News Release

Everglades National Park increases recreational access to Homestead entrance

The sun reflects in the water as it sets over the Anhinga Trail boardwalk in Everglades National Park.

NPS Photo Dylann Turffs

News Release Date: May 13, 2020

Contact: General Park Information, 305-242-7700

Contact: Media: Allyson Gantt, 786-610-8023

Updated 5/22 - Entrance fees resume on May 23 at 12 pm. Cashless transactions encouraged. 

Homestead, Fla. – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Everglades National Park is increasing recreational access. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning May 14, Everglades National Park will reopen access to:  

• Royal Palm, including the Anhinga Trail
• Research Road
• Long Pine Key picnic area and trails
• West Lake
• Guy Bradley Trail and Flamingo Day Use area
• Coastal Prairie Trail
• Canoe, kayak and skiff rentals at Flamingo

In addition, entry fees are waived, and the following spaces continue to be available:  

• Main Park Road from the Homestead entrance to Flamingo
• External restrooms at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
• Flamingo Marina and boat launch ramps
• Flamingo Marina Store, restrooms, and gas pumps
• Flamingo Fish Cleaning Station and restroom
• East Everglades, accessible by 168^th St. (9 a.m - 5 p.m.)
• Marine waters of Everglades National Park
• Beach campsites in wilderness

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

• All visitor centers
• Shark Valley
• Gulf Coast
• Nike Missile Historic Site
• Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds
• Concession tours and houseboat rentals
• Wilderness campsites (ground sites and chickees)

“We recognize that recreating outdoors on our public lands is important to our community,” said Superintendent Pedro Ramos. “Acknowledging that our visitors are following public health guidance, we are expanding recreational access just a little more, while keeping health and safety a priority.”

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Everglades National Park, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, including the regulations listed in the Miami-Dade County Emergency Order 21-20 for marinas, boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, and fishing piers. In addition, visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.