Everglades National Park

Click here for Everglades general information.

Everglades backcountry camping is for experienced primitive campers only. Even if you have extensive wilderness experience, there are a few tips you will find indispensable for warm-weather Everglades backcountry camping.

First, take a known, effective insect repellent (this is not the place to 'try out' Mama Gracie's Herbal Repellent and Skin Conditioner - get something you know works).

Second, be in your tent before sunset and stay there until the sun hits your tent in the morning. This means no "quick trips" outside to check on your boat, answer nature's call, etc. There is no quick enough trip - YOU WILL BE SWARMED, REPELLENT OR NOT! Plan ahead. Take an empty container in the tent to relieve your bladder during the night.

Third, when you get up, apply repellent before stepping outside. Expect a mass of mosquitos on the downwind side of your tent. Just shake them off.

Fourth, expect thunderstorms. You should be on the move to your next campsite before 8:00 A.M. Plan to arrive early in the afternoon at the latest. By mid afternoon, you're in thunderstorm 'prime-time'. You want to be in your campsite by then - not open water.

Stay hydrated. Take a gallon of water per person per day (two people five days = ten gallons). You can't count on finding fresh water to purify, and normal purification tablets will not remove salt.

And of course, don't forget sunscreen - a good sweatproof type.