David and I are proud Florida natives, but one way or the other, we had by no means made the journey to Everglades Nationwide Park, located on the southern tip of our stunning state.
Lastly experiencing it firsthand was nothing in need of unimaginable, and we shortly realized simply how mistaken our preliminary expectations had been.
Our Unique Views on the Florida Everglades, and Why We Have been So Incorrect
Earlier than visiting the Everglades, we pictured an limitless mosquito-infested swamp, thick with humidity and teeming with extra alligators than we may rely. In our minds, it was an enormous, murky expanse with little to no shade, the place the warmth can be insufferable, and the one motion would come from the relentless buzz of bugs and the stealthy gliding of reptilian predators. Not too inviting to say the least!
In all honesty, visiting the Everglades was the half we had been in all probability least trying ahead to on our household highway journey to all of Florida’s Nationwide Parks. However as quickly as we entered the park our assumptions melted away. As a substitute of a darkish, swampy wilderness, we discovered a breathtakingly various panorama—one which was way more stunning, peaceable, and wealthy with wildlife than we ever imagined.
Towering cypress and mahogany hammocks created shaded canopies alongside the paths, making our hikes cool and welcoming. The famed “River of Grass” stretched out in lush grassy waves for miles, with the wind actually making the grass transfer like water.
After which there have been the mangroves—dense, winding tunnels of lush greenery that framed the waterways and prolonged for extra miles than we may see.
However What In regards to the Alligators?
Whereas there have been positively predators amongst us together with each alligators and the elusive crocodile (solely discovered on this a part of the U.S. by the way in which), they weren’t practically as considerable as we anticipated! What stunned us much more had been the opposite creatures that referred to as the Everglades dwelling.
Majestic ospreys soared overhead, nice blue herons stood statuesque alongside the shorelines, and stylish egrets waded by way of the shallows. Maybe the most important shock? Recognizing light, slow-moving manatees within the marina—one thing we by no means anticipated to witness within the Everglades.
Now you may not know this about me but however, I’m a sucker for a Florida sundown. If we needed to decide one factor that really took our breath away, it might be watching the solar dip beneath the horizon whereas we sat on a seashore on the southernmost tip of the continental United States. It was a scene we had by no means related to the Everglades earlier than, however one we’ll always remember.
It seems, every part we thought we knew about Everglades Nationwide Park earlier than our go to was fully incorrect. As a substitute of a steamy, mosquito-ridden swamp, we discovered an ecosystem bursting with coloration, motion, and variety—each in panorama and wildlife.
It was an journey we hadn’t anticipated however one we’ll at all times treasure. And the easiest way to expertise the vast-ness of this stunning park is to camp proper in the course of it!
Tenting in Everglades Nationwide Park
For many who need to expertise the Everglades with out fully roughing it, there are two essential frontcountry campgrounds: Lengthy Pine Key and Flamingo Campground.
Positioned close to the Homestead entrance of the park, Lengthy Pine Secret is the proper spot for guests who need a quiet, pure setting with quick access to a few of the park’s greatest trails. The campground is tucked away in a pine rockland forest, offering extra shade and cooler situations in comparison with different areas of the park.
In the event you’re searching for a tenting expertise nearer to the water, Flamingo Campground is a should. That is the place we stayed, and I can inform you the sundown views and darkish starry night time skies listed here are unmatched. Positioned close to the Flamingo Customer Heart, this campground sits proper alongside the coast and affords up-close views of manatees and dolphins.
In case you are craving an epic off-the-grid expertise, backcountry tenting within the Everglades is an journey like no different. Not like conventional campgrounds, backcountry websites are solely accessible by canoe, kayak, or motorboat, making for a very immersive expertise.
The three kinds of backcountry campsites within the park are floor websites on small islands or alongside the coast, “Chickees” -raised wood platforms constructed over the water, and seashore websites that permit campers to pitch a tent immediately on the sand
What to Know Earlier than Tenting within the Everglades
- Reservations & Permits: Frontcountry campgrounds (Lengthy Pine Key and Flamingo) may be reserved on-line, whereas backcountry campers should receive a allow from the customer middle. And like most Florida state parks, reservations have to be made as far prematurely as you’ll be able to get- these spots refill shortly, particularly throughout the excessive season.
- Bug Safety: The Everglades is thought for its mosquitoes, largely in the summertime however it’s best to carry insect repellent. When venturing out throughout the night hours, put on lengthy sleeves and pants, and think about a mosquito web for additional safety whereas tenting.
- Wildlife Consciousness: The Everglades is dwelling to alligators, snakes, and different wildlife. Preserve meals saved securely and be conscious of your environment.
- Climate Issues: The dry season (November–April) is arms down one of the best time to camp, with cooler temperatures and fewer mosquitoes. Summer time months carry warmth, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms. Tenting in January by way of April additionally avoids winter crowds and Florida’s notorious hurricane season.
Tenting within the Everglades affords a uncommon alternative to disconnect from the fashionable world and expertise probably the most distinctive ecosystems on the planet.
Whether or not you’re establishing camp beneath the pine bushes at Lengthy Pine Key, having fun with a coastal dawn at Flamingo, or paddling deep into the backcountry to sleep on a chickee, one factor is definite—you’ll go away with a good better appreciation for this wild, untamed paradise identical to we did.
Erin Moreland
Erin Moreland’s weblog, The Easy Salty Life, displays her household’s ardour for exploration, with detailed journey guides protecting highway journeys, tenting, and each home and worldwide locations. As Florida natives, they spotlight native points of interest, hidden gems, and out of doors adventures like kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring state parks. Past Florida, they share itinerary concepts and journey suggestions to assist households plan memorable holidays. Erin additionally affords sensible recommendation on maximizing journey experiences, making her weblog a go-to useful resource for households searching for journey and high quality time collectively.