Everglades National Park: Park practicalities
US-41 skirts the northern edge of the park, providing the only land access to the Everglades City and Shark Valley park entrances. To reach the Flamingo entrance, you'll need to touch the edge of Miami and head south. There's no public transportation along US-41, or to any of the park entrances. Entering the park is free at Everglades City, although you can travel only by boat or canoe. At Shark Valley it's $8 per car and $4 for pedestrians and cyclists; at the main entrance it's $10 and $5 respectively. Tickets are valid for seven days.The park is open all year , but the most favorable time to visit is winter (Nov-April), when the receding floodwaters cause wildlife to congregate around gator holes, ranger-led activities are frequent and the mosquitoes are bearable. In summer (May-Oct), afternoon storms flood the prairies, park activities are substantially reduced and the mosquitoes are a severe annoyance. Visiting between seasons is also a good bet.
There are well-equipped campgrounds at Flamingo and Long Pine Key ($14) and many backcountry spots on the longer walking and canoe trails (permit $10 for up to six people). Spare space at Flamingo (which fills quickly) can be checked on the board just inside the park entrance. The only rooms within the park are at Flamingo Lodge (tel 941/695-3101; ; $75-130); for winter stays, make reservations months in advance. Ten miles outside the park in Florida City, The Everglades International Hostel , 20 SW 2nd Ave (tel 1-800/372-3874, ), may be the best option for budget-minded travelers who want to maximize their time in the park. Beds go for $13 a night and private rooms are available.
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