Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Explore a vast subtropical wilderness where the river of grass meets the mangroves.
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
The parking lot at Shark Valley is small and frequently fills by mid-morning during the dry season. Arrive early or expect a one-in, one-out wait at the gated entrance.
Cellular service is non-existent throughout most of the main park road and the Flamingo area. Use the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center for final digital communications before heading south.
Homestead is the primary location for fuel and groceries before entering the southern park gate. Limited fuel may be available at Flamingo, but availability is not guaranteed.
During the summer wet season, mosquito populations can be hazardous in shaded hammock and mangrove trails. Dry season (December–April) is the preferred window for land-based exploration.
Paddling routes and boat launches are subject to tidal changes and seasonal water levels. Check with a ranger at the Gulf Coast or Flamingo stations for current hazards.
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.


Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at MIA
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at MIAA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
Suggested: 8 AM from Homestead Entrance
Anhinga Trail
Walk the boardwalk to spot alligators, turtles, and diverse wading birds in the sawgrass marsh.
Pa-hay-okee Overlook
Ascend the observation platform for a panoramic view of the 'River of Grass' ecosystem.
Allow 1.5 hours for park road transit; conditions vary
Winter months offer the best wildlife visibility as water levels drop and animals congregate.
Pick up your vehicle at MIA →Suggested: 9 AM from Mahogany Hammock
Mahogany Hammock
Explore a 'tree island' featuring the largest living mahogany trees in the United States.
Flamingo Marina
View the transition to saltwater habitats and look for manatees and crocodiles in the basin.
Allow 2 hours for return drive to Homestead; conditions vary
Insect activity is extremely high in mangrove areas; prepare accordingly with physical barriers.
Tours for today's stops →Suggested: 8:30 AM from Shark Valley
Shark Valley Tram Road
Explore the 15-mile loop via bicycle or guided tram to reach the 65-foot observation tower.
Miccosukee Cultural Area
Learn about the indigenous history and contemporary relationship with the Everglades landscape.
Allow 1 hour from Miami/Homestead to Shark Valley; conditions vary
Shark Valley is a separate entrance from the main park road; allow ample travel time between them.
Find a place to stay →Reservations · Moderate
Seasonal Access and Wilderness Permits
Everglades National Park does not currently require a timed-entry permit for general vehicle access, but boat tours from Flamingo and Gulf Coast should be reserved well in advance. Backcountry camping requires a specific permit obtained through the official wilderness system. Always check the official NPS site for current water levels and facility closures before traveling.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
Miami International Airport · 1 h 36 min drive
From Miami International Airport
1 h 36 min
about 50 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Vrbo
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
Expedia
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
Viator
Explore guided activities around Everglades National Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Est. from $35 · typical rate
Guided tours, day trips and attraction deals
Check on Klook
Est. from $20 · typical rate
Instant mobile tickets for nearby sights
Check on Tiqets
Est. from $79 · typical rate
One pass for the gateway city's top sights
Check on Go CityCurated Trip Essentials

Day-walk storage
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.

Water on walking days
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.

Sunny outdoor stops
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.

Uneven walking trails
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.

Wildlife & night viewing
20X optical zoom · 500m IR range. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$294.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.