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EVERGLADES NATIONAL
PARK
Miami, Naples, and Homestead, FL
Description
Everglades National Park is the largest remaining
subtropical wilderness in the United States. Its abundant
wildlife includes rare and endangered species, such
as the American crocodile, Florida panther, and West
Indian manatee. It has been designated an International
Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland
of International Importance, in recognition of its
significance to all the peoples of the world.
Contact Information
Everglades National Park
4000l State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733
(305) 242-7700
(8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST)
Operating Hours
Main entrance (near Homestead and Florida City)
Open daily, 24 hours a day. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor
Center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
The Royal Palm Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00
a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The Flamingo Visitor Center is open
from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. November through April.
Chekika
Closed
Shark Valley
Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Visitor Center
is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Gulf Coast Visitor Center (in
Everglades City)
Open daily, November to April 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
and May to November 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
DIRECTIONS
Main Park Entrance and Flamingo
Visitors coming from the Miami area and points north
may take the Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south until
it ends, merging with U.S. 1 at Florida City. Turn
right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive (State
Road 9336/SW 344th St.) and follow the signs to the
park. Visitors driving north from the Florida Keys
should turn left on Palm Drive in Florida City and
follow the signs to the park.
Shark Valley
Take the Florida Turnpike to the exit for SW 8th Street
(also known as U.S. 41 and Tamiami Trail). Travel
25 miles west on U.S. 41 to signs marked Shark Valley.
From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail)
east to signs marked Shark Valley. Gulf
Coast Visitor Center
Take U.S. 41 west from the Miami area to the intersection
of U.S. 29, then take U.S. 29 south three miles into
Everglades City and follow the signs to the park visitor
center. From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 east and
turn south on U.S. 29.
Chekika
Closed.
ACTIVITIES
Biking, Bird Watching, Boating,
Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Interpretive Programs, Kayaking,
Nature Walks, Stargazing, Wilderness Area, Wildlife
Viewing
Walking and canoe trails, boat
tours and tram tours are excellent for viewing wildlife,
including alligators and a multitude of tropical and
temperate birds. Camping, whether in the backcountry
or at established campgrounds, offers the opportunity
to enjoy what the park offers firsthand. Ranger-led
activities, offered throughout the park, may help
you to enjoy your visit even more.
Everglades National Park is the third largest park
in the United States, outside Alaska. Plan on staying
at least one day and perhaps several to get a good
feel for what the park offers.
CAMPING
Everglades National Park does not have electrical,
water or sewer hookups. However, dump stations and
fresh water are available.
There are two campgrounds
inside the park:
Long Pine Key Campground
Located seven miles (11 km) from the main entrance,
just off the main road. It has 108 drive up sites
for tents and RVs, including one group site. There
are rest rooms, water, and a sewer dump station
with fresh water fill, but no showers or hookups.
A picnic area is nearby, with fire grates and rest
rooms. There is also a pond for fishing, an amphitheater
for winter programs, and several hiking trails in
the area.
Flamingo Campground
Located at the end of the main park road in Flamingo.
It has 234 drive-in sites, including 55 with a view
of the water and three group sites, and 40 walk-up
sites (6 on the water's edge). It also provides cold
water showers, two dump stations, picnic tables, grills,
and an amphitheater for winter programs. There is
an observation platform at Eco Pond, located adjacent
to the campground area. Flamingo has several hiking
trails and canoe trails, and opportunities for saltwater
fishing are plentiful. Limited groceries and camping
supplies are available at the Flamingo Marina store.
Camping Registration
and Reservations
Permits are required for backcountry
camping. Film permits and special use permits are
handled on an individual basis; call 305-242-7700.
For research and collection permits, call 305-242-7800.
All campgrounds are open year
round.
Family/individual sites at the Flamingo and Long Pine
Key campgrounds may be reserved for the period mid-November
through mid-April through the National Park Reservation
Service at 1-800-365-CAMP (2267), 301-722-1257 outside
the U.S.or Canada, or 888-530-9796 with a TDD for
the hearing-impaired. Reservations are accepted up
to five months in advance.
Group Camping
The Long Pine Key Campground
has one group site and the Flamingo Campground has
three group sites. The limit per group site is 15
persons.
For group site reservations at Flamingo and Long Pine
Key, contact the National Park Reservation Service
at 1-800-365-CAMP (2267).
www.nps.gov
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