The Weather
Since the Everglades encompass a huge portion of the southern end of the state, it can be quite warm. With water making up a big portion of the Everglades and rains frequent, the humidity is high usually ranging around 90 percent. Expect to encounter hot, humid conditions unless you visit during the winter months when temperatures are milder. When preparing to either camp or explore the region, plan to be wet and hot. Loose fitting clothing is suggested as well as a poncho. Be sure to bring a tarp or have a screened tent to protect you when camping. Remember your sunscreen as the sun can be intense in some areas. If you won't be able to tolerate the sweltering heat and humidity of the region, plan your visit between late November and March.
Insects
As most tropical and subtropical regions, the Everglades is filled with insects. Some can be quite maddening. If there is one item a visitor to the Everglades should never forget, it is insect repellent. This is especially true during the warmer months and rainy seasons. Mosquitoes can be quite abundant throughout the entire park when temperatures are warm. No-see-ums are also an irritating problem for those camping on the coastal regions of the park. It is probably best to wear long-sleeved shirts, such as a nylon fishing shirt. It will protect you from both the sun and bugs.
Recreational Activities
The Everglades offers a wealth of opportunities for the outdoors enthusiast to enjoy. Anglers can enjoy both fresh and saltwater fishing opportunities. A Florida fishing license is required. Since alligators and crocodiles are frequent throughout the area, hikers, bikers and boaters should stay a safe distance away when encountering them.
Camping
Everglades National Park offers many different camping options. Whether you are looking for a full facility site or backcountry, the park has it. There are two full facility campgrounds that operate on a first come, first serve basis. Long Pine Key has 108 sites and Flamingo offer 55 full facility sites and 64 walk-ups. There are 47 backcountry campsites within the park. Some are erected on chickees, which are platforms with roofs, situated on the water. Permits are required to camp in the backcountry of the Everglades.
Everglades National Park
400001 State Road 9336
Homestead, Fl 33034
(941) 695-2945
