Flamingo Campground offers unique eco-tents situated within Everglades National Park, 38 miles from the park entrance. These canvas accommodations sit on wooden platforms with deck access overlooking Florida Bay. The campground serves as a strategic base for exploring the coastal Everglades ecosystem with options for both furnished and unfurnished tents depending on comfort preferences.
What to do
Kayaking adventures: Renting kayaks at Flamingo Campground provides access to mangrove waterways. "The mangroves are fun to explore by canoe or kayak and the rangers are very informative," notes one visitor who recommends bringing proper gear during early spring visits.
Wildlife spotting: Early mornings at the campground offer prime bird watching opportunities. "Egrets and Anhingas were in abundance," reports a camper who stayed in a waterfront eco-tent, noting the diverse bird species visible directly from the campsite.
Stargazing sessions: The remote location creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. One camper mentions, "No internet or phone service (other than AT&T). Was wonderful to escape!" This digital disconnect enhances the stargazing experience away from urban light pollution.
What campers like
Waterfront locations: Sites closest to Florida Bay provide the best views. A visitor at Riptide RV Resort notes, "There's a community grill, picnic area, and chairs to enjoy the sunsets," highlighting the accessible waterfront amenities.
Proximity to national parks: The location serves as a central hub for exploring multiple parks. One camper at Larry & Penny Thompson Park appreciated that it was "a great value with close access (30 minutes) to Biscayne National Park," making it convenient for day trips.
Upgraded bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds maintain clean restroom facilities. According to a camper at Flamingo Campground T-Loop, "Bathrooms were clean and bug free, hot showers available in the A loop!" This provides comfort even during primitive camping experiences.
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: Insect protection should be your top priority. "When we were there (early April), there were TONS of no-see-ums and if you didn't have a tent with a fine enough screen, there was no escape. Do not camp here unless you have a noseeum tent!" warns a camper about their experience at Flamingo Campground T-Loop.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly by carrier. One visitor noted, "NO PHONE SERVICE, NO WI-FI. Good luck in an emergency or if you work virtual," highlighting the importance of planning ahead for communication needs.
Supply planning: With limited services available, bring all necessities. "Once you're all the way down to Flamingo, you're 50 miles away from nearest town, so bring everything you need that you wouldn't normally find at a convenience store," advises a glamping enthusiast.
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra water supplies: Water outages occasionally occur. A visitor warns, "MAKE SURE YOU TAKE EXTRA WATER, OR FILL YOUR TANKS. Our last night the water went out and all bathrooms in all loops were closed. Apparently this can be common with pump going out."
Consider off-season visits: Campsites become much less crowded during summer months. A family at Southern Comfort RV Resort found that "as a relatively affordable base of vacation operations it was good. Close to the Keys, Everglades, Biscayne and shopping."
Bring recreational equipment: Bicycles enhance the camping experience for children. "Our son loved this because he could ride his bike all around the campground to his hearts content," shares a parent who visited during a quiet period when the campground was nearly empty.
Tips from RVers
Navigate entrance challenges: Some RV parks have difficult entry points. An RVer at Southern Comfort RV Resort shared, "The entrance is a little hidden and tight but doable. We were towing a 36' travel trailer." They also noted, "If heading south and coming off the FL Turnpike, you have to get over several lanes in a short distance to make the left turn."
Electric-only hookups: Many sites offer electric but no water connections. "No water at the sites but potable water and dump facilities are provided," explains an RVer about Flamingo Campground, highlighting the need to plan accordingly for water usage during your stay.
Security considerations: Be aware of security concerns at certain campgrounds. One reviewer cautions about maintaining vigilance with valuables, noting that camping near urban areas requires additional precautions even within established campgrounds.