Ranger-Guided Camping Programs

Everglades Astronomy

NPS / Jeff Zylland

Everglades National Park maintains two education centers that offer 3-day / 2-night group camping programs. Programs and site descriptions can be found below. Here are some quick facts to get you started:

• Programs are offered December through April to 5th and 6th grade students from the surrounding community.
• Programs are free. Schools provide transportation and meals.
• Registration takes place in mid-August. Programs fill quickly, so we suggest teachers Request A Date early.
• First-time teachers will need to attend an in-park Teacher Workshop.
• Group Size: 16-26 students
• Teachers & Chaperones: 1 adult per 5 students (maximum 8)

For questions, please call 305-242-7753 or email us.

 

Each center includes a shelter with picnic tables, food storage box, five platform tents, barbecue grill, restrooms, and campfire circle.
Teachers are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the site, as well as bringing and preparing all meals. Students are responsible for bringing their own bedding and camping supplies.
Activities are multi-disciplinary and include habitat hikes, wet walks, night walks, campfire programs, sunrise reflection, and activities about park issues.

 

Students canoeing on Hidden Lake

NPS / Alanna Smith

Hidden Lake Environmental Education Center

Located 15 miles from Homestead and 4 miles from the park's main visitor center. The campsite is within a hardwood hammock, alongside a three-acre freshwater lake. Classes have the option to canoe on Hidden Lake and walk to the popular Anhinga Trail.

 

Sunrise reflection at Loop Road

NPS Photo

Loop Road Environmental Education Center

Located 12 miles west of Shark Valley on Loop Road, inside Big Cypress National Preserve. The five-acre property is an open grassy area with a traditional Miccosukee Indian chickee (shelter) and a freshwater pond. Classes have the option to participate in a narrated tram tour at Shark Valley.