Best Campgrounds near Everglades City, FL
The swampy wilderness around Everglades City gives campers direct access to Florida's most famous wetland ecosystem. Collier-Seminole State Park works well for families who want to learn about local plants and animals while hiking the trails. Many campers also head to Seminole State Park Campground because it's close to the Ten Thousand Islands, where kayaking and fishing are particularly good. The alligators throughout this area are no joke - you'll need to stay alert and keep a safe distance when camping here. Food storage matters too, since raccoons and other animals will raid your campsite if given the chance. Check on permits before planning activities, and always know the current fire rules, which change with conditions. Weather splits between brutally hot, humid summers and pleasant winters with milder temperatures. Big Cypress National Preserve sits nearby, with driving routes and tours led by rangers who know the area well. The small town of Everglades City has a few places to eat and shop when you need supplies. The Museum of the Everglades tells the story of this unusual place if you want some historical context. The camping puts you right in the middle of plants and animals you won't find anywhere else in the country. Bug spray is absolutely necessary equipment here - mosquitoes can be terrible, especially after rains. Hiking, fishing or just sitting at camp, you'll remember your time in the Everglades.