Best Tent Camping near Everglades National Park
Tent camping in the Everglades National Park offers unique backcountry experiences predominantly accessible by water. Backcountry Highland Beach and Canepatch Wilderness Campground provide primitive tent-only sites within the park boundaries, with no amenities but exceptional wilderness immersion. Most sites require permits and are reached by canoe, kayak, or small boat, creating a true wilderness experience rarely found in Florida's developed camping areas.
Backcountry tent sites throughout the Everglades consist primarily of chickees (elevated wooden platforms) or beach camping areas with minimal infrastructure. Most locations prohibit fires, have no drinking water, and require campers to pack out all trash. Portable toilets are available at some chickees like Hells Bay and Pearl Bay, though maintenance varies by location and season. According to one reviewer, "The porta-potty was very clean, and the mosquitos were very bad as expected. Make sure you're in your tent come sunset and you'll be okay." Permits must be obtained 24 hours in advance at ranger stations, with a processing fee of approximately $15 plus $2 per person.
The primitive nature of Everglades tent camping provides extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities. Many sites along the Wilderness Waterway offer chances to see dolphins, sharks, and various bird species from the comfort of your tent site. A camper noted that at Highland Beach, "if you're lucky you can watch sharks feed right off the beach." Tent campers should be prepared for insects, particularly at dawn and dusk, with mosquitoes and no-see-ums often intense regardless of season. Sites vary significantly in accessibility—some like Pearl Bay Chickee are relatively easy paddles suitable for beginners, while others require navigation skills and physical endurance. Winter months typically offer the most comfortable tent camping conditions with fewer insects and milder temperatures, making tent-only camping more enjoyable.
