FLORIDA KEYS INTERNET GUIDE - EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

Everglades National Park, Florida Everglades National Park consists of protected wetlands and designated waters of Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The wetlands portion of the park is actually an extension of the Florida Mainland. From the Upper Keys, the park is easily accessible by boat. Land lubbers can access the park from Florida City which is the first town on the mainland (about twenty miles north of Key Largo).

The park was established in 1947 to preserve the primitive conditions of this sub-tropical wilderness, and it is the largest U.S. park east of the Rocky Mountains. The park consists of 137 miles of coastline and 484,200 acres in Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Everglades National Park is home to more than 400 species of birds, 25 species of mammals, 60 species of amphibians/reptiles and 125 species of fish. There are several entrances to the park. The main entrance can be found by heading west on Palm Drive in Florida City* and following the signs. The admission fee at the main entrance is $10.00 per car or $5.00 per pedestrian.

Programs and activities include ranger led walks and talks, boat tours. There are also hiking, biking and canoe trails. There are three campgrounds in the park with tent and RV sites, restrooms, and water (certain campgrounds require advance reservations which can be made by calling 1-800-365-2267). Backcountry camping is also available. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance before entering the backcountry. There three backcountry sites available by foot, and an additional 43 sites in Florida Bay, along the gulf coast and inland are accessible by boat and canoe. Fishing in the park is allowed, however, fisherman must have the appropriate saltwater/freshwater fishing licenses. For more information on Everglades National Park, visit the Everglades National Park home page.

*The is only one traffic light in Florida City, and it is the intersection of Palm Drive and U.S. #1 . If you are coming from the North, you will encounter this intersection in Florida City immediately after you exit the Florida Turnpike. If you are headed from the Keys, it is first intersection after the 18 mile stretch form Key Largo.

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