Everglades National Park, Florida
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
You might think the Everglades is just one big swampy area, full of nothing but airboats and alligators. You wouldn’t be completely wrong, but there’s a lot more to Everglades National Park than just that. In fact, it’s the biggest subtropical habitat for a lot of wildlife in the country. It’s also a place where more than a million visitors come every year to experience everything the national park has to offer.
Down in southern Florida, not far from Miami, you already know to expect hot and humid weather. But that’s part of the Everglades’ appeal. This unique kind of habitat is the perfect home to hundreds of different species, some of which are endangered and rarely found elsewhere. And while sure, there’s a lot of swamp, there’s also a lot of land that isn’t swampy at all, and makes for great recreational opportunities. Plus there are plenty of RV parks near Everglades National Park for your camping needs.
There are so many places you can go within the Everglades by boat and so many boats that can take you to those places. Boats with shallow bottoms in particular are key for this area, as the water may frequently only be several inches deep. So things like canoes, kayaks, and airboats are all perfect options for getting out there.
You can take day trips or bring along a tent for a longer excursion. There are also marked canoe “trails” that can keep you on the straight and narrow and not get lost in the vastness that is the Everglades. Between the Flamingo and Gulf Coast Visitor Centers, there are roughly 100 miles of connected waterways for you to enjoy a nice paddle or float.
Side note: you will probably see alligators, but they’ll leave you alone. Just give them a wide berth.
Just about one-third of the Everglades is covered by water. There are both freshwater and saltwater areas in the park that are perfect for fishing (though you will need a different license to fish each type of water). The brackish water (which means a blend of salt and fresh waters) lends itself as a unique habitat for certain types of fish.
If you're not familiar with the area, it’s best to go fishing with a guide. They can put you on fish no matter what kind of weather or water issues you might be dealing with. You may catch anything from largemouth bass to bluegill on the freshwater side, or snook or red snapper on the saltwater side. Consider keeping a few to take back to your RV and cook up for dinner.
Everglades National Park is home to hundreds of species, including several that are endangered. As such, you’re likely to find some while you’re out on your boat or hiking. Birdwatching is particularly popular here, as there are over 300 species of bird that spend time here. From waders to seabirds and many more in between.
The Everglades are home to the largest mangrove orchard in North America, and many species love mangroves. You’re very likely to run across a manatee, including the West Indian manatee which is endangered. Alligators are prominent in the area, though they won’t bother you unless you prompt them to (which is to say, don’t do that). The Florida Panther also calls the area home, though they’re sleek and it’s not likely you’ll come across one. If you do, count yourself lucky and keep your distance.
You might be thinking, “how can I hike in an area that’s mostly swamp?” The Everglades have plenty of swampland, but it’s hardly all swamp. There are numerous trails spread throughout the park, all at varying ranges of difficulty. Some are even paved, some are boardwalks, though some aren’t maintained at all due to the presence of endangered wildlife.
Pine Island, Flamingo, and Shark Valley all have popular trails that lead through them. Many of these are short, easily accessible trails, though they can range longer. It’s worth noting that no pets are allowed on these trail systems, as they can appear as prey to some of the wildlife that calls the park home.
Let’s be clear: the Everglades are massive. While you could easily spend your entire vacation here exploring, you still may not see everything you’re hoping to see. Thankfully, there are tours that can help with that. By land, sea, and airboat (yes, there’s your chance), you can get a good look at all of the things in the Everglades that you might never lay eyes on otherwise.
There are several vendors that are officially licensed to run tours through the national park. These include trams, guided kayak tours, overnight trips, airboats, and other opportunities that best fit your needs and desires. Some popular tours are called “ecotours,” where you’ll learn about the delicate ecosystem of the Everglades and see much of the flora and fauna that make it so special.
People in Florida know how to relax. At Everglades Isle Motorcoach Resort & Marina, you do it in style. Located in the 10,000 Islands, the first thing you’ll want to take advantage of is the fishing opportunities. It’s some of the best in the state. There are also golf cart rentals to help you get around easily. Inside the clubhouse, there’s even more: pool table, fitness room, a lounge—even a movie theater. And of course, every site has full utility hookups. This is a way to stay in style.
Want to mix your Everglades experience with a little bit of South Florida life? Miami Everglades Resort gives you a perfect blend. Miami offers a ton of cultural experiences, plus a little Old Florida style, to make for a perfect vacation. In addition to full utility hookups, there are several relaxing sports like shuffleboard and pickleball, mini-golf, a swimming pool, and more. To relax even more, enjoy the spa and clubhouse.
There’s something to a little slice of paradise. Paradise Island RV Resort offers that in spades. There are two spacious clubhouses, a heated pool, and a billiards table. In addition to full utility hookups you get free wifi as well. A fitness center and lending library are also there to keep you busy. You can stay fresh and clean with the laundry facility too.
Prefer to stay inside the Everglades? There are two spots where you can do just that in your rental RV. One of those is Long Pine Key Campground. This is the more basic of the two campgrounds, where there are no hookups—you’ll be dry camping if you stay here. There are modern restrooms, but the showers won’t be warm (which is probably ok, because Florida is so hot most of the year). You can fish in the lake, but don’t swim, because there are alligators around.
The slightly more modern of the two campgrounds inside the Everglades is Flamingo Campground. Here you’ll find some spaces with electric hookups, though no water—there’s a filling station onsite, though. There are showers, picnic tables, and grills all available. Otherwise, get out and enjoy Everglades National Park. It’s all there for you to take in.
You won’t find any dining inside the park. But the bright side is that, because it’s so expansive, you’re very likely to find some very near it. Otherwise, plan a few meals and stock up your RV’s refrigerator and pantry before you leave. Restaurants aren’t the only place you’ll find fresh seafood, so plan on buying some on your way down to enjoy.
There are so many cities in and around the Everglades, you’ll find plenty of good dining options. Miami in particular will offer lots of fresh seafood and Cuban specialties. Everglades City also offers a few options, even for picky eaters. You’ll find pizza joints and burger places, all family-friendly. There are also grill and pub-style restaurants around. Key Largo is also nearby, and the start of the Florida Keys.
From upscale dining to roadside fish shacks, you’ll find just about any kind of food you can possibly imagine near the Everglades. Miami, Key Largo, and Everglades City all offer different kinds of dining options. Even for the pickiest of eaters among your travelers.