As of May 12, the oil is still off in the distance. "...staff continues to work as part of the multi-park south Florida Incident Management Team. Science and technical staff have completed a baseline condition assessment plan for Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve." More information on Everglades National Park Oil Spill Response.

Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, boasts rare and endangered species. It has been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance, significant to all people of the world.

Whether you are coming for a few hours or a week and want a nice walk and picnic or more of a wilderness experience, you can find it all here. Camping, boating, hiking, and even a visit to a former missile base in the center of the park are all possible. Many have enjoyed exploring some of the 156 miles (251 km) of canoe/kayak and walking trails and 47 designated wilderness campsites opportunities for solitude. Current schedules and information can be found here on the park website.

Camping at Everglades NP

Everglades National Park offers wonderful camping opportunities in both the frontcountry and backcountry. While camping is available year-round, persons visiting during the wet season should be aware of potentially difficult and uncomfortable conditions. Visitors should also be well-prepared as camping equipment is not available for rent or purchase in the park.

Fishing at Everglades NP

One third of Everglades National Park is covered by water, creating excellent boating and fishing opportunities. Snapper, sea trout, redfish, bass, and bluegill are plentiful. Saltwater fishing includes Florida Bay, Ten Thousand Islands, and elsewhere in the park's coastal zone. Freshwater and saltwater fishing require separate Florida fishing licenses.

Fishing from the shore is very limited. However, park waters provide thousands of acres of shallow water flats, channels, and mangrove keys in which to fish. Before leaving shore, think safety! Be aware of local boating information.

Also please remember that collecting plants and animals in Everglades National Park is prohibited. This includes such things as orchids, airplants, seahorses, starfish, conch, tropical fish, coral, sponges, and driftwood (except for fuel). One quart of non-occupied sea shells may be collected per person.

Freshwater Fishing

• License - A Florida freshwater fishing license is required to fish in freshwater or to possess fresh water species.
• Bait - Live or dead fish (including minnows and shiners) or amphibians, and non-preserved fish eggs or roe, are prohibited. Digging for bait inside the park is not permitted.
• Closed to Fishing - No fishing is allowed at the Ernest F. Coe (Main) Visitor Center lakes, Royal Palm Visitor Center area and trails, Chekika Lake, along the first 3 miles of the Main Park Road, including Taylor Slough, or along the Shark Valley Tram Road.

Saltwater Fishing

• License - A Florida saltwater fishing license is required to fish in saltwater or to possess saltwater species.
• Bait - Bait, except for mullet and shrimp, is not included in bag limits. Saltwater bait: shrimp, minnows, pilchards, pinfish, mullet, mojarras (shad), or ballyhoo. Bait may be taken with hook and line, dip net (not wider than 3 feet / 0.9 m), and cast net.
• Closed to Fishing - No fishing is allowed in Eco, Mrazek or Coot Bay Ponds at any time. No fishing is allowed from the boardwalk at West Lake, or at the Flamingo Marina during daylight hours.
• Manatee Etiquette - Areas frequented by manatees have been posted. Keep an eye out for manatees. Slow to an idle if observed, but do not approach or molest.
• Lobster and Queen Conch - The taking and possession of lobster and queen conch is prohibited.
• Recreational Crabbing - Stone crabs, during open state season, and blue crabs may be taken by recreational fishermen using attended gear (for example: star trap, baited line, landing net, etc.). Crabbers are limited to five (5) traps. Unattended gear, including traps, is prohibited.
• Shrimp - Shrimp may be taken by dip net (not wider than 3 feet / 0.9 m) or cast net, for personal use only, not for sale.

Visitors can explore Florida Bay, Whitewater Bay, and the Ten Thousand Islands area by boat, kayak, or canoe. Each area has its own unique characteristics and habitats to explore.

Boating at Everglades NP

Boating in the waters of the Everglades is a task for the skilled. Treacherous passes cut through long banks of mud and seagrass, separating the basins of our shallow coast in Florida Bay. Other areas, expecially in the Ten Thousand Islands, have many oyster reefs and sandbars. Safely exploring this region, while protecting the sensitive underwater habitats, requires the ability to "read the water". Shallow areas are not always marked, especially in the area between Flamingo and Everglades City. Knowing the draft (depth) and limits of your boat is critical, as is the ability to read and utilize nautical charts.

Canoe and Kayak Trails at Everglades NP

Everglades National Park is the third largest in the lower 48 states. Throughout the park there are many opportunities to explore the natural beauty of this park on your own or rented canoes and kayaks. Follow the links above to learn more about some of the favorite water trials in the park.

Directions to Everglades National Park

Since there are several visitors sites inside Everglades NP, you might want to check out the Everglades (NPS) Webpage so you can get directions to the one of your choosing. Below we offer directions to the Earnest Coe Visitors Center:

Visitors coming from the Miami area and points north should take the Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south until it ends merging with U.S. 1 at Florida City. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive (State Road 9336/SW 344th St.) and follow the signs to the park.

Visitors driving north from the Florida Keys should turn left on Palm Drive in Florida City and follow the signs to the park.

Location