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Everglades National Park

the USA🇺🇸 | national parksEverglades National ParkSawgrass marsh, Anhinga boardwalk, alligators, Flamingo paddling | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Everglades
UNESCO World Heritage site
🌟 Highlightnational park ranked #11
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Most travelers have to choose between the Homestead entrance and the Flamingo end of the park road, and the answer depends on how many hours you can spare for driving. Everglades National Park sits in southern Florida, in the United States, southwest of Miami. Mosquitoes in the wet months and a park road with no shortcuts catch people out, so pack repellent and fill your gas tank before entering. I expected a flat, silent swamp. At Anhinga Trail I found alligators lounging a few feet from the boardwalk, completely unbothered, and the place was loud with birds. Start with the Royal Palm area, then drive to Flamingo for sunset.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #11 national park in the USAWhat makes it a must-see national park

Everglades National Park rewards people who like to plan their own days. The main road runs about 38 miles from the entrance to Flamingo, with short boardwalks and trailheads along it, so you can stop wherever the birds or the light make you stop. Paddlers get the best of it: the Wilderness Waterway is a roughly 99-mile canoe and kayak route, and the Hell’s Bay Canoe Trail threads through mangrove tunnels. Backcountry campsites on chickees (raised platforms over water) and beach sites give independent travelers a night somewhere few people ever sleep. Guided tours exist and help if you are nervous about gators, but nothing here requires one. A car, a paddle and a good map cover most of what matters.

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

  1. Anhinga Trail: A short boardwalk loop at Royal Palm over a sawgrass marsh where alligators, anhingas, herons and turtles gather within arm’s reach of the rail. It is the most famous walk in the park and best early in the morning.
  2. Shark Valley Tram Road: A flat paved loop of about 15 miles that you can walk, bike or ride by tram, ending at an observation tower with a wide view across the sawgrass.
  3. Gumbo Limbo Trail: A shaded path through a tropical hardwood hammock, with gumbo limbo trees, strangler figs and air plants overhead.
  4. Pa-hay-okee Overlook: A short boardwalk to a raised platform that shows the “river of grass” stretching to the horizon.
  5. West Lake and Mahogany Hammock: Boardwalks through mangrove shoreline and a dense hammock, with some of the largest mahogany trees in the country.
  6. Flamingo
… read more 👉
  1. Anhinga Trail: A short boardwalk loop at Royal Palm over a sawgrass marsh where alligators, anhingas, herons and turtles gather within arm’s reach of the rail. It is the most famous walk in the park and best early in the morning.
  2. Shark Valley Tram Road: A flat paved loop of about 15 miles that you can walk, bike or ride by tram, ending at an observation tower with a wide view across the sawgrass.
  3. Gumbo Limbo Trail: A shaded path through a tropical hardwood hammock, with gumbo limbo trees, strangler figs and air plants overhead.
  4. Pa-hay-okee Overlook: A short boardwalk to a raised platform that shows the “river of grass” stretching to the horizon.
  5. West Lake and Mahogany Hammock: Boardwalks through mangrove shoreline and a dense hammock, with some of the largest mahogany trees in the country.
  6. Flamingo and Florida Bay: The southern end of the road, where you can look for manatees, crocodiles and wading birds, and launch boats or paddle into the bay.
  7. Hell’s Bay Canoe Trail: A paddling route through narrow mangrove creeks and open ponds, rewarding for self-guided kayakers who can read a map.
Everglades National Park can be sampled in a long day, though two full days let you do the boardwalks, a paddle and Shark Valley without rushing.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Everglades National Park

Miami: 60 Minute Private Everglades Airboat Ride

Miami: 60 Minute Private Everglades Airboat Ride

5.0(168) 1h
From €123
per personViator
Award-winning Art Deco & Neon Lights Walking Tour in Miami Beach

Award-winning Art Deco & Neon Lights Walking Tour in Miami Beach

5.0(153) 2h 30m
From €44
per personViator
Miami Helicopter Tour Hard Rock and Beach

Miami Helicopter Tour Hard Rock and Beach

5.0(78) 30m
From €153
per personViator
Cigar Factory Tour in Little Havana, Miami

Cigar Factory Tour in Little Havana, Miami

5.0(57) 1h
From €32
per personViator
Miami Art Deco Gems & Jewels Small Group & Exclusive Access Tour

Miami Art Deco Gems & Jewels Small Group & Exclusive Access Tour

5.0(57) 2h 30m
From €73
per personViator
Wynwood French Guided Tour - Street Art

Wynwood French Guided Tour - Street Art

5.0(54) 2h
From €47
per personViator
Private Miami Airport Lakes Peacock Bass Charter - 4 Hour

Private Miami Airport Lakes Peacock Bass Charter - 4 Hour

5.0(46) 4h
From €329
per personViator
90 Minute Miami Everglades Semi Private Airboat Tour

90 Minute Miami Everglades Semi Private Airboat Tour

5.0(42) 1h 30m
From €97
per personViator
Sail The DREAM Boat From South Beach

Sail The DREAM Boat From South Beach

5.0(34)
From €1,248
per personViator
50ft Private Yacht Experience in Miami for 12 people

50ft Private Yacht Experience in Miami for 12 people

5.0(32)
From €590
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Dry Season (December to April): Everglades National Park is at its most comfortable, with highs of 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F) and lows of 13 to 18°C (55 to 64°F). Mosquitoes are manageable, wildlife gathers at shrinking waterholes, and ranger programs run in full. Crowds and lodging prices peak, especially around holidays and February.
  • Wet Season (May to October): Expect highs of 32 to 34°C (90 to 93°F), thick humidity, daily afternoon storms, and swarms of mosquitoes. Backcountry camping gets miserable, but lodging is cheap and the trails are empty.
  • Shoulder Months (November and early May): Temperatures ease or climb gradually, and fees stay low. Daylight lasts about 10.5 hours in winter and over 13 in summer.
Book backcountry campsites well ahead for January through March, and aim for early mornings year-round to beat heat and storms.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
United States - Everglades National Park

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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in the USA

The easiest base is Homestead and Florida City, about 10 to 15 minutes from the Ernest F. Coe entrance, where hostels and budget motels run US$70 to 130 a night. Inside Everglades National Park, Flamingo has a campground with tent and RV sites at roughly US$30 a night, and Long Pine Key Campground near the main entrance costs similar. Both fill quickly in winter, so reserve online through Recreation.gov. Backcountry chickee platforms and beach sites along the Wilderness Waterway need a permit, around US$15 plus US$2 per person, and suit paddlers best. Everglades City, on the western side near … read more 👉
The easiest base is Homestead and Florida City, about 10 to 15 minutes from the Ernest F. Coe entrance, where hostels and budget motels run US$70 to 130 a night. Inside Everglades National Park, Flamingo has a campground with tent and RV sites at roughly US$30 a night, and Long Pine Key Campground near the main entrance costs similar. Both fill quickly in winter, so reserve online through Recreation.gov. Backcountry chickee platforms and beach sites along the Wilderness Waterway need a permit, around US$15 plus US$2 per person, and suit paddlers best. Everglades City, on the western side near Gulf Coast Visitor Center, offers small motels and fishing lodges for US$90 to 160, and it works for boat tours into the Ten Thousand Islands. Miami is about an hour away by road and has cheaper hostels, but the drive eats into your mornings, when wildlife is most active.
Best hostels in the USA


Best quality hotels in the USA

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Everglades National Park costs backpackers roughly US$75 to 120 a day, with entry the smallest part.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance FeeUS$10 to 15US$20 per person on foot or bike; US$35 per vehicle, valid for seven days, with the daily share split among riders. Nonresidents aged 16 and over pay an extra US$100 each.
Accommodation (High Season)US$30 to 45Campsites at Long Pine Key or Flamingo run about US$30; hostel beds in Homestead are higher, and wet season prices drop sharply.
Local TransportUS$15 to 25Fuel or shared car costs matter, since distances are long and no public transit enters the park.
Food and SuppliesUS$15 to 20Stock up at supermarkets in Homestead; Flamingo has limited options and higher prices.
ActivitiesUS$5 to 15Trails and ranger talks are free; boat tours or canoe
… read more 👉
Everglades National Park costs backpackers roughly US$75 to 120 a day, with entry the smallest part.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance FeeUS$10 to 15US$20 per person on foot or bike; US$35 per vehicle, valid for seven days, with the daily share split among riders. Nonresidents aged 16 and over pay an extra US$100 each.
Accommodation (High Season)US$30 to 45Campsites at Long Pine Key or Flamingo run about US$30; hostel beds in Homestead are higher, and wet season prices drop sharply.
Local TransportUS$15 to 25Fuel or shared car costs matter, since distances are long and no public transit enters the park.
Food and SuppliesUS$15 to 20Stock up at supermarkets in Homestead; Flamingo has limited options and higher prices.
ActivitiesUS$5 to 15Trails and ranger talks are free; boat tours or canoe rentals add US$25 to 60 occasionally.
Total Daily BudgetUS$75 to 120Lower end assumes camping and self-catered meals.


source: nps.gov
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsTrail guide for Everglades national park

Everglades National Park offers mostly short, flat boardwalk walks, with longer wet trails and paddling routes for those who want more. Terrain is sawgrass marsh, pine rockland, hardwood hammock and mangrove, so expect no climbing but plenty of mud, heat and insects.
  • Anhinga Trail: 0.8 miles round trip, about 30 to 45 minutes, easy. Paved and boardwalk, with the best close wildlife viewing in the park.
  • Gumbo Limbo Trail: 0.4 miles round trip, 15 to 20 minutes, easy. Shaded hammock walk beside Anhinga.
  • Pa-hay-okee Overlook: 0.25 miles round trip, 15 minutes, easy. Boardwalk to a broad view of the
… read more 👉
Everglades National Park offers mostly short, flat boardwalk walks, with longer wet trails and paddling routes for those who want more. Terrain is sawgrass marsh, pine rockland, hardwood hammock and mangrove, so expect no climbing but plenty of mud, heat and insects.
  • Anhinga Trail: 0.8 miles round trip, about 30 to 45 minutes, easy. Paved and boardwalk, with the best close wildlife viewing in the park.
  • Gumbo Limbo Trail: 0.4 miles round trip, 15 to 20 minutes, easy. Shaded hammock walk beside Anhinga.
  • Pa-hay-okee Overlook: 0.25 miles round trip, 15 minutes, easy. Boardwalk to a broad view of the grass prairie.
  • Mahogany Hammock: 0.5 miles round trip, about 20 minutes, easy. Boardwalk under a tall canopy.
  • Snake Bight Trail: about 1.6 miles one way, 2 to 3 hours round trip, moderate for the bugs and mud. Leads to a bay shoreline with wading birds at low tide.
  • Shark Valley Tram Road: about 15 miles loop, 3 to 4 hours on foot or 1.5 to 2 hours by bike, easy. Flat and exposed with many alligators.
Mosquitoes can be intense in the wet months, so bring strong repellent and long sleeves. Winter brings drier, cooler weather and the best wildlife viewing. Public transport to the park is limited, and most visitors drive from Miami or Homestead, so a rental car is the practical choice. Crowds peak at Anhinga in winter mornings and thin out along the farther trails. An entrance fee applies per vehicle and is valid for several days.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

The main hazards in Everglades National Park are heat, mosquitoes and sun, not big animals. Carry at least 4 liters of water per person per day, wear light long sleeves, and bring strong repellent, since summer bugs can force you off trails. Trails are flat and well marked, but backcountry water routes need tide charts, a compass or GPS, and a plan for wind. Alligators are common; stay at least 4.5 meters (15 feet) back, never feed them, and keep dogs away from water edges. Pythons are rarely seen. Afternoon lightning is frequent in summer, so finish hikes and paddles by early afternoon. Cell service is patchy, so tell someone your route.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Plan on two to three days for Everglades National Park. One day covers Anhinga Trail, Gumbo Limbo and the drive to Flamingo (about 38 miles, 1 hour from the main entrance), while a second day suits a canoe or kayak trip. Add a third day for the Shark Valley tram loop or the Gulf Coast area, and paddlers tackling the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway need 7 to 10 days.
Visiting Everglades National Park without a car is hard but possible. No public transit enters the park, and Homestead is about 10 miles from the main entrance. Rideshares and taxis get you to the Ernest F. Coe entrance, though they rarely return, so rent a bike or join guided tours from Miami, which cost roughly US$50 to 100.
Everglades National Park charges US$35 per private vehicle, or US$20 per person on foot or bike, valid for seven days. Nonresidents aged 16 and over also pay a US$100 nonresident fee each unless they hold an annual pass. The America the Beautiful pass (US$80 for US residents, US$250 for nonresidents) covers entry. Backcountry camping requires a separate permit, about US$15 plus US$2 per person per night, bought at Flamingo or Gulf Coast visitor centers.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Everglades National Park pairs well with the Florida Keys on a south Florida loop, or with Big Cypress National Preserve to the west for quieter paddling. I would give it two nights, sleep near Homestead, and save Flamingo for the end of the road when you have time to linger.

✈️ When did I visit the USA?
In January 2023 I visited New York. Many years before, before digital cameras existed, I discovered most of the national parks in the West.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in the USA, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

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