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EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
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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.
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.
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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