Everglades National Park

Everglades visitors explore a hammock, an island of hardwood, vegetation and rich soil.

The Everglades is known as the "River of Grass".

The Everglades National Park is home to diverse wildlife.

Tropical wildlife from the Caribbean comingles with wildlife from cooler, temperate climates with remarkable results in the spectacular 1.5 million-acre Everglades.

However, population growth, development and water demands continue to threaten the wetlands park and its fate still hangs in the balance. The national park protects only one-fifth of the historic Everglades.

The park is managed to protect this endangered resource while providing public access to a national treasure.

The park can be explored on boardwalks, hiking trails and canoe and kayak trails. There are several outstanding areas for biking, fishing and boating.

Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds offer various services.

Outstanding wildlife includes the elusive and extremely endangered Florida panther, snakes, alligators, crocodiles and a wide array of birdlife.

A permit is required for wilderness camping.

All of the park's visitor centers, most interpretive trails, some of the Flamingo boat tours and the Shark Valley tram tours are wheelchair-accessible.

There are accessible campsites at all campgrounds. One primitive wilderness campsite, at Pearl Bay, is accessible to people with mobility impairments.

The Everglades is mild and pleasant from December through April. Summers are hot and humid. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and mosquitoes are abundant. Protective clothing, insect repellent and sunscreen are recommended.

In the Flamingo area, visitors may enjoy camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, canoeing and wildlife viewing.