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How to Camp in the Everglades: RV + Tent-Camping Guide

Our first camping trip in Everglades National Park was unforgettable. But with the park stretching across an impressive 1.5 million acres, choosing the right campground took some planning. The Everglades offers 3 main camping optionsโ€”Long Pine Key Campground, Flamingo Campground, and various Backcountry Campgrounds. In this guide, weโ€™ll break down the pros and cons of each, share insider tips, and help you secure the perfect spot.

Note: We use affiliate links which provide us a little kickback each time you use one of our links and make a purchase, without any additional cost to you. We do not recommend products that we donโ€™t already love or have heard great things about, so you can trust weโ€™re only suggesting great products to you.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • โ›บQuick Picks
  • 1. Long Pine Key Campground
  • 2. Flamingo Campground
  • 3. Backcountry Campsites
  • 4. Big Cypress National Preserve
    • Big Cypress National Preserve – Campground List
  • ๐ŸฆŸ 5 Things to Keep in Mind at Campgrounds in the Everglades
    • 1. Prepare for the Bugs
    • 2. Know the Campgrounds’ Limits
    • 3. Make Your Reservations in Advance
    • 4. Expect Higher Prices on Weekends in Flamingo
    • 5. Make a Plan for Your Pets
  • ๐ŸŒค๏ธ Everglades Weather
    • Wet Season (Summer)
    • Dry Season (Winter)
  • ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Map of Campgrounds in the Everglades
  • Read Next: Our 9 Favorite Hikes in Everglades National Park
  • ๐Ÿ“ฐ Related Articles
  • ๐ŸŽฅ Watch on YouTube
  • ๐Ÿ”Ž Ready to Explore Campgrounds in the Everglades?

โ›บQuick Picks

If you’re short on time, here’s our rundown on which campgrounds in the Everglades will best suit what you’re looking for. By clicking on the campground name, you can jump down to its corresponding section to read more!

๐Ÿ›ถ Best for Kayaking: Flamingo Campground in Flamingo

๐Ÿฅพ Central Location: Long Pine Key Campground in Royal Palm

๐ŸŒฒ Complete Solitude: Backcountry Campgrounds in Flamingo and Gulf Coast

๐Ÿ’…๐Ÿผ Glamping Getaway: Glamping Tents in Flamingo

๐Ÿ’ต Budget Option + Closest to Shark Valley: Monument Lake Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

1. Long Pine Key Campground

Long Pine Key Campground is the first campground youโ€™ll encounter when entering Everglades National Park through the Homestead Entranceโ€”and itโ€™s one of the most popular! Just minutes from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and the famous Anhinga Trail, this centrally located campground is a great base for exploring the parkโ€™s top attractions.

View of Loop A in Long Pine Key Campground
You’re just down the road from Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center!
Jen pictured on the nearby Anhinga Trail

This 108-site campground offers a short nature trail, a peaceful fishing pond, and easy access to groceries and gas, with Homestead just 20 minutes away. However, keep in mind that Long Pine Key is only open from November 1st to April 30th, closing during the Evergladesโ€™ wet season (Mayโ€“October). This also makes it more popular during the dry season, which is why we couldnโ€™t score a spot this past January.

Compared to Flamingo Campground, Long Pine Key provides more privacy and larger campsites, thanks to its pine rockland ecosystem. The sites are more spaced out, making for a quieter camping experience. Thereโ€™s even a no-generator section for tent campers who prefer the quiet. If youโ€™re looking for a well-shaded, centrally located campground with easy access to top sights, and can score a spot, Long Pine Key is a fantastic option!

โœ… More Privacy
โœ… Close to Homestead
โœ… Toilets and Showers
โœ… Dump Stations
โœ… Wheelchair Accessibility
โœ… Pets Allowed
โœ… Cell Service
โŒ Closed May-October
โŒ No Electrical Hookups
โŒ No Pull-Through Sites

Location: Homestead, FL 33034
Open: Nov 1 – April 30
Price: $29.70-$60 per night
Reservations: Call 1-855-708-2207 or Reserve Here (We highly recommend reserving in advance)

2. Flamingo Campground

Flamingo Campground sits in the southernmost part of the Everglades, near Florida Bay, offering year-round camping right next to kayak and canoe rentals at Flamingo Marina. Its 274 sites are split between 2 loops, tent sites (A-Loop) and RV sites (T-Loop). Generators are permitted in T-Loop only from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. Generators are prohibited in the A-Loop and Bayside grounds. The sites are not super private as the campground is in a relatively open area. This campground would be great for RV-ers who prioritize pull-through sites as all the sites had that ease of access.

Example of camper in the T-Loop.
Example of tent campers in the A-Loop.

In our case, we stayed in the T-Loop for 2 nights in our van and loved the experience! That being said, we would have preferred to split our time with Long Pine Key if there had been availability. The bugs were atrocious, so having bug nets to cover our van doors was essential to being able to enjoy the comfortable temperatures outside.

Jen cooking dinner inside the van.
As you can see, Flamingo has fewer trees, making each campsite a bit less private than in Long Pine Key.

There is no hot water in the trailer area (T-Loop). We had driven over to the tent-camping loop (A-Loop) for a hot shower, but the solar panels weren’t heating the water as it was overcast during our stay. The restroom stations were clean, which we appreciated after a day full of hiking the trails. The water fill and sanitary pump-out stations were super convenient located right in the middle of the campground. If you prefer to stay further away from the utility area, that may be something to consider when choosing your spot.

Water fill and sanitary hook up in the T-Loop.
Bathroom facilities in the T-Loop

During our stay, we noticed Flamingo’s glamping eco-tentsโ€”elevated tents on boardwalk pathways with stunning views of Florida Bay. These are a great option for those looking for a bit more comfort than traditional camping, while also still feeling like you’re in the middle of nature. Upon further research, we also found that Flamingo offers houseboat and lodge options!

Flamingo’s Glamping Tents
Boardwalk out to Glamping Tents
Flamingo Lodge

However, there are a few drawbacks to this location. Flamingo is a 1-hour drive from Homestead, the closest town, meaning grocery runs and gas fill-ups require planning (and prices inside the park are higher). The campsites are also less secluded than those of Long Pine Key, something to keep in mind if privacy is important to you.

โ›ฝ Although the prices are higher than outside of the park, if you are left without gas you can always fill up at Flamingo Marina.

โœ… Open Year-Round
โœ… Proximity to Kayak and Canoe Rentals
โœ…Glamping, Houseboat, and Lodge Options
โœ… Toilets and Showers (Hot Water only in Tent Camping Loop)
โœ… Pull-Through Sites
โœ… Electrical Hookups (Limited amount)
โœ… Dump Station
โœ… Wheelchair Accessibility
โœ… Cell Service
โœ… Pets Allowed
โŒ Less Privacy
โŒ No heated showers in T-Loop
โŒ 1-hour drive to Homestead
โŒ Higher prices on weekends

Location: 1 Flamingo Lodge Hwy, Homestead, FL
Open: Year-round
Price: $29.70-$60 per night (Prices higher on weekends)
Reservations: Call 1-855-708-2207 or Reserve Here

3. Backcountry Campsites

๐Ÿ’ก To reserve a backcountry camping spot, a Wilderness Permit is required to reserve your spot. Once you have this permit, you can reserve a backcountry campground up to 3 months in advance.

For those seeking true solitude and adventure, backcountry camping in Everglades National Park offers an unmatched wilderness experience. Unlike the front-country campgrounds, these remote sites are only accessible by canoe, kayak, or motorboat, making them the most secluded camping option in the park.

Map of Backcountry Campgrounds in the Everglades – Photo by NPS.gov

There are almost 50 designated backcountry sites, including beach campsites, ground campsites, and chickeesโ€”elevated wooden platforms built over the water. Some of the most well-known sites include Hellโ€™s Bay, Whitewater Bay, and Ten Thousand Islands. These locations offer incredible opportunities for stargazing, birdwatching, and complete immersion in nature.

Shark Point Chickee we visited by boat in 2022
Rainer explains to us what a “bight” is

We were lucky enough to check out one of these chickee campsites back in 2022 while on our Great Loop Trip! We didn’t camp out, but were able to climb up and enjoy the views from the Shark Point Chickee with our friend, Rainer, while passing by. To camp in one of these remote campgrounds, youโ€™ll need to obtain a backcountry camping permit, which can be arranged by calling the Flamingo Visitor Center at (239) 695-2945 or applying on this webpage.

โ›บ For more help planning your wilderness trip, look to NPSโ€™s Wilderness Trip Planning Page.

โœ… Secluded Camping Experience
โœ… Beach, Ground, and Chickee Camping Options
โŒ No Electrical Hookups (Tent-Camping Only)
โŒ No Showers, Sometimes Toilets
โŒ No Pull-Through Sites
โŒ No Dump Stations
โŒ Not Wheelchair Accessible
โŒ No Cell Service
โŒ Pets Not Allowed

Location: Varies
Open: Year-round
Price: $21 administrative fee + $2 per person, per night
Reservations: Get your wilderness permit online or at Flamingo Visitor Center (we recommend online in advance) then call (877) 444-6777 to reserve your campground up to 3 months in advance.

4. Big Cypress National Preserve

For a budget-friendly alternative just outside Everglades National Park, consider camping in Big Cypress National Preserve! This preserve offers several scenic campgrounds surrounded by stunning wetlands and towering cypress trees. We chose to stay at Monument Lake Campground because while itโ€™s about 1.5 hours from the Homestead entrance of the Everglades, itโ€™s just a 25-minute drive to Shark Valley Visitor Center! It was also a 1-hour drive to the Western Everglades, where we went on a kayaking trip!

Our campsite at Monument Lake Campground
This campground was less crowded than those within the Everglades!

One of the biggest perks? Lower camping fees! Since Big Cypress is managed separately from Everglades National Park, youโ€™ll find more affordable rates (starting as low as $10/night) while still enjoying incredible nature. The location also gives you easy access to Collier-Seminole State Park, Picayune Strand State Forest, and Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.

Elliot enjoying our padel tour in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve
Our tour guide was amazing!

Monument Lake Campground was located in a dark sky area, meaning we were asked to keep our lights at a minimum at night. Unfortunately, we had overcast skies during our stay, but for those interested in astrophotography, this would be an incredible place to capture the night sky! One final thing to note is that our site didnโ€™t have electric or water hookups, though other sites may offer them. Be sure to check availability and amenities when booking.

โœ… Lower Camping Fees
โœ… Closer Campgrounds to Shark Valley
โœ… Toilets and Showers
โŒ Closed Mid-April to Mid-August
โŒ Outside of Everglades Park
โŒ Only Some Electrical Hookups (Refer Here)

Big Cypress National Preserve – Campground List

  • Gator Head Campground (located I-75) – Requires a backcountry permit
  • Bear Island Campground (located I-75)
  • Pink Jeep (located I-75) – Requires a backcountry permit
  • Burns Lake Campground (located on 41)
  • Monument Lake Campground (located on 41)
  • Midway Campground (FL) – very popular during the winter (located on 41)
  • Mitchell Landing Campground (Located on Loop Road)
  • Pinecrest Group Campground (Located on Loop Road)

Monument Lake Location: 50215 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL
Open: August 15 – April 15
Price: $24-$28 per night (other campgrounds as low as $10/night)
Reservations: Can be made online at Recreation.gov

๐ŸฆŸ 5 Things to Keep in Mind at Campgrounds in the Everglades

1. Prepare for the Bugs

Depending on the season when you visit, and also the area of the park, the mosquito count can get quite high. That being said, full-coverage clothing that is still breathable is a must. Beyond this, here are some of the products we used to fight off the bugs and make our experience in the Everglades a bit less itchy:

  • Strong Bug Spray
  • Bug Head Net
  • Thermacell Bug Repellant
  • Campervan Bug Nets
  • Anti-Itch Cream
Elliot sporting his bug head net
These nets were a lifesaver! Even in “bearable” conditions

2. Know the Campgrounds’ Limits

There is a 14-day limit to staying in Everglades National Park, and each frontcountry campsite (Flamingo and Long Pine Key) can hold up to 6 people. If you have a party larger than 6, youโ€™ll need to reserve an additional spot. Also, a maximum of 2 vehicles are allowed at each site.

3. Make Your Reservations in Advance

The dry season in the Everglades runs from November to April and is when the park is at its busiest, with both Flamingo and Long Pine Key Campgrounds being open. If you plan on visiting during these months, try to make your reservation as far in advance as possible to ensure a spot at your preferred campground. If youโ€™re visiting in the wet season (May to October), Flamingo Campground is open and doesnโ€™t take reservations, but it isnโ€™t known to fill up. Long Pine Key Campground stays closed during these months.

4. Expect Higher Prices on Weekends in Flamingo

One thing to keep in mind is that campground prices in Flamingo are higher on the weekend. Weekday prices are generally less expensive, so book Monday to Friday if youโ€™re trying to get the lowest rate. We didn’t see anywhere that said that the rates at Long Pine Key vary.

5. Make a Plan for Your Pets

Pets are not allowed on any of the trails, so be sure to give your dog a good walk around the campground as thatโ€™s the only place theyโ€™re allowed in this National Park. We kept our dog, Ollie, in our van when we went out hiking and were able to check the temperature of the inside of the van to make sure it stayed at a safe temperature for her. Read more information on the rules surrounding pets in the park on this Pets in the Everglades Page.

Our dog, Ollie, wishing she could join us on a hike

๐ŸŒค๏ธ Everglades Weather

There are two seasons in the Evergladesโ€”the wet season and the dry season. This affects the temperature, the amount of bugs, and how much wildlife youโ€™re most likely to see. We last visited in late January, during the peak of the dry season. Hereโ€™s what you can expect from each.

Google Weather Temperature and Rainfall Avergades in the Everglades

Wet Season (Summer)

The wet season in the Everglades runs from the middle of May through November. It is characterized by:

  • Increased Rainfall
  • Tropical Storms
  • Higher Temperatures
  • More Bugs
  • Less Wildlife Viewing (Deeper Water)
  • Smaller Crowds
  • Very Few Ranger Programs

Dry Season (Winter)

The dry season picks up in December through April. During these months youโ€™ll experience the following:

  • Less Rainfall
  • Fewer Storms
  • Lower Temperatures
  • Fewer Bugs
  • Better Wildlife Viewing (Shallower Water)
  • Larger Crowds
  • More Ranger Programs

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Map of Campgrounds in the Everglades

To give you an idea of distances, we’ve pinned the locations of Long Pine Key and Flamingo in blue and all of the Big Cypress campgrounds (outside of the Everglades) in yellow. For backcountry camping locations, refer back to NPS’ map in the backcountry camping section.

How to use this map: We have saved the locations from this guide on this map. You can save this map to your Google Maps by pressing the star icon. In your Google Maps, click the menu icon and then Saved Maps, where this map will appear.

Read Next:

Our 9 Favorite Hikes in Everglades National Park

๐Ÿ“ฐ Related Articles

  • The 5 Visitor Centers of the Everglades: Decide Which is Right for You
  • Our 9 Favorite Hikes in Everglades National Park
  • How to See Everglades National Park in One Day: The Perfect Itinerary
  • 2025 Ultimate Travel Guide to Everglades National Park

๐ŸŽฅ Watch on YouTube

๐Ÿ”Ž Ready to Explore Campgrounds in the Everglades?

Pin this guide with the best campgrounds in the Everglades to help plan your trip!

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Posted

February 5, 2025

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Camping, Destinations, Everglades, Florida, National Parks, United States

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Jennifer Johnson

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Everglades

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About Us

We’re Jen and Elliot, aka Scho & Jo, a couple of high school sweethearts who fell in love with travel and decided to live life now. From international travel to boating around America’s Great Loop to converting a Sprinter Van into a campervan and now traveling to all 50 States and US National Parks, we’re here to help you plan for your dream trip! We share detailed guides and expense reports to help turn your dream trip into a reality! Read more about us here.

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Sometimes itโ€™s not the bucket list but random mo Sometimes itโ€™s not the bucket list but random moments that youโ€™ll remember forever ๐Ÿถ

After filming our YouTube series on Carlsbad Caverns NP and White Sands NP we had to spend one day in the park and just catch up on work. 

It was a little warm, but randomly running up the sand hills throughout the day was so worth it. 

Itโ€™s l moments like these that were so grateful to live and work out of our van. 

Follow @schoandjo for more slices of life as we explore North America. 

#travelcouple 
#van
#vanlife 
#diyvanbuild 
#nationalparks
#whitesands
And 2 seconds later, Summit was dirty again ๐Ÿ˜… And 2 seconds later, Summit was dirty again ๐Ÿ˜…

As two East Coasters, deserts are so strange and wonderful. Both barren and full of life. 

We stayed on our first BLM outside of Carlsbad, NM, and we were greeted with something entirely new for usโ€ฆ a dust storm! 

We hadnโ€™t washed Summit since being on the road, but that was the trigger for a deep clean. Coming from boat life, weโ€™d just wash Pivot at various marinas. 

Now we go to car washes! I have to admit, that I was not really looking forward to the chore of washing Summit, but the feeling of a clean home was super worth it. With some good tunes, it was actually pretty fun! 

Follow @schoandjo for more, as we learn more about life on the road on our exploration around North America! 

#vanlife
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We were racing against the clock โฐ When we firs We were racing against the clock โฐ

When we first stepped into White Sands National Park, we knew we had to get sunset photos, but while almost everywhere in the park is perfect for it, there is a cut-off time. 

You must be out of the park no later than 30 minutes after sunset. 

BUT, since the sun goes over the Mountains earlier than sunset, you have more gorgeous golden light.

Follow @schoandjo as we visit all 63 National Parks. This is park 7/63.

#whitesands
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Donโ€™t Miss this Ranger-Led Tour โ€ผ๏ธ When we Donโ€™t Miss this Ranger-Led Tour โ€ผ๏ธ

When we went to Carlsbad Caverns this April, we were shocked to learn they restarted ONE tour. 

If you didnโ€™t know, Carlsbad Caverns lost roughly half its front-facing staff with the NPS cuts. Due to this, they were forced to cancel all their ranger-led tours and just focus on keeping the park running. 

The park service desperately wanted to open a tour to help educate small groups about the parkโ€™s history, challenges, and wonders, hoping those people would then share why our parks are so important to keep open. Theyโ€™ve found a way to stabilize and open one tour.

The Kingโ€™s Palace tour visits scenic rooms closed to the public, so youโ€™ll visit places very few people can see.

With this being said, every day is different, and as of now, they donโ€™t know in advance if they will be offering the tour, so youโ€™ll have to show up early regardless.

The visitors center opens at 9:00 am, so we sat outside since 8:00 am, ensuring we could get a spot. 

The other people who had heard of the tour started arriving at 8:15, and by 8:30, there was a decent line outside. If you want tickets, arrive by 8:30 am at the latest! 

You donโ€™t need a timed entry as the tour will count for your entry. The tour is $10 USD per person, on top of standard park entry fees. 

The Kingโ€™s Palace tour starts at 10:30 am, so youโ€™ll need to take the elevator down, and then youโ€™ll have a few minutes to wander before the tour. 

The tour lasts about 1:30 to 2 hours, so come fed and with plenty of time to learn about the Caverns! 

Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or have seen anything different in recent days. Huge kudos to the NPS for navigating these challenging times. 

Follow @schoandjo as we visit all 63 US National Parks, this is park number 7!

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