Everglades

sweetnoni wrote:
Will be going to the Everglades later this year, and would like to hear others' experiences. Booked a place to stay in Florida City.Can you spend at least 2 days in the park and at that particular entrance. which would be the eastern side. Thanks.

How MUCH later this year?

Go there in summer and you WILL not be a happy camper. :B

Like clockwork on May first an imaginary flip is switched and summer heat is turned on full blast in Florida!

It's a big, fascinating park with things to do in several places. Near Florida City, the Anhinga Trail is a must. Gators galore and birds everywhere. While you're in the area, stop to buy fruit and more at "Robert is Here."

Up on 41, take the narrated tram (or bike) into Shark Valley. Worth booking tram tickets in advance. Parking there is tight.

Then there's the tip of Florida...Flamingo Campground operated by the NPS now takes reservations and has electrical hookups in many sites...also tent sites down on Florida Bay. The area is one of the only places in the world you'll ever see crocs and gators living in the same place.

A real highlight down there was an inexpensive guided boat tour up Buttonwood Canal into the back waters of Whitewater Bay - leaves from the marina/boat launch near the visitor center where you can rent kayaks. We also enjoyed ranger Croc Talks and walking around the Eco Pond to see the Roseate Spoonbills and many other birds.

Over near the northwest side of the glades, there's a good state park (outside the NP) with hookups called Collier Seminole.

If you are a nature lover, a paddler, a hiker or a biker you can spend as much time as you want.
We love it and spend two weeks every winter there.
Make sure to have a thermocell with you or some deet
Just don't go in the summer.

jack L

This may not be a big help as far as answering your question, but it was our Everglades experience. Filmed this when we rode our bikes in Shark Alley

http://youtu.be/FwZBgm9BEK4

Haven't camped in Everglades, but we've spent a lot of time in the park. Depends on what you're interested in, but we could spend much longer than 2 days. Shark Valley - no sharks, but lots of wildlife - live on the wild side and ride your bikes the 15 mile loop -- be prepared to stop and wait as the gators cross the path. We also enjoyed the Anhinga Trail - great photos of anhingas and other birds as well as gators. Both are on the "eastern" side, although the park is spread out so be prepared to drive. Not much around as far as restaurants and night life, so if that's what you're looking for, maybe rethink the destination.

We will be spend a week at Flamingo CG inside the Park starting Feb. 7th. We are presently in the Midway CG on US41(Tamiami Trail), Big Cypress National Preserve. Here for 10 nights.

That's sure is a long drive in and out of the Park. Sure wish you had more than 2 days in the Park. Enjoy your time there. I would suggest you study the Park's website and plan your days.