgrounds. Fees are not charged from June to August. If you have a Golden Age Pass (U.S. citizen 62 or older) or Golden Access Pass (permanently disabled), camping is half price. This does not apply toward group sites.
| Campground | Open | Sites | Water | Fire Grates | Picnic Tables | Showers | Groceries | Dump Station | Fee |
| Flamingo | All Year | 234 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $14.00 |
| Long Pine Key | All Year | 108 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | $14.00 |
Additional Camping Information
Long Pine Key Campground
Located 7 miles / 11 km from the main entrance, just off the main road.
108 drive up sites for tents and RVs, including one group site.
Close by: Fishing pond, hiking trails, amphitheater.
Flamingo Campground
Located at the end of the main park road in Flamingo.
234 drive in sites, including 55 with a view of the water, four group sites, 64 walk-up sites (20 on the water's edge).
Close by: observation tower at Eco Pond, hiking trails,canoe trails and fishing.
Group Camping
The Long Pine Key has one group site; the Flamingo Campground has four group sites. The limit per group site is 15 persons for Long Pine Key and Flamingo. The fee for group camping is $28.00 per night.
For group site reservations, contact the Main Entrance Station at 305-242-7759. Provide the following information:
The length of stay limits indicated below apply to the peak use season from mid-November through late April. Campsite capacities apply year round. Capacities are subject to change; check at the ranger station before departing.
Camping Fees
Regular Sites: $14.00 - maximum of 8 persons
Group Sites: $28.00 - maximum of 15 persons at Flamingo and Lone Pine Key
Group Sites: $28.00 - maximum of 20 persons at Chekika
From December to April, campgrounds usually fill each night. Campsites are available on a first come first serve basis, so early arrival is recommended for the best chance of obtaining a site. Checkout is by 11:00 am.
During the winter season (01 Nov - 30 Apr), camping is limited to 14 days in Everglades National Park. Camping may not exceed 30 days in one year. Only one primary camping unit (motor home, pop-up, camping, camper van, etc.) and one secondary unit (tent) may occupy a campsite at a time.
Camping Regulations & Tips
Site Occupancy
Only one primary camping unit (motor home, pop-up camper, camper van, etc.) and one secondary unit, (tent) may occupy a campsite at a time. Maximum (8) persons per site. Leave an indication of occupancy at your campsite. Occupancy signs are available at the registration desk. Do not attach anything to the trees or vegetation.
Stay Limits
Check out time is 11:00 am. If you wish to re-register, please do so by 11:00 am. Failure to do so may result in the loss of your site. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in Everglades National Park. Camping may not exceed 30 days in one year.
Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm until 6:00 am. Small generators are permitted. Operating hours are from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm.
Food Storage
All food and equipments used to cook food or store food when not in use, must be kept sealed in a vehicle or camping unit constructed of a solid, non-pliable material (or inside a food storage facility). Place all garbage in the green dumpster provided. Recycle bins are also available. Close all door and lids to keep wildlife out.
Waste disposal
Do not dump sewage or waste water on the ground. Use the dump stations located on the campground. Bathing, washing dishes, food, clothing or other property at public water outlets, fixtures or pools is prohibited. Utility sinks for dish washing are located in the rear of each restroom facility.
Pets
Pets are not permitted at backcountry campsites, beaches, or ashore anywhere in the backcountry. Pets can disrupt feeding, nesting, and mating activities of wildlife. Keep all pets under physical restrains at all times. Pets are only allowed in the campgrounds and parking areas.
Fires
Fires are permitted in grills only. Ground fires are not permitted. Only dead wood that is found on the ground may be collected. Do not collect or damage any live vegetation.
Speed Limits
The speed limit in the campgrounds is 15 mph. Driving on grass, off paved roads or on trails is prohibited. Do not park in front of gates.
Fishing
Follow the regulations for the state of Florida for appropriate fishing licenses for salt and fresh water fishing. See the Fishing Page for details.
Clothing
The Everglades is mild and pleasant from December through April, though rare cold fronts may create near freezing conditions. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures around 90 F / 32° C and humidity over 90%. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and mosquitoes are abundant. Wear comfortable sportswear in winter; loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and insect repellent, are recommended in the summer.
Sun and Mosquitoes
Visitors are advised to bring drinking water and snacks since these items are sparsely located. Since sun and insects are likely to be abundant, sun screen, protective clothing and insect repellent are advised. Insects can make a visit unbearable during the summer months if you are not prepared. Information on mosquito levels during the summer is available at 305-242-7700 (8:30 am to 4:00 pm EST).
Backcountry Information
Everglades National Park has three kinds of backcountry campsites: Chickees, Ground Sites, and Beach Sites.
Chickees are located along interior rivers and bays where no dry land exists. They are elevated 10 foot x 12 foot / 3 m x 3.7 m wooden platforms with roofs, usually constructed on open water, well away from mangrove trees. A narrow walkway leads to a self-contained toilet. You'll need a free-standing tent, since stakes or nails are not allowed.
Miccosukee Indians describe a chickee as an open-air structure which allows wind to blow through for comfort on hot days and to keep insects away. Everglades backcountry chickees serve a similar purpose.
Ground sites are mounds of earth a few feet higher than the surrounding mangroves, located along interior bays and rivers. They tend to have more insects than chickees or beach sites. Some ground sites are old Indian mounds. Coastal aboriginals, who lived here well before the Seminoles, constructed mounds of shell or soil as dry dwelling sites amidst the mangroves. Others, such as the Lopez River campsite and the Watson Place, were cleared by early settlers.
Beach sites are located on coastal shell beaches. During ideal conditions, insects may be scarce, but always be prepared for mosquitoes and no-see-ums (tiny biting flies), especially at sunrise and sunset. People in small craft should be aware that Gulf waters at beach sites can become extremely rough; seas can exceed 3 feet / 1 m. Sand beaches are often stabilized by tall, grassy plants called sea oats. Take care not to damage them. Sea turtles nest on beaches in late spring and summer. Avoid camping or building a fire where sea turtle nesting evidence exists. Many beach sites have no toilets. Bury human waste at least six inches / 15 cm below the surface or, preferably, pack it and toilet paper to the nearest toilet. Most of south Florida's natural beach is built up from the shells of multitudes of marine organisms. While some shells are fragmented, many can be discovered completely intact. Some beaches, such as Highland Beach and Cape Sable, serve as essential nesting sites for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).
| Campsite Name | Type of Site | No. of People | No. of Parties | No. of Nights | Toilet | Tables | Dock |
| Alligator Creek | Ground | 8 | 3 | 2 | No* | No | No |
| Broad River | Ground | 10 | 3 | 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Camp Lonesome | Ground | 10 | 3 | 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canepatch | Ground | 12 | 4 | 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cape Sable, East | Beach | 60 | 15 | 7 | No | No | No |
| Cape Sable, Middle | Beach | 60 | 15 | 7 | No | No | No |
| Cape Sable, Northwest | Beach | 36 | 9 | 7 | No | No | No |
| Carl Ross Key | Beach | 12 | 4 | 2 | No | No | No |
| Clubhouse Beach | Beach | 24 | 4 | 3 | No | No | No |
| Darwin's Place | Ground | 8 | 2 | 3 | Yes | Yes | No |
| East Clubhouse Beach | Beach | 24 | 4 | 3 | No | No | No |
| Ernest Coe*** | Ground | 8 | 1 | 3 | No | No | No |
| Graveyard Creek | Ground | 12 | 4 | 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Harney River | Chickee | 6 | 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hell's Bay | Chickee | 6 / 6 | 1 / 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Highland Beach | Beach | 24 | 4 | 3 | No | No | No |
| Hog Key** | Beach | 8 | 2 | 2 | No | No | No |
| Ingraham*** | Ground | 8 | 1 | 3 | No | No | No |
| Joe River | Chickee | 6 / 6 | 1 / 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Lane Bay | Chickee | 6 | 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Lard Can | Ground | 10 | 4 | 2 | Yes | No | No |
| Little Rabbit Key | Ground | 12 | 4 | 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lopez River | Ground | 12 | 3 | 2 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Lostman's Five | Ground | 15 | 3 | 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mormon Key | Beach | 12 | 2 | 3 | No | No | No |
| New Turkey Key | Beach | 10 | 2 | 2 | Yes | No | No |
| North Nest Key | Beach | 25 | 7 | 7 | Yes | No | Yes |
| North River | Chickee | 6 | 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Oyster Bay | Chickee | 6 / 6 | 1 / 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Pavillion Key | Beach | 20 | 4 | 3 | Yes | No | No |
| Pearl Bay**** | Chickee | 6 / 6 | 1 / 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Picnic Key | Beach | 16 | 3 | 3 | Yes | No | No |
| Plate Creek | Chickee | 6 | 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Rabbit Key | Beach | 8 | 2 | 2 | Yes | No | No |
| Roberts River | Chickee | 6 / 6 | 1 / 1 | 2 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Rodgers River | Chickee | 6 / 6 | 1 / 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Shark Point** | Ground | 8 | 1 | 3 | No* | No | No |
| Shark River | Chickee | 6 | 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| South Joe River | Chickee | 6 / 6 | 1 / 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Sunday Bay | Chickee | 6 / 6 | 1 / 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Sweetwater | Chickee | 6 / 6 | 1 / 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Tiger Key | Beach | 12 | 3 | 3 | No | No | No |
| Turkey Key | Beach | 12 | 3 | 3 | No | No | No |
| Watson's Place | Ground | 20 | 5 | 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Watson River | Chickee | 6 | 1 | 1 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Willy Willy | Ground | 10 | 3 | 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
* No toilet facilities - bringing portable toilet recommended.
** Shallow water approach; recommended for canoes/kayaks only.
*** Ernest Coe and Ingraham are accessible on foot or bicycle only.
**** The Pearl Bay Chickee is accessible to people with mobility impairments. It features handrails, a canoe dock, and an accessible chemical toilet.
Backcountry Permits
Backcountry permits are required for all overnight camping, except in auto campgrounds or when sleeping aboard boats. They may be obtained in person up to 24 hours before the day your trip begins. Please display your permit on your tent. Upon completion of your trip, please turn your permit in to a Ranger Station or Visitor Center. Indicate comments or complaints on the back of the permit, and report any violations to a park ranger.
Insect conditions are so severe during summer months that backcountry use is minimal and permit writing desks may not be staffed. Permits are still required - follow self-registration instruction at the Flamingo or Gulf Coast Visitor Centers, or the Key Largo Ranger Station (usually May to November).
Winter backcountry users originating from the Florida Keys will be able to obtain permits over the phone from Flamingo, no more than 24 hours prior to the start of their trip, for the following locations only: North Nest Key, Little Rabbit Key, Carl Ross Key, and the Cape Sable Beaches.
Fee for backcountry permits:
Gulf Coast Visitor Center (Everglades City)
Hours: 7:30 am to 4:45 pm - Daily
Phone: 941-695-3311
Flamingo Visitor Center (including all Florida Bay sites)
Hours: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm - Daily
Phone: 941-695-2945
Main Entrance Station
Backcountry permits are written from the Main Entrance Station only for two land sites in the Long Pine Key area.
Hours: 8:00 am and 5:00 pm - Daily.
Write to Everglades National Park to request a printed copy of the park map and Backcountry Trip Planner:
Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
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This site is in no way associated with the United States Government, the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service
