We have chosen 15 Everglades National Park Free Campsites for you, boondocking and free camping is difficult in the sunshine state but not impossible.
Everglades National Park is found in the southern part of Florida. It serves as a home of various prevalent species such as the American crocodile, Florida panther, and, not to forget, the manatee. This park offers a good mixture of luxury and wilderness.
The prime reason why you should visit Everglades National Park is due to the exceptional encounter you will get, as well as unparalleled comfort. So if you are preparing to go for a Boondocking trip, Everglades is the place to be.
Slogging and hiking are the most predominant activities that take place in Everglades National Park. However, the real fun begins after you hit the water. Fascinating right? Considering that most of the park is only reachable through a boat; fishing, canoeing, boating, and kayaking are the common recreations in this park. And this makes it ideal for boondocks like yourself.
History of Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is one of the oldest parks in its category. It was approved back in 1934; however, due to the constraints of getting land, it wasn’t formal until 1947. This large National park is the center of attraction for thousands of visitors owing to its outdoor adventure activities.
Everglades National Park has various visitor centers with an expected rich history. However, it's mostly popular with canoeing devotees as private companies provide boat tours in some park segments.
Off late, it measures 6,105 square kilometers, and this is part of Florida Bay. The park secures a perfect blend of temperature, freshwater, marine habitats, and other useful things. So give this park a visit and bid goodbye to the unbearable destinations.
How to Get to Everglades National Park
Once you arrive at a consensus and you are definite that you want to explore the Everglades National Park, here are some details you should know.
Due to the unending opportunities for adventuring, take your time and book your reservation via the many authorized online platforms.
In general, Everglades National Park has four entry points, and each has a visitor center and other beautiful scenes.
15 Everglades Free Camping Sites
1. Everglades National Park Free Campsites - Clubhouse Beach
Address
Florida
GPS: 25.1292, -81.03889
Management - Public - National Park Service (Official)
Amenities:
Near Water
Activities:
Tent Camping
Hiking
2. Everglades National Park Free Camping - 25 Miles: - Cracker Barrel Homestead
Address
GPS: 25.449475, -80.476034
Get Directions
Management - Private - Retail Store (Unofficial)
While our focus is boondocking and free camping, we also list and utilize overnight RV parking locations. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, it might seem strange to run across rest areas, truck stops, and Walmart parking lots in a camping directory. However, for some RVers, it is how they get from one location to the another.
Most parking lots are completely empty at night and many travelers do not need the amenities of an RV park. They just want a couple hours of shut eye before hitting the road again. A place to park is all they need.
It’s a symbiotic relationship; everyone benefits. Truck stops regularly provide space for truckers and often extend the service to RVers. Just like truckers, RVers use and pay for the facilities inside. Retail stores like Walmart, Cabelas, and Bass Pro enjoy the sales that come from overnighters who come in and browse the store the next day. Restaurants like Cracker Barrel and the Apple Peddler hope that their overnight guests have dinner or breakfast there.
In order for this practice to continue, we must respect our hosts and their property. That is why we strongly believe in and endorse the RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy. Please read and follow its guidelines. We must be gracious and humble guests. If we are not, there will be more pressure to institute state, county, and local ordinances that prohibit parking on private property.
Cracker Barrel carpark. Ask permission and follow these guidelines in order to park here.
Stay one night only!
Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
Obey posted regulations.
No awnings, chairs or barbecue grills.
Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
Always leave the area cleaner than you found it.
Purchase gas, food, or other supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.
3. Everglades National Park Free Campsites - 25 Miles: - Home Depot
Address
Homestead, Florida
GPS: 25.459627, -80.472708
Elevation: 7'
Management - Private - Retail Store (Unofficial)
While our focus is boondocking and free camping, we also list and utilize overnight RV parking locations. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, it might seem strange to run across rest areas, truck stops, and Walmart parking lots in a camping directory. However, for some RVers, it is how they get from one location to the another.
Most parking lots are completely empty at night and many travelers do not need the amenities of an RV park. They just want a couple hours of shut eye before hitting the road again. A place to park is all they need.
It’s a symbiotic relationship; everyone benefits. Truck stops regularly provide space for truckers and often extend the service to RVers. Just like truckers, RVers use and pay for the facilities inside. Retail stores like Walmart, Cabelas, and Bass Pro enjoy the sales that come from overnighters who come in and browse the store the next day. Restaurants like Cracker Barrel and the Apple Peddler hope that their overnight guests have dinner or breakfast there.
In order for this practice to continue, we must respect our hosts and their property. That is why we strongly believe in and endorse the RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy. Please read and follow its guidelines. We must be gracious and humble guests. If we are not, there will be more pressure to institute state, county, and local ordinances that prohibit parking on private property.
Cracker Barrel carpark. Ask permission and follow these guidelines in order to park here.
Stay one night only!
Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
Obey posted regulations.
No awnings, chairs or barbecue grills.
Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
Always leave the area cleaner than you found it.
Purchase gas, food, or other supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.
The road in is Paved. Home Depot is open year round. The maximum RV length at Home Depot is unlimited. You may stay 48 hours at Home Depot.
4. Everglades National Park Free Camping - 26 Miles: - BJ's Wholesale Club - Homestead
Homestead, Florida
GPS: 25.462181, -80.46711
Elevation: 5'
Management - Private - Retail Store (Unofficial)
While our focus is boondocking and free camping, we also list and utilize overnight RV parking locations. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, it might seem strange to run across rest areas, truck stops, and Walmart parking lots in a camping directory. However, for some RVers, it is how they get from one location to the another.
Most parking lots are completely empty at night and many travelers do not need the amenities of an RV park. They just want a couple hours of shut eye before hitting the road again. A place to park is all they need.
It’s a symbiotic relationship; everyone benefits. Truck stops regularly provide space for truckers and often extend the service to RVers. Just like truckers, RVers use and pay for the facilities inside. Retail stores like Walmart, Cabelas, and Bass Pro enjoy the sales that come from overnighters who come in and browse the store the next day. Restaurants like Cracker Barrel and the Apple Peddler hope that their overnight guests have dinner or breakfast there.
In order for this practice to continue, we must respect our hosts and their property. That is why we strongly believe in and endorse the RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy. Please read and follow its guidelines. We must be gracious and humble guests. If we are not, there will be more pressure to institute state, county, and local ordinances that prohibit parking on private property.
Cracker Barrel carpark. Ask permission and follow these guidelines in order to park here.
Stay one night only!
Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
Obey posted regulations.
No awnings, chairs or barbecue grills.
Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
Always leave the area cleaner than you found it.
Purchase gas, food, or other supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.
5. Everglades National Park Free Campsites - 28 Miles: - Exxon
Address
19900 SW 177th Ave
Miami, Florida
GPS: 25.580924, -80.479188
Elevation: 7'
Management - Private - Gas station (Official)
While our focus is boondocking and free camping, we also list and utilize overnight RV parking locations. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, it might seem strange to run across rest areas, truck stops, and Walmart parking lots in a camping directory. However, for some RVers, it is how they get from one location to the another.
Most parking lots are completely empty at night and many travelers do not need the amenities of an RV park. They just want a couple hours of shut eye before hitting the road again. A place to park is all they need.
It’s a symbiotic relationship; everyone benefits. Truck stops regularly provide space for truckers and often extend the service to RVers. Just like truckers, RVers use and pay for the facilities inside. Retail stores like Walmart, Cabelas, and Bass Pro enjoy the sales that come from overnighters who come in and browse the store the next day. Restaurants like Cracker Barrel and the Apple Peddler hope that their overnight guests have dinner or breakfast there.
In order for this practice to continue, we must respect our hosts and their property. That is why we strongly believe in and endorse the RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy. Please read and follow its guidelines. We must be gracious and humble guests. If we are not, there will be more pressure to institute state, county, and local ordinances that prohibit parking on private property.
Stay one night only!
Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
Obey posted regulations.
No awnings, chairs or barbecue grills.
Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
Always leave the area cleaner than you found it.
Purchase gas, food, or other supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.
Amenities:
Restrooms
6. Everglades National Park Free Camping - 35 Miles:- Miccosuke Resort and Casino
Address
500 SW 177th Ave
Miami, Florida
GPS: 25.764204, -80.483975
Elevation: 13'
Management - Private - Casino (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 5 days at Miccosuke Resort and Casino.
Nice parking lot in the casino. Indian reservation so they have private police and security, nice small casino with huge bingo room, good buffet with bogo deals, great bar with cheap drinks. You must register your rv at the security desk and get an orange permit, they'll let you stay quite a few days with registration for free. There are trash cans in the parking lot but if they are full they ask you to pack it out.
Amenities:
Trash Cans
Activities:
RV Parking
7. Everglades National Park Free Campsites - 41 Miles: Bass Pro Miami
Address
Miami, Florida
GPS: 25.789478, -80.383701
Elevation: 7'
While our focus is boondocking and free camping, we also list and utilize overnight RV parking locations. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, it might seem strange to run across rest areas, truck stops, and Walmart parking lots in a camping directory. However, for some RVers, it is how they get from one location to the another.
Most parking lots are completely empty at night and many travelers do not need the amenities of an RV park. They just want a couple hours of shut eye before hitting the road again. A place to park is all they need.
It’s a symbiotic relationship; everyone benefits. Truck stops regularly provide space for truckers and often extend the service to RVers. Just like truckers, RVers use and pay for the facilities inside. Retail stores like Walmart, Cabelas, and Bass Pro enjoy the sales that come from overnighters who come in and browse the store the next day. Restaurants like Cracker Barrel and the Apple Peddler hope that their overnight guests have dinner or breakfast there.
In order for this practice to continue, we must respect our hosts and their property. That is why we strongly believe in and endorse the RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy. Please read and follow its guidelines. We must be gracious and humble guests. If we are not, there will be more pressure to institute state, county, and local ordinances that prohibit parking on private property.
Cracker Barrel carpark. Ask permission and follow these guidelines in order to park here.
Stay one night only!
Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
Obey posted regulations.
No awnings, chairs or barbecue grills.
Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
Always leave the area cleaner than you found it.
Purchase gas, food, or other supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.
Management - Private - Retail Store (Official)
Amenities:
Pets Welcome
Activities:
RV Parking
8. Everglades National Park Free Camping - 47 Miles: - Empty Lot/area along to SR. 41
There is a large empty lot/area next to a Marathon Gas station at the intersection of SR. 41 and SR 29. I spent a night over there and nobody bothered me. There is nothing else around - forest and bushes for miles so I doubt anyone will care if you are here. The gas station has a subway inside; they both are closed at night. This place is OK for overnight RV parking. Not good for tents.
The lot is just empty unpaved area along SR 41. It is large enough for large RVs.
Address
Naples, Florida
GPS: 25.910786, -81.365099
Elevation: 7'
Management - (Unofficial)
You may stay overnight at Empty Lot/area along to SR. 41.
9. Everglades National Park Free Campsites - 54 Miles: - Snake Road Truck Stop
Address
Ochopee, Florida
GPS: 26.175043, -80.855192
Elevation: 13'
Management - Private - Truck Stop (Official)
Gravelled areas to North and South of gas station. Some large pot-holed but we found a level area to park.
Amenities:
Restrooms
Showers
10. Everglades National Park Free Camping - 65 Miles: - Rotenberger WMA - Powerline Levee
Address
Huff Bridge Road
Belle Glade, Florida
GPS: 26.33764, -80.844048
Elevation: 66'
Management - Public - Fish and Wildlife
Activities:
Wildlife Viewing
11. Everglades National Park Free Campsites - 68 Miles: - Rotenberger WMA - Miami Canal
Address
Miami Canal Road
Belle Glade, Florida
GPS: 26.378342, -80.798348
Elevation: 98'
Management - Public - Fish and Wildlife
Activities:
Wildlife Viewing
12. Everglades National Park Free Camping - 78 Miles: - Seminole Casino
3 nights free in the parking lot. There is a row of parking for RVs in the back lot that can fit about 8-10 rigs. Must register with the security desk inside the casino. Elec hookups are spread intermittently along the row. Share with your neighbor.
Address
Immokalee, Florida
GPS: 26.41049, -81.41623
Elevation: 33'
13. Everglades National Park Free Campsites - 78 Miles: - Dinner Island WMA
Address
17665 County Road 833
Clewiston, Florida
GPS: 26.499657, -81.130686
Elevation: 36'
Management - Public - Fish and Wildlife
Camp year-round at one of the two designated camping areas. Kowechobe Camp is an open field with easy access for trailers. Hammock Camp is located under an oak hammock with plenty of shade and a vault toilet. You will need to bring your own water.
Amenities:
Restrooms
Activities:
RV Parking
Tent Camping
Hiking
Wildlife Viewing
14. Everglades National Park Free Camping - 85 Miles: - CREW Cypress Dome Trails (Gate 5)
Address
3980 Corkscrew Road (C.R. 850)
Immokalee, Florida
GPS: 26.456392, -81.562752
Elevation: 26'
Management - (Official)
The road in is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. CREW Cypress Dome Trails (Gate 5) is open year round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location.
The Cypress Dome Trails offer 6.5 miles of trails through scrubby flatwoods, mixed oak/pine forest, between two cypress domes, and into seasonally wet popash slough. CREW is known for its spring wildflowers, although you are likely to find flowers blooming at any time of year.
At the Cypress Dome Trails, you can hike, bicycle, geocache, walk your dog on a leash, hunt by quota permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or horseback ride with a special use license from the SFWMD.
Amenities:
BBQ Grill
Fire Ring
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
Activities:
Horse Trails
Wildlife Viewing
15. Everglades National Park Free Campsites - 114 Miles: - Jones/Hungryland WEA
Address
Indiantown, Florida
GPS: 26.995125, -80.275158
Management Public - Fish and Wildlife Service (Official)
Jones/Hungryland WEA is open year round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Jones/Hungryland WEA.
We were pleasantly surprised with this campsite. There are 5 spots, though sites A&B and C&D are basically the same sites. The only site that is on its own is site E. We stayed in site D for one night and had the space to ourselves (I think we were the only people in the whole campground). The spots are not big enough for a traditional RV but our van camper fit just fine. There is a bathroom available at the entrance, though we didn’t use it. I do highly recommend using the directions on the reservation website rather than the link here, it takes you right to the entrance rather than a random point near it.
Amenities:
ADA accessible
Restrooms
Activities:
Tent Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Wildlife Viewing
7 Everglades Permit Camping Sites
All sites are under $10 per night and in most cases 50% off for seniors.
1. Everglades National Park Permit Camping - 59 Miles: - Bear Island Campground BCNP
Address
Naples, Florida
GPS: 25.990221, -81.503876
Elevation: 4'
Management - Public - State Forest (Official)
Not conducive to a quick overnight layover. There are 2 camping areas (that we are aware of) in the Picayune Strand State Forest. The first is very near the entrance and is located at the ranger station. All camping is dry/primitive and costs $10/per night. There is also a $2 day use fee. Facilities for horses cost extra. No hookups. Porta-Potti is available.
Amenities:
Restrooms
Activities:
Hiking
Horse Trails
Wildlife Viewing
2. Everglades National Park Permit Camping - 59 Miles: - Bear Island Campground BCNP
Address
Ochopee, Florida
GPS: 26.183499, -81.24756
Elevation: 14'
Management - Public - National Park Service (Official)
The road in is Dirt. Bear Island Campground BCNP is open year round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location. You may stay - January 1 to April 30, 10 days maximum - May 1 to December 31, 14 days maximum at Bear Island Campground BCNP.
he gravel road is very washboardy the first five miles or so. After that, it's not too bad, although the vehicles kicked up lots of dust clouds. I stayed in campsite #17, which was HUGE. All the sites were large and private, with vegetation shielding the view in most directions. I didn't see any large wildlife, but there was a muddy cougar pawprint the size of my palm on the dumpster at my eye level.
Activities:
OHV
Hunting
3. Everglades National Park Permit Camping Sites - 62 Miles: - Gator Head Campground BCNP
Address
The Loop
Ochopee, Florida
GPS: 26.22388, -81.267688
Elevation: 14'
Management - Public - National Park Service (Official)
Campsite $10 per night / $5 with Senior or Access Pass. This OHV campground is located inside of Big Cypress National Preserve. 4x4 and an OHV sticker are required.
This is a primitive campground, which contains nine campsites. No water. Vault toilets are available.
The road in is 4x4. Gator Head Campground BCNP is open August 29 through June 01. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay - January 1 to April 30, 10 days maximum - May 1 to December 31, 14 days maximum at Gator Head Campground BCNP.
Amenities:
Near Water
Restrooms
Activities:
OHV
Fishing
Wildlife Viewing
4. Everglades National Park Permit Camping - 66 Miles: - Picayune Strand SF - Miller CG
56th Avenue Southeast
Naples, Florida
GPS: 26.133191, -81.561599
Elevation: 118'
Management - Public - State Park
Open area not much shade. They are set up quite nicely for the equestrian campers lots of trails around update on the cost $10 a night .
5. Everglades National Park Permit Camping Sites - 71 Miles: - Picayune Strand SF - Northwest CG
Address
Everglades Parkway
Naples, Florida
GPS: 26.148412, -81.64806
Elevation: 141'
Management - Public - State Park
6. Everglades National Park Permit Camping- 83 Miles: - Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest
Address
Wild Cow Grade Road
Felda, Florida
GPS: 26.532276, -81.294205
Elevation: 29'
Management - Public - State Forest (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 5 miles from a paved road. The maximum RV length at Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest is any.
Dumpster and portajohns provided. No water or electric. The first camping area is on Panther Pond. The second area has room for larger rigs.
There are many miles of open forest roads available for hiking and bicycling. Fishing opportunities are plentiful in the numerous canals, ponds, and ditches that are accessible by vehicle. Hunting is a popular activity on Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest.
Directions: Located approximately thirty miles east of Fort Myers, in southeastern Hendry and northeastern Collier counties, the forest can be accessed along CR 832, marked by the various self-service pay stations.
Amenities:
Fire Ring
Near Water
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
Activities:
Fishing
Hiking
Horse Trails
Hunting
Wildlife Viewing
7. Everglades Permit Camping Sites - 112 Miles: - JW Corbett WMA
Address
Hwy 710
Indiantown, Florida
GPS: 26.943571, -80.355209
Elevation: 34'
Management - Public - Fish and Wildlife Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel and depends miles from a paved road. JW Corbett WMA is open Year-round. There are 16-29 campsites at this location. You may stay variable at JW Corbett WMA.
Amenities:
Near Water
Activities:
Fishing
Hiking
Horse Trails
Hunting
Wildlife Viewing
Cost for Paid Camping for Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park provides you with all that you need to fulfill your requisites. Even better, the price is overly affordable and friendly to all who seek to visit. The entrance fee per person is around $25, and that of a car is $35.
Let’s now delve into some of the campgrounds available where you can do your Boondocking.
Flamingo campground
Flamingo offers stunning campgrounds and countless recreational activities, plus perfect views. Of course, people like the view of exotic wildlife and birds. Also, you will be delighted with other useful activities like camping, launch ramps, boat slips, and so much more.
Long Pine Key campground
Enjoy a wonderful stay at this camp. The staff is friendly, and you get access to see the stunning sunset and all other nearby attractions. The nights here are quiet and comfy, plus you can come along with your firewood, set up the fire, and feel the warmth within the place.
That's not all but a few of the campgrounds you can access while at the Everglades National Park.
Places and Things to See
Whenever you want to encounter amazing attractions worldwide, Everglades National Park is no exception. Book earlier for a closer view of the attractions there.
The top-notch attractions in this park include;
Shark Valley
Anhinga Trail
Ernest F. Visitor Centre
Royal Palm Visitor Centre
HM69 Nike Missile Base
Flamingo
Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail
Flamingo Visitor Centre
Mahogany Hammock
Gumbo Limbo Trail
Long Pine Key, and so much more to mention.
The You Have to DO
Cruise, Hike, and Airboat.
Plunge deep into the Everglades National Park and search for birds, dolphins, and manatees courtesy of the island boat trip. Thereafter, go on an airboat to catch a glimpse of alligators and move under vast cypress trees with ease. What’s even better? Lunch is part of the package.
Fishing and Tours.
As spoke of earlier, Everglades National Park is mostly surrounded by water. So as you adventure the place, you are more likely to engage in fishing amid a tour. If essential, come with fishing equipment to further sweeten the deal.
If that's not sufficient, you also have the latitude to go many day trips, hiking trails, golf tours, and tee times.
Top Trails to Hike At the Everglades National Park
Even though Everglades National Park is known to be a marshy area, there are still some areas of the park that you can explore through some activities like hiking.
Through hiking, you get to analyze various habitats. Catch a glimpse of some of the top trails to hike in this park.
Royal Palm Visitor Centre
Ernest F. Visitor Centre
Big Cypress Preserve
Flamingo Visitor Centre and the rest
These are the best destinations primarily for hikers who love to strike out on their own. However, as an essential rule, be cautious when hiking as you are more likely to fall into deep waters due to unpredictable conditions.
How Much Time Is Needed to Visit the Everglades
Before visiting this large National Park, ensure that you have a concrete plan. On average, eight days is enough to maneuver the entire park. And this will create a world of difference from your previous encounter with vacations.
Housing and Dining Near Everglades National Park
Find out all the dishes and lodgings available near the park before your visit. There are merely 164 hotels within this great National Park. All bookings are made online. The most popular ones are;
Spring hill suites.
Home2 suites.
TownePlace Suites Miami Kendall West.
Candlewood suites.
Hampton Inn and so much more.
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park
Are you wondering about the most suitable time to visit Everglades National Park? Worry not; this article is here to sort your demands.
The ecosystem in this park is ever welcoming whenever you visit. However, there are a few changes you need to focus on before visiting the place.
The best time to reach Everglades Park is between November to March. That’s because many animals are active during this period, and most adventurous tourists will have escaped the cold from the northern region to come and experience the warm climate. So be sure that this will be the busiest time to visit the place.
Essential things to carry as you visit Everglades National Park
The following list encompasses the essentials needed when you plan to visit Everglades National Park. These things will make your trip safer and Intriguing.
Hiking shoes
Snacks
Umbrella and rain jacket
Hat
Sunglasses
Long pants
Sunscreen
Clean water
You might also like some of the articles from our website about boondocking and travel.
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