Wilderness Camping

Wilderness Camping Navigation

 

Sweetwater Chickee wilderness campsite in Everglades National Park

NPS / Jane Gamble

Plan Your Wilderness Trip

Wilderness permits are required for all overnight camping in the backcountry.

Campers can make advanced reservations through Recreation.gov. Advanced reservations are available on a rolling basis, three months in advance of the start date.

Proof of digital reservations / permits or printouts are allowed for the Flamingo and Key Largo areas only. Wilderness permits must still be picked up in-person at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center no sooner than 24 hours in advance of your trip. Wilderness permits can be picked up between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm year-round (hours subject to change, please call ahead to confirm).

Reservations are not required for wilderness permits. Campers may still pick up a permit in-person at the Gulf Coast or Flamingo* Visitor Centers on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits cannot be obtained sooner than 24 hours in advance of the start of the trip. *Check hours and days of operation.

There is a $21 administrative fee plus an additional $2 per person, per night use fee. The costs will apply for advanced reservations and walk-up permits year-round. A credit card is needed for both online and in-person permit reservations.

Remember: Most wilderness campsites are only accessible by water. Use the Wilderness Trip Planner to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.

What to Bring

Practice Leave No Trace principles, including "pack-it-in, pack-it-out."

Plan to bring all your needed supplies and leave with all belongings including waste. Be aware that many sites do not have restrooms and those that do are not always serviced regularly.

Wildlife Caution

Feeding wildlife anywhere in the park is prohibited. If wildlife associate humans with food, they may exhibit more aggressive behaviors.

 

Crooked Creek wilderness campsite in Everglades National Park

NPS / Jane Gamble

Other Important Information

Visit our "Frequently Asked Questions" page to learn more about wilderness camping reservations and permits.

Wilderness Camping Originating from Florida Keys

Wilderness users originating from the Florida Keys can also obtain permits by phone for North Nest Key, Little Rabbit Key, Johnson Key, Shark Point Chickee and Cape Sable. Call the Flamingo Visitor Center at [phone], no more than 24 hours prior to the start of your trip. You may call [phone] for these sites if no one is available at Flamingo during the summer.

Limited Days for Camping

No camping in Everglades National Park for more than a total of 30 days in a calendar year and no more than 14 consecutive days during the period from November 1 through April 30.

 

Updates on Wilderness Conditions

   Pavilion Key

The interior of Pavilion Key is closed to protect vulnerable resources. There is an open area on the north end that can be used for camping.

   Hog Key

The western shore of Hog Key is closed to protect vulnerable resources. There is a small campsite on the north end that may be used.

   Broad Creek and "The Nightmare"

Broad Creek and "The Nightmare" are passable at this time. 

   Gopher Creek / Charley Creek

Gopher Creek / Charley Creek is impassable (Gulf of Mexico to Darwins Place wilderness campsite). The creek is blocked by trees on the Gulf side. 

   Watson River Chickee

Watson River Chickee is closed until further notice for repairs. 

   Shark River Chickee

Shark River Chickee is closed until further notice for repairs.

   Hell's Bay Chickee

Hell's Bay Chickee is closed until further notice for repairs.