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Everglades National Park National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Wilderness Trip Planner
You can often experience solitude at
a beach site like the one above. But You’ll Need a Permit
Plan Ahead
be prepared for a primitive camping
experience—there are no toilets Wilderness permits are required for all instructions at the Flamingo or Gulf Coast
or tables at most beach sites
in the wilderness of Ever- overnight camping, except in drive-in Visitor Centers (May to mid-November).
glades National Park. campgrounds or when sleeping aboard
Safely exploring a wilderness by water
boats. There is a $10 fee for processing Wilderness users originating from the
requires careful preparation and planning.
permits, as well as a $2 per person/per day Florida Keys can also obtain permits by
Plan at least two routes before arriving at the
camping fee. Fees are subject to change. phone for North Nest Key, Little Rabbit
park in case your first choice is already filled.
Permits may only be obtained in person on
If you require assistance planning your trip,
call or stop by the Gulf Coast (Everglades
Routes the day before or the day your trip begins.
Key, Johnson Key, and Shark Point Chickee.
Call (239) 695-2945, no more than 24 hours
Possibilities are prior to the start of your trip. A credit card
City) or Flamingo Visitor Centers. You may unlimited for overnight Insect conditions are so severe during is required.
also find the answers to your questions by wilderness trip routes from summer months that wilderness use is
visiting the Everglades National Park website Flamingo or Gulf Coast. Refer
at http://www.nps.gov/ever. to maps, nautical charts, and guide
minimal and permit writing desks
may not be staffed. Permits
Winter Hours (subject to change)
Flamingo Visitor Center: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30
Seasons books. are still required—follow
self–registration
p.m. daily; (239) 695-2945
Because of the heat, severe storms, and The 99-mile Wilderness Waterway attracts Gulf Coast Visitor Center: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30
intolerable numbers of mosquitoes, summer interest because it connects Flamingo and p.m. daily; (239) 695-3311
(June –October) is not the best time of year Everglades City. Most paddlers allow at least
for a wilderness trip. The winter months Main Entrance Station: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30
eight days to complete the trip. This route is
(December–April) tend to be more pleasant. p.m. daily. Wilderness permits are written
recommended for experienced paddlers only.
from the Main Entrance Station for only
Arrange in advance for a vehicle shuttle.
Obtain Charts two ground sites in the Long Pine Key hiking
Nautical charts are necessary for finding There are many areas of very shallow First trip? area: Ernest Coe and Ingraham Highway.
your way in the wilderness and are useful in water that may be encountered along the The wilderness of
planning your trip. Charts may be purchased Wilderness Waterway. Powerboats over 18' Everglades National Park
at the Coe and Gulf Coast Visitor Centers, long may have to detour around Alligator will be very different from
Flamingo Marina, and Everglades NP Boat Creek and Plate Creek. The “Nightmare” other places you may have boated,
Tours, or ordered from the Everglades is passable only to paddlers at high tide. paddled, or camped. It can be confusing
Association (page 3). Some sites are not To prevent prop dredging, which results and difficult to navigate as the mazes of
indicated with a tent symbol on nautical in increased turbidity and the destruction mangrove–lined creeks and bays all begin to
charts. Consult visitor center maps before of submerged natural features, boats with look the same. With proper planning, you
departure. drafts of two feet or more, including the can avoid the frustration and hours wasted
propeller, should not use the waterway. from getting lost.
Be Realistic If this is your first wilderness trip in the From the
Tides and winds can make paddling Everglades, ease into it with a one or two Gulf Coast area,
difficult. Most experienced paddlers night trip instead of jumping into a several follow the marked
plan to travel between 8 and 12 miles per night Wilderness Waterway excursion. From channel through Indian Key
day. Adverse conditions may reduce your the Flamingo area, camp along the marked Pass to Picnic or Tiger Keys, for an
speed to one mile an hour or less. Boaters Hell’s Bay Canoe Trail (no motors allowed opportunity to experience camping on
are expected to know their own abilities, on the trail) at either Pearl Bay or Hell’s Bay beaches.
be able to use charts, understand tides and Chickees. Or, follow the shore of Florida Bay
weather, and make appropriate decisions in to camp on the beach at East Cape Sable.
selecting an itinerary. This is a wilderness.
Campsite Type of No. of No. of No. of
Campsite Name Site People Parties Nights Toilet Campfire Dock
Informa- Alligator Creek
Broad River
Ground
Ground
8
10
3
3
2
2 * *
tion
Camp Lonesome Ground 10 3 3 * *
Canepatch Ground 12 4 3 * *
Cape Sable
East Cape Sable Beach 60 15 7 *
The limit for number of nights at a
Middle Cape Sable Beach 60 15 7 *
campsite apply to the peak use season
Northwest Cape Sable Beach 36 9 7 *
from mid-November through late April.
Clubhouse Beach (1) Beach 24 4 3 *
Campsite capacities apply year-round,
Darwin's Place Ground 8 2 3 *
and are subject to change. Campsites
East Clubhouse Beach Beach 24 4 3 *
must be vacated by noon.
Ernest Coe (2) Ground 8 1 3
Graveyard Creek Ground 8 2 3 *
- All beach sites have shallow water
Harney River Chickee 6/6 1/1 1 * *
approach; motor boats use caution.
Hell's Bay Chickee 6/6 1/1 1 * *
Highland Beach Beach 24 4 3 *
- At all beach sites, camp on the sand
Hog Key Beach 8 2 2 *
along the shoreline only. No clearing of
Ingraham (2) Ground 8 1 3
vegetation or camping in the interior.
Jewel Key (3) Beach 8 2 2 * *
Joe River Chickee 6/6 1/1 1 * *
- Nails and stakes are not allowed to
Johnson Key Chickee 6/6 1/1 1 * *
be driven into all chickees and the
Lane Bay Chickee 6 1 1 * *
Lostman’s Five platform. Use a free-
Lard Can Ground 10 4 2 *
standing tent.
Little Rabbit Key Ground 12 4 2 * *
Lopez River Ground 12 3 2 *
- Some ground sites may have a picnic
Lostman's Five Ground 10 2 3 * *
table.
Mormon Key Beach 12 2 3 *
New Turkey Key Beach 10 2 2 * *
* = Facility provided
North Nest Key Ground 25 7 7 * *
North River Chickee 6 1 1 * *
(1) = May be accessible by foot. Check
Oyster Bay Chickee 6/6 1/1 1 * *
with the Flamingo Visitor Center on trail
Pavilion Key Beach 24 5 3 * *
status.
Pearl Bay Chickee 6/6 1/1 1 * *
(2) = Accessible by foot or bicycle only.
Picnic Key Beach 16 3 3 * *
Obtain permits at main entrance station.
Plate Creek Chickee 6 1 1 * *
(3) = Camping is allowed on back sand
Rabbit Key Beach 8 2 2 * *
spit by toilet. No Gulf side camping.
Roberts River Chickee 6/6 1/1 1 * *
Rodgers River Chickee 6/6 1/1 1 * *
Looking for Solitude? Shark Point Chickee 6/6 1/1 1 * *
Choose a single chickee, a campsite with Shark River Chickee 6 1 1 * *
a smaller capacity, or camp far from South Joe River Chickee 6/6 1/1 1 * *
others on the long stretches of the Cape Sunday Bay Chickee 6/6 1/1 1 * *
Sable beaches. Paddlers: remember that Sweetwater Chickee 6/6 1/1 1 * *
motorboats are allowed in most areas of Tiger Key Beach 12 3 3 *
the wilderness, including the Wilderness Turkey Key Beach 12 3 3 *
Waterway. Watson's Place Ground 20 5 2 * *
Watson River Chickee 6 1 1 * *
Willy Willy Ground 10 3 3 * *
Types of Sites
Chickees Ground Sites Beach Sites
Chickees are located along rivers and bays Ground sites are mounds of earth a few feet Beach sites are located on the coast. During Sand beaches are often stabilized by tall,
where dry land is inaccessable. They are higher than the surrounding mangroves, ideal conditions, insects may be scarce, but grassy plants called sea oats. Take care not
elevated 10' x 12' wooden platforms with located along interior bays and rivers. They always be prepared for mosquitoes and to damage them. Sea turtles nest on beaches
roofs. A walkway leads to a self-contained tend to have more insects than chickees no-see-ums (tiny biting insects), especially in late spring and summer. Avoid camping
toilet. You'll need a free–standing tent, since or beach sites. No campfires are allowed at sunrise and sunset. Gulf waters at beach or building a fire where sea turtle nesting
stakes or nails are not allowed. No campfires on ground sites. Use gas grills or stoves. sites can become rough; seas can exceed evidence exists. Many beach sites have no
are allowed on chickees. Some paddlers Wood, charcoal, or coal fueled grills or 3 feet. Low tides often expose large mud toilets. Bury human waste at least six inches
have difficulty accessing chickees from their stoves are not permitted. flats, which may make beach access difficult. below the surface, away from shorelines and
boats. A loop of heavy rope may be helpful. Campfires must be below high-tide line. tent sites. Urinate directly in the water.
Boat Rentals
Inside the Park:
Everglades National Park Boat Tours
Located at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in
Everglades City: (239) 695-2591.
And at the southern end of the park at the
Flamingo Marina: (239) 695-3101
• Canoe and kayak rentals
Outside the Park:
Everglades Hostel and Tours
(800) 372-3874 or (305) 248-1122
www.evergladeshostel.com
Located in Florida City
Key • Canoe rentals
Boat Ramp
Florida Bay Outfitters
Ranger Station (305) 451-3018
www.kayakfloridakeys.com
Wilderness Waterway
Note: Two different types of markers
Located in Key Largo
delineate this 99-mile route; see nautical
charts for locations. • Canoe and kayak rentals
123 Wilderness W aterway
Marker Located in Everglades City/
18 Coast Guard Marker Chokoloskee:
Chickee Campsite Everglades Area Tours
(239) 695-9107
Double Chickee
Campsite www.evergladesareatours.com
• Kayak rentals
Beach Campsite
Glades Haven
G Ground Campsite (239) 695-2628
Non-motorized Vessels www.gladeshaven.com
Only • Canoe, kayak, and powerboat rentals
Maximum 5.5 HP Motor
North American Canoe Tours
Road (239) 695-3299
www.evergladesadventures.com
• Canoe and kayak and canoe rentals
Outdoor Resorts
Marjory Stoneman (239) 695-2881
Douglas Wilderness • Canoe, kayak, and powerboat rentals
Wilderness is an anchor to windward. Knowing Use of rental equipment may be limited to
it is there, we can also know that we are still certain areas of the park.
a rich nation, tending our resources as we
should—not a people in despair searching every Some outfitters offer shuttle service and
last nook and cranny of our land for a board of guided overnight trips. Please check with
lumber, a barrel of oil, a blade of grass, or a tank outfitters directly.
of water.
All outfitters operating in Everglades National
Senator Clinton P. Anderson, 1963
Park must possess a Commercial Use Permit
(CUA). For a complete list of CUA holders visit
Everglades National Park contains the largest
the park’s website: www.nps.gov/ever
designated wilderness east of the Rocky
Mountains. A wilderness is defined as an area
“where the earth and its community of life are
untrammeled by man, where man himself is
a visitor who does not remain.” Established
in 1978 and named for the Everglades’ most Everglades Association
famous champion, the Marjory Stoneman You may find it helpful to purchase the charts
Douglas Wilderness is comprised of 1,296,500 you will need in advance, in addition to other
acres—most of Everglades National Park! trip planning literature. These items can be
Plan Ahead and Prepare purchased by phone, on-line, or mail from the
Leave No Trace Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Everglades Association. Proceeds from sales
support educational programs in Everglades
Wilderness ethics dictate that visitors to the Dispose of Waste Properly
National Park.
area try to leave no trace of their passage. Leave What You Find
While not regulations, the seven Leave No Minimize Campfire Impacts Mailing Address
Trace principles will help you get the most out 10 Parachute Key #51 A Paddler’s Guide to Everglades National Park
Respect Wildlife describes 53 routes—including the Wilderness
of your wilderness experience, and help you Homestead, FL 33034–6735 Waterway—and has 22 trailmaps, a rating
to preserve the park’s unique values for other Be Considerate of Other Visitors (305) 247–1216 system with hazards, mileage and paddling
visitors, both today and in the future. Learn more at: www.lnt.org. www.evergladesassociation.org time, and descriptions of every campsite.
Paddler's Checklist
Coast Guard approved life vests
Important Regulations
required
Protected Resources Portable Motors Winds & Weather
All plants, animals, and artifacts are protected; Generators, chain saws and other portable Numerous canoes, kayaks, and boats have
Paddles (and a spare)
do not collect or disturb them. Do not cut motors are prohibited at all backcountry sites. been swamped by rough seas on windy days.
Anchor
mangroves or any vegetation. Unoccupied Thunderstorms occur frequently in summer.
Bailer
Bow and stern lines
shells may be gathered—up to one quart per Human Waste Hurricane season is June through November.
person. No shells may be taken from Sandfly Use toilets where provided. Do not dispose Be prepared for sudden wind and weather
Waterproof bags for gear
Island or any shell mound. of moist towelettes in toilets. If there is no changes at any time.
Flares
toilet, dig a hole at least six inches deep and
Sound producing device/whistle
Light for operating at night
Pets cover it after use. Pack out toilet paper. At Boating Safely
Navigation Pets are not permitted at backcountry beach and coastal ground sites, urinate directly Paddlers will encounter powerboats. Angle
Nautical Chart—mark your route campsites, beaches, or ashore anywhere in the in the water. To avoid soap pollution, wash into the wake of a boat to minimize the chance
Compass/GPS wilderness. Pets can disrupt feeding, nesting, dishes (and yourself) away from waterways of overturning. Powerboaters should reduce
Tide Chart—note tide variations for and mating activities of wildlife. and sprinkle the gray water over the ground to speed in narrow channels. Idle past paddlers
your route soak in. and give them plenty of space. Approach last
Binoculars to look for markers
Wildlife 100 yards of any backcountry campsite at idle
Permits, etc. Do not feed any animals, regardless of whether Trash speed to avoid prop dredging and excessive
Wilderness Permit they have feet, fins, or feathers. It is illegal. Carry out all your trash; do not bury, burn, wave action. Paddlers: when powerboats slow
Wilderness regulations Do not approach wildlife so closely that it or dispose of it in toilets. Use toilets where to idle speed, please stop paddling to allow
Fishing license and regulations interrupts their natural behavior. Enjoy the provided, for human waste only. Do not throw them to pass you, and try to stay to sides of
Weather forecast diverse wildlife, but from a safe distance. Do baby wipes, disposable wet/wash clothes, or channels.
Shelter not leave food unattended. Store food in a insect repellent clothes in toilets. International
Tent with “no-see-um” netting—must laws prohibit dumping trash at sea. If You’re In Trouble
be free standing for chickees Stay with your vessel near a navigational mark-
Sleeping bag Fishing Regulations er or campsite. Set anchor immediately. Try to
Sleeping pad for chickees Park fishing regulations are available from attract the attention of other boaters. If you
Water and Food visitor centers or on the park’s web page. A have a marine radio, transmit on channel 16.
Water—one gallon/person/day (no fresh state fishing license is required; purchase one Try calling #NPS (#677) on your cell phone,
water is available in the backcountry) before you come to the park from area bait and but do not count on cell phone coverage.
Food—extra day supply marine supply stores. You may also obtain a
Raccoon-proof storage container (not secure compartment aboard a vessel or in a
hard–sided cooler (not foam). Raccoons and
fishing license by calling 1-888-347-4356.
Attention Boaters:
styrofoam) for food and water Manatees
Cooking rodents are aggressive and may chew through Closed Areas Manatees frequent many of the waterways in
Portable gas stove or gas grill plastic water jugs, tents, dry bags, etc. All keys (islands) in Florida Bay are closed to Everglades National Park. Because they are
Fuel for stove
Waterproof matches and lighter Water landing, except Bradley Key (open sunrise to
sunset), and those designated as campsites. In
slow–moving and feed in shallow water, many
manatees are killed each year by boats. Be espe-
Cooking gear and utensils There is no fresh water available anywhere in Florida Bay, the mainland from Terrapin Point cially careful in areas posted with manatee signs.
Biodegradable soap the backcountry. You must bring all of your to U.S. 1 is closed to landing. Other areas may If you see an injured or dead manatee, please
Strong plastic bags for storing trash drinking and cooking water. At a minimum, close temporarily to protect wildlife. report it to the Park Dispatch at 305-242-7740.
Clothing plan on bringing one gallon of water per
Rain Gear person, per day. Hard–sided containers should Sleeping on Board Boat Wisely
Cold and warm weather clothing be used, as raccoons often chew through If you sleep aboard a vessel, anchor out of sight Boating in Florida Bay and the Everglades
Lightweight long-sleeve shirt and pants soft–sided containers (such as “milk jugs”) to of chickees and ¼ mile from other sites. backcountry can be a challenge. Much of the
for sun and bug protection get to fresh water. In addition to ruining your
water is quite shallow, and you can ground
Wide-brimmed hat trip, when raccoons get your water, it allows Vessels your boat quickly. In addition to damaging your
Personal Equipment artificially large numbers of them to survive in All vessels must conform to Coast Guard boat, groundings destroy precious seagrasses
First Aid Kit a given area. In the summer, sea turtles nesting regulations. Air boats and personal watercraft and benthic communities that provide food
Flashlight and spare batteries on these same remote beaches lay their eggs, (jet skis) are prohibited. and shelter to creatures inhabiting these waters.
Wristwatch for calculating tides only to have over 90% of the nests destroyed
Always refer to nautical charts and tide charts
Sunglasses by the hungry raccoons. Don’t upset the
Sunscreen balance of nature. Keep all water and food For Your Safety: for a safe boating excursion. When in doubt,
go with someone familiar with the area. For
Insect repellent away from wildlife. Important Supplies information on boating in Florida Bay, see the
Weather radio for weather forecasts Carry fresh water (1 gallon/person/day), Florida Bay Map & Guide at www.nps.gov/ever.
Knife Fires compass, nautical charts, anchor, sunscreen,
Personal items Fires are not permitted at ground sites or sunglasses, rain gear, mosquito repellent or bug
Toilet Keep Track of Where You Are
chickees. Fires are only allowed at sites jacket, and tent (with insect netting).
Trowel for burying human waste A nautical chart and compass are your best
designated as “Beach.” Build fires below the
equipment for staying on route, finding your
Biodegradable toilet paper highest tide line. Use only dead and downed Float Plan designated campsite, and returning safely. GPS
wood. No cutting of standing dead trees. File a float plan with a friend or relative before (global positioning systems) and cell phones
Powerboater's Checklist Remove all traces of fires before leaving site. leaving home, and call that person when you are also helpful, but do not rely primarily on
(Review above list. Note pertinent items) finish your trip. If you do not call by the pre- this technology to navigate in the backcountry.
Safety Equipment—Boats must Stove/Cooking determined time, that person should notify the Batteries may die, equipment may get lost
carry safety equipment on board With the exception of fires on “Beach” sites park’s 24-hour dispatch at (305) 242-7740. or malfunction, and satellite and cell phone
which conforms to U.S. Coast Guard (see above), all cooking, heating, etc. must be coverage may be spotty at best.
requirements. A brochure outlining done with devices that will not produce any ash Tides
this equipment is available on request or a spark or ember that is capable of igniting Beware of swift currents and tides when What’s back there?
1-800-368-5647. vegetation. Wood, charcoal, or coal-fueled securing vessels overnight; tidal ranges can Remember to secure everything in your boat
Marine/VHF Radio—to monitor grills, stoves or devices are not permitted. exceed four feet in some locations. Beach before heading home. Valuable items including
weather. canoes above high tide line and tie down or fishing poles, life vests, seat cushions, coolers,
Fuel—1/3 to get there, 1/3 to get back, Weapons and Fireworks anchor from three points at landings/docks. and clothing often blow out of boats and are
1/3 for reserve Possession and use of weapons or fireworks is Use tides to your advantage in travel. Tide found along the roads. Garbage left in boats also
Tool Kit—with spare parts (to change prohibited. tables are available at the Flamingo and Gulf finds its way to the roadsides. Please help keep
spun prop, unclog intake, etc.) Coast Visitor Centers or on-line. south Florida national parks litter–free!
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