Everglades van camping guide

Where to park the van and sleep inside the park

Everglades National Park supports van camping at two drive in campgrounds that sit on opposite ends of the park road system. From the Homestead entrance, the paved Main Park Road runs about 38 miles to Flamingo on Florida Bay. Along that corridor you reach Long Pine Key Campground and a cluster of day use sites near Royal Palm. Flamingo Campground anchors the far end and offers drive in loops, breezy open sites, and access to the bay and marina. These are the only frontcountry places in the park where you can legally sleep in a vehicle. There is no roadside camping and no dispersed camping in the backcountry by vehicle.

Long Pine Key Campground generally operates during the dry season, which aligns with the busiest months from late fall into spring. Reservations are recommended in peak weeks and are essential on holiday periods. Sites sit among pine and hardwoods and feel shaded and quiet, with easy access to the Long Pine Key Nature Trail and the nearby Anhinga Trail boardwalk at Royal Palm. Vehicle length limits apply to loops, and you should expect simple facilities and quiet hours that are enforced.

Flamingo Campground is open year round and thrives on sea breezes that help with heat and insects. The open meadow loops closer to Florida Bay favor airflow and big sky sunsets. Expect more wind and less tree cover than inland sites, along with better night skies and a greater chance of bird activity at dawn. A marina, visitor center, and launch ramps are nearby. Check current generator hours if you rely on a small portable unit for cooling or battery charging.

On the north side of the park, the Shark Valley entrance along Tamiami Trail is a day use hub. There is no camping at Shark Valley and the loop road is for cycling, walking, and tram tours. At the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City, boaters access backcountry campsites by water. These chickee and beach sites are a separate permit system that does not allow sleeping in vehicles. For van travelers, stick to Long Pine Key and Flamingo and consider day visits to Shark Valley and Gulf Coast for paddling or wildlife viewing.

Seasons, bugs, and weather you should expect

The Everglades has a distinct dry season from roughly November through March. Days are warm and nights are comfortable for sleeping in a van with cross ventilation. Mosquitoes and biting flies are at their lowest levels, bird life concentrates around sloughs and ponds, and popular boardwalks can be busy on weekends. This is the best window for most van travelers, especially those without heavy duty cooling or insect proofing.

The wet season runs from late spring into early fall and brings heat, humidity, daily storms, and very active insect life. Afternoon lightning is common, and standing water can rise on shoulders and side roads. Plan for robust shade, bug netting for doors and windows, and ample drinking water. Keep electronics in dry storage and charge early in the day. If you are heat sensitive, consider a short stay at Flamingo for the breeze or focus on early morning and dusk activities.

Wildlife safety is simple but serious. Give alligators and crocodiles wide berth on shorelines and ramps. Never feed any animal, and keep food sealed and out of reach of raccoons. Wading birds and nesting owls need distance. Snakes are present but usually avoid people, so watch where you step at night. Pets belong on leash in developed areas only and are not allowed on park trails or in backcountry zones. If you spot a panther on a dark road, remain in the vehicle and let it pass.

Storm readiness matters in late summer and fall. Track tropical outlooks before you commit to long drives. Camps can close for safety during strong systems, and low lying roads can flood. Carry a paper map in case cell service drops. A simple weather radio or reliable app helps you choose early departures and quiet afternoons under cover.

Practical logistics for van travelers

There are three primary entrances for visitors. Most van campers will use the Homestead entrance to reach Long Pine Key and Flamingo. Shark Valley along Tamiami Trail is an easy day visit from Miami and offers a paved path deep into sawgrass prairie. The Gulf Coast entrance in Everglades City is best for paddlers and boat campers. Use the park website to confirm current hours and any seasonal changes.

Fuel up before entering the park. Food and supplies are limited once you pass the entrance stations. Water is available at developed sites, but treat it as a precious resource during the hotter months. Cell coverage varies and can drop to zero on long stretches of Main Park Road, so download maps for offline use. Sunrise and sunset are prime times for wildlife, which also means more animals on the road. Drive slowly and watch for night herons, deer, and turtles.

Your van must remain on paved roads and in designated sites. Off pavement driving is not allowed, even for high clearance rigs. Use boards or leveling blocks only on pads where permitted. Keep camp small and tidy to protect sensitive soils. Follow quiet hours and be mindful of neighbors who come for dark skies and bird calls. A head net, a lightweight sun shirt, and serious sunscreen will make long days more pleasant.

Photography lovers will find Flamingo sunsets and the golden light at Paurotis Pond during the dry season to be rewarding. Birders often split days between Royal Palm, Mahogany Hammock, and Eco Pond near Flamingo. Paddlers can explore Nine Mile Pond with rentals or guided trips. Always check current conditions because water levels and wildlife concentrations change through the year.

Build a van that thrives in the Everglades

Hot, humid nights test any vehicle setup. Thoughtful airflow, quiet power, and insect control make the difference between a sweaty nap and real rest. If you want a cabin that stays cool and calm without constant generator noise, a custom electrical system, efficient fans, screened openings, and smart insulation are the core pieces. Durable flooring, easy clean surfaces, and protected gear storage keep your living space fresh in a salt and mud environment.

OZK Customs designs complete and partial upfits for travelers who chase places like the Everglades. Our team builds comfortable cabins, integrates reliable power for fans and cooling, and installs lighting that preserves night vision at camp. We also fit roof and gear racks, marine grade hardware, and communication options for remote corridors. If you are exploring options for a new or existing van, start here: Recreational vans by OZK.

If you want a one off cabin tailored to your travel style, see our approach to personalized builds: Custom build van. Looking for a platform that can finance with a practical layout to get on the road sooner. Explore our lineup: Mainstream vans options.

Ready to plan your build

Tell us where you want to camp, how hot it gets, and what comfort means for you. We will translate that into a quiet power system, tuned ventilation, secure storage, and lighting that works for wildlife friendly nights.

Share your trip goals and we will spec a van that beats the Everglades heat. Our design team will map your power, airflow, storage, and lighting for comfort and safety. Submit the form today to get a custom plan and quote.