Where to sleep around the Everglades?

Are you going to play "Crcodile Dundee" in the Everglades? But where to stay in this huge swamp to the unique ecosystem? Here's our advice.

On a trip to Florida, one of the main and unmistakable stages is, of course, the Everglades National Park, or in French “The National Park of Eternal Wrapped”! Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this huge 8,000-year-old swamp covers the entire south of Florida over 200 km long and 80 km wide.

This nature reserve is one of the richest in the world in terms of ecosystems and is home to an exceptional fauna, including lamantins, lynx, brown bears, famous Florida panthers and a multitude of bird species. But the real stars of the park remain the crocodiles and alligators that you can see closer during a tour aboard an airboat or hydroglider. It is possible to visit the National Park throughout the year, by the west or by the south of Miami.

And to help you prepare your adventure, we have listed the best places to stay around the Everglades!

In the heart of Everglades Park

Are you looking to sleep around the Everglades? What better than in the middle of the park! Know that there is no hotel in the park. For adventurers in the soul, there are two camping sites accessible by car from the entrance of Homestead Park: the Long Pine Key and Flamingo . Both can accommodate tents and motorhomes, and have all the necessary facilities (water, sanitary, showers...). Attention, during the rainy season (from June to November), campsites are open, but the conditions will be quite difficult and uncomfortable. And be well prepared, because camping equipment is not available for rent or for purchase in the park.

And then there is Swamp Camp of Clyde Butcher, photographer and lovers of these marsh areas. You will have the choice between a cottage or a bungalow, which offers both all modern comforts (wifi, washing machine, equipped kitchen), in an authentic, friendly and 100% natural setting, but which has a cost (about $300 per night). Clyde Butcher has been sharing his human and photographic adventure for years and offers excursions that you are not ready to forget!

Miami

If you are looking for accommodation near Everglades, you can reach the park very easily from Miami (at 30 miles). And it’s still a must! Miami maintains the image of a glamorous and gay-friendly America, especially on the South Beach side, with its Art Deco buildings, its famous villas and its long beach.

The homeland of the exiles of the Cuban regime, since the 1960s it has been displaying a multicultural face with Latin accents which makes it its mark today. The accommodation offer is abundant in Miami, to you from choose your neighbourhood , which will strongly influence your budget!

Florida City

Still looking for accommodation in the Everglades area? Florida City offers the advantage of being on the most « typical » side of the Everglades. It is the ideal place to stay in the vicinity of the Everglades, because it is the nearest town to the park, the North entrance is 10 minutes away!

Located on the Tamiami Trail, this entry will give you access to the entire north of the park. You will find on the road the Visitor Center, as well as the departure of many hiking trails. Florida City has a number of cheap hotels. If we had to recommend the most convenient place to stay around the Everglades, it’s right here!

Naples

The second entrance of the park is south of Naples , and allows (through a boat ride) to walk in the middle of the islets. Staying in Naples is then a good solution if you want accommodation around the Everglades. It is a pretty small town, mainly residential and family with marinas. The ideal place if you are looking for quiet in a place to sleep around the Everglades.

Marco Island

Located a few minutes from the Everglades and close to Naples, Marco Island a small island in the Gulf of Mexico. Luxury hotels, beautiful beaches and preserved parks... Here's what you'll find here! If you have the budget, staying on Marco Island can be a great experience around the Everglades!