Are you going to Crocodile Dundee in the Everglades? But where to stay in this immense swamp with its unique ecosystem? Here’s our advice.
On a trip to Florida, one of the main and unmissable stops is of course Everglades National Park, or in French « Le parc national des marécages éternels »! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this immense 8,000-year-old swamp covers the whole of South Florida, 200 km long and 80 km wide.
This nature reserve is one of the richest in the world in terms of its ecosystem, and is home to exceptional wildlife, including manatees, lynx, brown bears, the famous Florida panthers and a multitude of bird species. But the real stars of the park are the crocodiles and alligators, which you can see up close on an airboat or hydrofoil tour. You can visit the National Park all year round, either from the west or south of Miami.
And to help you prepare for your adventure, we’ve listed the best places to stay around the Everglades!
In the heart of Everglades Park
Photo credit: Flickr – Tiomax80
Looking for a place to stay around the Everglades? What better place than right in the middle of the park! There are no hotels in the park. For the adventurous at heart, there are two campsites within driving distance of the Homestead park entrance: Long Pine Key and Flamingo. Both can accommodate tents and motorhomes, and have all the necessary facilities (water, toilets, showers…). Please note that during the rainy season (June to November), the campsites are open, but conditions will be rather difficult and uncomfortable. And be well prepared, as camping equipment is not available for hire or purchase in the park.
And then there’s the Swamp Camp run by Clyde Butcher, photographer and lover of these marshy expanses. You can choose between a cottage or a bungalow, both of which offer all modern comforts (wifi, washing machine, fully-equipped kitchen), in an authentic, friendly and 100% natural setting, but at a cost (around $300 per night). For years, Clyde Butcher has been sharing his human and photographic adventure with his guests, and offering excursions you won’t soon forget!
Miami
If you’re looking for accommodation around the Everglades, you can reach the park very easily from Miami (30 miles away). And it’s a must-see! Miami maintains the image of a glamorous, gay-friendly America, especially on South Beach, with its Art Deco buildings, star-studded villas and long beach.
Home to exiles from the Cuban regime, since the 1960s Miami has had a multicultural, Latino flavour, which has become its trademark. There’s an abundance of housing in Miami, so it’s up to you to choose the right neighborhood for your budget!
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Florida City
Still looking for accommodation around the Everglades? Florida City offers the advantage of being on the more « typical » side of the Everglades. It’s the ideal place to stay around the Everglades, as it’s the closest city to the park, with the North Entrance just 10 minutes away!
Located on the Tamiami Trail, this entrance gives you access to the entire northern part of the park. Along the way, you’ll find the Visitor Center, as well as the start of many hiking trails. Florida City has a number of small, inexpensive hotels. If we had to recommend the most convenient place to stay around the Everglades, this is it!
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Naples
Photo credit: Pexels – Alesia Belcher
The second entrance to the park is located south of Naples, where you can take a boat ride through the islets. Staying in Naples is a good option if you’re looking for accommodation in the Everglades area. It’s a pretty little town, essentially residential and family-friendly, with marinas. Ideal if you’re looking for a quiet place to stay around the Everglades.
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Marco Island
Photo credit: Flickr – Lonni Besançon
Located just minutes from the Everglades and close to Naples, Marco Island is a small island in the Gulf of Mexico. Luxury hotels, beautiful beaches and unspoilt parks… Here’s what you’ll find! If you’re on a budget, staying on Marco Island can be a great way to experience the Everglades!