Everglades camping options extend beyond traditional sites to offer unique water-based platforms accessible only by boat. The park sits at near sea level with an average elevation of just 8 feet, creating distinct camping challenges during wet and dry seasons. Winter temperatures average 77°F during the day and drop to 53°F at night, while summer brings temperatures above 90°F with intense humidity.
What to do
Wildlife photography tours: Near Long Pine Key Campground, visitors find excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. "The park is absolutely beautiful. There are tons of gators, lizards, and other animals to find. But definitely be careful as well!" notes a visitor who recommends bringing a friend for safety.
Birding at sunrise: Early morning provides optimal bird watching near the lake at Monument Lake Campground. "We enjoyed our visit and got to see a lot of the famous wildlife," shares one reviewer who visited during the off-season when fewer campers were present.
Paddling Hell's Bay Trail: This marked water trail offers a moderate challenge for kayakers. "The trail is well marked for the most part and easy enough for a beginner paddler," explains a camper who stayed at Hell's Bay Chickee. Another adds, "We kayaked the Hells Bay trail in January and had a great time."
Loop Road exploration: Located near the campgrounds, this 26-mile scenic drive showcases Florida backcountry. "The 26 mile loop road is very close and a great way to experience Florida & Big Cypress backcountry and wildlife from your car or bike," shares a visitor who appreciated the accessibility from Midway Campground.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location provides exceptional night sky views. "The stars were absolutely incredible being so far from major cities," notes a camper who stayed at Midway Campground. Another visitor mentions, "The night star skies when not cloudy were incredible."
Platform camping seclusion: The chickee platforms offer a unique camping experience. "All these Back country Chickees are a welcome site to a tired paddler! Port o Pottys are well maintained. Roof and shade! Dry spot to stand!" explains a camper at Oyster Bay Chickee. Another adds, "The structure itself needs a little love. I liked the angled boardwalk which made it feel a little more separate from the other platform."
Wildlife encounters: Many campsites provide direct wildlife observation opportunities. "We saw a lot of wildlife including a few dolphins that swam by the Chickee and on the paddle we saw sharks, seabirds, and fish," shares a visitor who paddled to Hell's Bay Chickee.
Winter breezes: Winter visitors appreciate the natural bug control. "In the winter there is a steady breeze that keeps the bugs at bay," explains a camper at Highland Beach. "Winds can change drastically and quickly, so make sure to tie off your watercraft really well; we went from flat calm to 25knots in just 5 minutes."
What you should know
Solar shower limitations: Shower facilities at the campgrounds often rely on solar heating with variable results. "The bathrooms include flush toilets and free showers, although the water never got very warm. They are solar heated," notes a camper at Flamingo Campground.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "Monument lake is only open during the Florida winter. For alternative options, Midway Campground was the closest option open in Miami direction," explains a visitor who arrived at a closed campground.
Evening insect swarms: Bug activity intensifies significantly after sunset. "Every night at 7pm the tent sites were swarmed with a fly hatch. We couldn't breathe without inhaling them. All campers were forced inside their tents at that time and for the rest of the night," warns a camper at Monument Lake Campground.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have restricted connectivity. "NO PHONE SERVICE, NO WI-FI. Good luck in an emergency or if you work virtual," cautions one Flamingo Campground visitor. Another notes, "No Verizon coverage, but I've been told there is AT&T. Wifi is available at the visitors center."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategies: Choose sites farther from highways when possible. "The further you are into the campground, less road noise," advises a visitor at Midway Campground. Another adds, "Try for waterfront tents 3,4 5, 6, 7 or 8" when staying at Flamingo.
Wildlife safety precautions: Keep children away from water edges. "The Lake is not for swimming…period! This is gator country and while you may not see one in the lake, they are present. Keep small pets and children away from the water's edge and within reach," warns a camper at Monument Lake.
Meal planning requirements: Limited food options necessitate advance planning. "Remember everything you need because it's a long trip back to Florida city or Homestead the nearest places for picking up supplies," explains a Canepatch visitor. Another adds, "Food-wise, the food truck is OK for lunch but next Time I'd pack pre-made dinner and use the store's microwave to heat it up."
Educational opportunities: Make use of nearby visitor centers for interpretive programs. "The campground is near to the Oasis Ranger Station and the Florida Trail, as well as loop road and Shark Valley," notes a Midway camper who enjoyed the educational facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site length realities: RV sites may be shorter than advertised. "Our site F-92 was labeled 29-33 feet, but our 24'6" was barely out of the road with the rear hanging into the brush," cautions a visitor at Long Pine Key Campground.
Generator requirements: Most sites lack hookups, requiring generators. "Great campground, quite but yet close to Homestead. Bring our own generator," advises an RVer. Another notes, "No water or sewer hookups, but there is electric at the site, fire pit, picnic table and good sized spaced out sites."
Water limitations: Water access points are restricted to central locations. "Had to swing out onto the grass to back in since the road and sites are narrow. Potable water at the dump station if needed," explains a camper at Midway Campground.
Dump station availability: Plan for potential dump station limitations. "When we went to leave we were told we couldn't use the dump station because it was full," reports a Midway Campground visitor who stayed in a 35-foot RV.
