RV Road Trip to Everglades National Park

Who says an untouched wilderness cannot be safe, fun, and exciting? Everglades National Park in Florida is one of the largest preserved wildernesses in America. This vast stretch of wetlands is one of the few places in the world where alligators and crocodiles co-exist and where you can find more than 350 different types of birds.

The Everglades is a unique and diverse ecosystem. There is much for the eyes to absorb and the mind to ponder. It is also the perfect playground for lovers of the outdoors and the perfect scene for observers of nature. If you are into birdwatching, biking, boating, hiking, or any other outdoor adventurism, then it is a great place to vacation.

The Best Time To Visit The Everglades

Early December through April is the best time to visit the Everglades. There is less humidity and fewer mosquitoes. There is also a higher possibility of spotting wildlife.

Don’t Miss These Scenic Sites

There are four major hubs in the Everglades. You will find great hiking trails and observation points in any one of them. They are as follows:

1. Shark Valley

This hub gets its name from the Shark River, which it flows into. It contains a 15-mile road loop that surrounds a popular wildlife area. You can walk or bike around the latter.

2. Gulf Coast

This is the home of the Ten Thousand Islands, which is one of the park’s largest mangrove forests. Even if you have never been to the Everglades, you are probably familiar with this area. Popular films and television programs include an overhead shot of the Ten Thousand Islands to signal that the action has shifted to the Everglades.

You can rent a boat to explore the mangrove estuary. Fishing is also popular in the island chain.

3. Royal Palm

This area is great for hiking. Indeed, it is known for its large range of hiking trails. There are also plenty of opportunities for biking and birdwatching in the Royal Palm.

4. Flamingo

This is the southernmost tip of the park. The hub is filled with mangrove waterways. It is one of the best places to see manatees, a rare species. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and boats at the visitor center and launch out on your own or go on ranger-guided tours through the area.

Fun Activities to Do In The Everglades

It should be clear by now that Everglades National Park is for people who like outdoor adventure. Here are some of the specific activities that you can enjoy in the park:

1. Boating

There is a reason why the Everglades is one of the most popular boating destinations. Boating is the most efficient way to see the park, as most of it can only be accessed by watercraft.

There are guided boat tours that launch from Flamingo. You can also rent a boat at the Flamingo Marina. There are two boat ramps at this marina. One provides a path to explore some of the park’s inland waterways. The other makes it easy for those who want to fish or go sightseeing in Florida Bay.

2. Kayaking and Canoeing

The Flamingo hub offers several canoe and kayak trails. This is a great way to explore the backcountry of the Everglades without disturbing the ecosystem.

As always, there are official guides on hand who offer paddled tours through the park.

3. Birdwatching

Twitcher. Birder. If you know the names, you probably identify as one of them. There are more than 350 species of bird in the Everglades, which is heaven to a birdwatcher. Seasonal migrations change the species that you will see on your visit. Anhingas, cormorants, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills are some of the most popular types of birds in the area.

There are trails marked off for birdwatching in the Everglades. You can gather the latest information on recent sightings and migrations at the park’s visitor center.

4. Fishing

The Everglades offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing areas. One-third of the park is covered by salt water. What remains are freshwater wetlands. You can fish for redfish, snapper, bass, and bluegill in the Ten Thousand Islands area.

There are restrictions and limitations. You must have a fishing license—for saltwater and freshwater fishing. There are catch limits, and fishing is prohibited in certain parts of the park.

5. Hiking

All of the park’s major hubs offer an abundance of hiking trails. They range from the easy to the difficult. The trails on Pine Island have paved surfaces, making them most suitable for physically impaired people who want to get out for fresh air and sunshine.

Here are some of the most popular trails in the park:

• The Anhinga Trail — It is less than a mile long. It runs through a sawgrass marsh, which provides plenty of opportunities to view birds and other wildlife.
• The Gumbo Limbo Trail — This one is about a half-mile long and is another trail that is paved and shaded. The trail runs through a range of native trees and various air plants.
• The Coastal Prairie Trail — This trail is one of the longer options. It is a 15-mile out-and-back trail that stretches along the southern shore of the park. You will come across several beaches where you can take a rest or use them as markers to turn around if you don’t feel like hiking the entire trail.
• The Otter Cave Hammock Walking Trail — This trail is a one-mile round-trip. There is rough limestone underfoot but a spectacular tropical hardwood forest overhead.

PS – Rent an RV for Your Everglades Adventure

If you want to cruise America and see its natural riches, visiting the Florida Everglades can be the ultimate road trip. The park consists of 2,400 square miles. Much of this is accessible only on foot or through one of the park’s paddling trails. The best way to see as much of the park as possible is to camp out. An RV rental gives you the means to camp comfortably while going out on your daily adventures.

There are two RV campgrounds in the park: Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground. Both require that your RV be no more than 35 feet in length. The campsites offer free hot showers, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, potable water, and dump stations.

If you go RVing to get away from crowds and communities, the above campgrounds may not be for you. You have the option of backcountry camping. You can access such sites through the park’s hiking or paddling trails.

One of the most important things to remember is that roads are limited throughout the park. It is wise to go to one of the four visitor centers when you arrive. This will allow you to gather the most current information on where you can camp in your RV.

You should also prepare adequately for RVing in the Everglades.

Here are a few tips that will help you do so:

1. Stock up

Stock up on groceries before entering the park. Food supplies and other necessities such as firewood, ice, and beverages will be cheaper in the nearby cities of Homestead and Naples. You should also consider packing a drink cooler to keep drinks on ice. This step will help you save fridge space for perishable foods.

2. Prepare for the environment

Remember that the Everglades is a sub-tropical environment. The sun is hot, and the insects are ever-present. Bring sunscreen, bug repellent, and a full-brimmed hat. You should also consider buying a portable canopy or shelter to protect against bugs and the sun.

3. Get your RV checked before you leave

The last thing you need is a breakdown in the middle of the Everglades. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape before leaving for the trip. The Everglades environment can be taxing on both human and mechanical bodies, especially during the rainy season. You should also check and re-stock your RV’s first aid supplies before the trip.

You need not own an RV. It is possible to rent one. If you plan to rent an RV, you should work with a reputable company. Ultimately, rent an RV through RVnGO.

Be sure to read our Road Trip Packing Check List and Great Meals For Road Trips.

You’ll have plenty of places to stop and enjoy the views on your RV road trip, and there are also plenty of tourist info centers where you can find out more about what to do in the area while you go RVing. You can save 30% or more when you rent an RV through RVnGO for your Biscayne Bay vacation. Not sure what to rent? Read this article on choosing between a Class A or a Class C. 

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