Camping Everglades National Park: What We Didn’t Expect

David and I are proud Florida natives, yet somehow, we had never made the trip to Everglades National Park, situated at the southern tip of our beautiful state.

Finally experiencing it firsthand was nothing short of incredible, and we quickly realized just how mistaken our initial expectations had been.

Before visiting the Everglades, we pictured an endless mosquito-infested swamp, thick with humidity and teeming with more alligators than we could count. In our minds, it was a vast, murky expanse with little to no shade, where the heat would be unbearable, and the only movement would come from the relentless buzz of insects and the stealthy gliding of reptilian predators. Not too inviting to say the least!

In all honesty, visiting the Everglades was the part we were probably least looking forward to on our family road trip to all of Florida’s National Parks. But as soon as we entered the park our assumptions melted away. Instead of a dark, swampy wilderness, we found a breathtakingly diverse landscape—one that was far more beautiful, peaceful, and rich with wildlife than we ever imagined.

Towering cypress and mahogany hammocks created shaded canopies along the trails, making our hikes cool and inviting. The famed “River of Grass” stretched out in lush grassy waves for miles, with the wind truly making the grass move like water.

And then there were the mangroves—dense, winding tunnels of lush greenery that framed the waterways and extended for more miles than we could see.

While there were definitely predators among us including both alligators and the elusive crocodile (only found in this part of the U.S. by the way), they weren’t nearly as abundant as we expected! What surprised us even more were the other creatures that called the Everglades home.

Majestic ospreys soared overhead, great blue herons stood statuesque along the shorelines, and elegant egrets waded through the shallows. Perhaps the biggest surprise? Spotting gentle, slow-moving manatees in the marina—something we never expected to witness in the Everglades.

Now you might not know this about me yet but, I’m a sucker for a Florida sunset. If we had to pick one thing that truly took our breath away, it would be watching the sun dip below the horizon while we sat on a beach at the southernmost tip of the continental United States. It was a scene we had never associated with the Everglades before, but one we’ll never forget.

It turns out, everything we thought we knew about Everglades National Park before our visit was completely wrong. Instead of a steamy, mosquito-ridden swamp, we found an ecosystem bursting with color, movement, and diversity—both in landscape and wildlife.

It was an adventure we hadn’t expected but one we’ll always treasure. And the best way to experience the vast-ness of this beautiful park is to camp right in the middle of it!

For those who want to experience the Everglades without completely roughing it, there are two main frontcountry campgrounds: Long Pine Key and Flamingo Campground.

Located near the Homestead entrance of the park, Long Pine Key is the perfect spot for visitors who want a quiet, natural setting with easy access to some of the park’s best trails. The campground is tucked away in a pine rockland forest, providing more shade and cooler conditions compared to other areas of the park.

If you’re looking for a camping experience closer to the water, Flamingo Campground is a must. This is where we stayed, and I can tell you the sunset views and dark starry night skies here are unmatched. Located near the Flamingo Visitor Center, this campground sits right along the coast and offers up-close views of manatees and dolphins.

If you are craving an epic off-the-grid experience, backcountry camping in the Everglades is an adventure like no other. Unlike traditional campgrounds, backcountry sites are only accessible by canoe, kayak, or motorboat, making for a truly immersive experience.

The three types of backcountry campsites in the park are ground sites on small islands or along the coast, “Chickees” -raised wooden platforms built over the water, and beach sites that allow campers to pitch a tent directly on the sand

• Reservations & Permits: Frontcountry campgrounds (Long Pine Key and Flamingo) can be reserved online, while backcountry campers must obtain a permit from the visitor center. And like most Florida state parks, reservations must be made as far in advance as you can get- these spots fill up quickly, especially during the high season.
• Bug Protection: The Everglades is known for its mosquitoes, mostly in the summer but it is best to bring insect repellent. When venturing out during the evening hours, wear long sleeves and pants, and consider a mosquito net for extra protection while camping.
• Wildlife Awareness: The Everglades is home to alligators, snakes, and other wildlife. Keep food stored securely and be mindful of your surroundings.
• Weather Considerations: The dry season (November–April) is hands down the best time to camp, with cooler temperatures and fewer mosquitoes. Summer months bring heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms. Camping in January through April also avoids winter crowds and Florida’s infamous hurricane season.

Camping in the Everglades offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and experience one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet.

Whether you’re setting up camp under the pine trees at Long Pine Key, enjoying a coastal sunrise at Flamingo, or paddling deep into the backcountry to sleep on a chickee, one thing is certain—you’ll leave with an even greater appreciation for this wild, untamed paradise just like we did.