Everglades National Park — Visitor Info

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Everglades National Park protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States — a vast, slow-moving "river of grass" of sawgrass marsh, mangrove coast, and pine rockland at the southern tip of Florida. It's one of the few national parks better explored by canoe or kayak than on foot.

Page content last verified: July 2026

Check current conditions before you go: Mosquitoes can be extreme, especially in the wet season (roughly May–November) — heavy repellent and long sleeves are close to mandatory in the backcountry. Always check the official Everglades Alerts & Conditions page first.
Quick Facts
Location
South Florida, near Homestead & Everglades City
Entrance Fee
$35/vehicle (7 days)
Reservation Needed to Enter?
No
Permit Needed For
Wilderness (chickee/beach/ground site) camping
Lodging
Flamingo & Long Pine Key Campgrounds; Flamingo lodging/houseboats
Managed By
National Park Service

Visitor Centers

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
Near Homestead, at the park's main entrance — exhibits and trip planning for the park's east side.
Guy Bradley Visitor Center (Flamingo)
At the end of the main park road, on Florida Bay — marina, campground, and backcountry permit office.
Shark Valley Visitor Center
On the Tamiami Trail — a separate entrance with its own tram tour and observation tower, not connected by park road to the other districts.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center (Gulf Coast)
In Everglades City, on the park's northwest Gulf Coast side — the gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands.

Confirm current hours on the official NPS hours & visitor centers page before you go.

Entrance Fees & Passes

The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle (motorcycle $30, per person on foot/bike $20), valid 7 days at all entrances. An Annual Pass is $70. This park does not accept cash — entrance payments are credit/debit only. Note that Shark Valley is a separate entrance not connected by park road to the Homestead or Flamingo areas — your pass covers all of them, but plan your route accordingly.

Every Kid Outdoors — Free 4th Grade Pass

4th graders (and their families) can visit free with an Every Kid Outdoors pass, available at everykidoutdoors.gov.

Permits & Reservations

You do not need a permit to enter the park, day-hike, or paddle day trips. A permit is required for all overnight wilderness camping:

Wilderness Camping (Chickees, Beach & Ground Sites)

Backcountry sites include elevated wooden platforms over water called "chickees," beach sites, and ground sites — most reached by canoe, kayak, or motorboat, with a few accessible on foot. As of January 2023, all Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness sites require advance reservation through Recreation.gov, bookable up to 90 days ahead; walk-up sites are no longer held, though rangers can help book an unreserved site the same day.

Campgrounds & RV Options

Flamingo Campground
At the end of the main park road on Florida Bay. Tent and RV sites, some with electric hookups; marina, visitor center, and eco-tent/houseboat rentals nearby. Reserve on Recreation.gov.
Long Pine Key Campground
Closer to the main entrance, in pine rockland habitat. Tent and RV sites; more rustic than Flamingo. Reserve on Recreation.gov.

Confirm current site types, hookup availability, and seasonal openings on the official NPS camping page before booking.

Good to Know

  • The park has four separate entrances/districts (Homestead/Ernest Coe, Flamingo, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast/Everglades City) that aren't all connected by road — plan your route around which you want to see.
  • Wildlife viewing is a major draw: alligators, American crocodiles, manatees, and hundreds of bird species are all possible in a single visit.
  • Wet season (roughly May–November) brings heavy mosquitoes and afternoon thunderstorms; dry season (December–April) is the more popular time to visit.
  • Shark Valley's tram tour and 15-mile paved loop are a highlight distinct from the rest of the park — bike rentals are available there.

More National Parks

See our other National Park visitor guides, or browse the full National Parks guide.

Fees and regulations change from year to year. This page is a starting point for trip planning — always confirm current details on the official Everglades National Park site before you go.

Sources: NPS – Fees & Passes · NPS – Camping · NPS – Alerts & Conditions