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Long Pine Key Recreation Area

4.5
·438 reviews·Homestead, United States

A peaceful, primitive campground in Everglades National Park offering private sites, quiet nights, and direct access to hiking trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

February

Manageable bugs, quiet nights

CrowdLow
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lake at long pine key trail

Long Pine Key Recreation Area

Best Time

February

Manageable bugs, quiet nights

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A peaceful, primitive campground in Everglades National Park offering private sites, quiet nights, and direct access to hiking trails.

4.5
(438 reviews)

"This campground is wonderful. Quiet and well spaced campsites are enjoyable."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack Bug Repellent

Mosquitoes are present; bring strong repellent for a comfortable stay. :smilingfacewiththreehearts:

Embrace Primitive Camping

No electric/water at sites, but RV dump station available. Enjoy the quiet. :tent:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Secluded Campsites

Secluded Campsites

Campsites

Roomy, private pitches with natural barriers offer a peaceful escape. Enjoy the stillness and starry nights.

Abundant Hiking Trails

Abundant Hiking Trails

Trailheads

Explore numerous trails for wildlife viewing and experiencing the unique Everglades landscape. The Everglades Water Walk is a must-do.

Generator-Free Nights

Generator-Free Nights

Campground

Experience true tranquility with a strict no-generator policy after 8 PM, perfect for stargazing.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Primitive Experience

Long Pine Key offers a primitive camping experience with no electric or water hookups at sites, though RVs can use a dump station. Embrace the quiet, generator-free nights and enjoy the natural surroundings. Cell service can be surprisingly good in some areas.

Bug Spray is Your Best Friend

While some visitors report manageable bugs in February, mosquitoes are a known factor in the Everglades. Pack plenty of insect repellent, especially if visiting during warmer months. Consider visiting in the cooler, drier season for fewer pests.

Best Times

When
February
Why
Manageable bugs, quiet nights
Crowd
Low
When
March
Why
Good for wildlife spotting
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Recommendations for car camping.

Pack Bug Repellent

Mosquitoes are present; bring strong repellent for a comfortable stay. :smilingfacewiththreehearts:

Embrace Primitive Camping

No electric/water at sites, but RV dump station available. Enjoy the quiet. :tent:

reddit.com

Camping in Everglades National Park

reddit.com

Best time of year to visit Everglades (and any other Florida national parks)?

Explore the Water Walk

Highly recommended for unique wildlife sightings you won't see on dry land. :water_wave:

Enjoy Generator-Free Evenings

Quiet hours start at 8 PM, perfect for stargazing and peace. :star2:

reddit.com

November - Worth it?

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack Bug Repellent

Mosquitoes are present; bring strong repellent for a comfortable stay. :smilingfacewiththreehearts:

Embrace Primitive Camping

No electric/water at sites, but RV dump station available. Enjoy the quiet. :tent:

Explore the Water Walk

Highly recommended for unique wildlife sightings you won't see on dry land. :water_wave:

Enjoy Generator-Free Evenings

Quiet hours start at 8 PM, perfect for stargazing and peace. :star2:

Check Toilet Status

Tent area toilets were reported as non-operational at one point. :toilet:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(438 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the peaceful, private campsites and the tranquil, generator-free evenings perfect for stargazing. The friendly staff and proximity to excellent hiking trails, including the unique Everglades Water Walk, are major highlights. Some minor issues with facility maintenance were noted, and bug spray is essential.

"I have stayed at both campgrounds in the Everglades and this was by far the best. The sites are not big but they seem very private because of all the natural barriers. The staff was very friendly and helpful. In my opinion, this campground is closer to some of the best hikes. While the mosquitoes are still present they are not as bad as they are in the other campground. Would stay here again."

Bob Tee

"The campground is wonderful. Quiet and well spaced campsites are enjoyable. Primitive camping, no electric, or water. There is a dump station for rvs at the exit to the park. There are plenty of hiking trails, a boat ramp, Everglades boat tours for both the bay side and inland side. Well worth the time and money."

Rodney Kroft

"Stayed two nights in out travel trailer. Everyone respected the quiet hours for the most part. Bugs were manageable in Feb. staff was great and very helpful. Highly recommend the Everglades water walk. You will see things you just don’t see on dry lands. Verizon cell service was good."

Chris Piotraczk

What People Like

Private, spacious sites
Quiet, generator-free nights
Friendly, helpful staff

What People Dislike

Mosquitoes can be prevalent
Occasional facility issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Long Pine Key is located within Everglades National Park. Access is typically via the main park road. Visitors often drive their own vehicles. Ensure you have your park entrance pass ready.

Public transportation options directly to Long Pine Key are very limited. It is best to have your own vehicle for easy access to the campground and surrounding trails.

From Florida City, take State Road 9336 into Everglades National Park. Long Pine Key Recreation Area will be on your left shortly after entering the park.

While there isn't a dedicated shuttle to Long Pine Key, the park offers seasonal shuttle services to other popular areas like the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and Flamingo. Check the park's official website for current schedules.

The drive from Miami to Long Pine Key is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting point in Miami.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, Long Pine Key is within Everglades National Park, so a valid park entrance pass is required for all visitors. Passes can be purchased at the park entrance stations.

Camping fees are generally affordable. While specific prices can vary, expect a modest nightly rate for primitive campsites. Check the official NPS website for current pricing.

Reservations are often recommended, especially during peak season. It's best to check the Recreation.gov website or the Everglades National Park website for booking information and availability.

The campground is typically open year-round. However, specific facilities or access points might have varying hours. Always check the park's official website for the most up-to-date information.

National Park passes (like the America the Beautiful Pass) may offer benefits or cover entrance fees. Check with the park service for any specific camping discounts or senior passes.

🎫 🏕️ Onsite Experience

Long Pine Key offers primitive campsites with no electric or water hookups. There are restrooms with flush toilets and showers. An RV dump station is available near the park exit. :toilet: :shower:

Cell service can be spotty, but some visitors have reported good Verizon service in certain areas. Don't rely on it for critical communication. :iphone:

Yes, the area offers numerous hiking trails, a boat ramp, and Everglades boat tours for both inland and bay sides. The Everglades Water Walk is a unique experience. :kayak: :hiking_boot:

Long Pine Key enforces a strict no-generator policy after 8 PM, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere and excellent stargazing opportunities. :moon:

Pets are generally allowed in campgrounds and on roads within Everglades National Park, but they must be leashed and are not permitted on hiking trails or in wilderness areas. Always check park regulations.

🎫 🦟 Wildlife & Nature

You can spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles (like snakes and alligators), and other native Everglades creatures. The Everglades Water Walk is particularly good for seeing unique species. :bird: :snake:

Wildlife is often more active during the cooler parts of the day, early morning and late afternoon. Visiting during the dry season (December to April) can also concentrate wildlife around water sources.

Yes, Everglades National Park is home to alligators and venomous snakes. Always maintain a safe distance, never feed wildlife, and be aware of your surroundings. :alligator: :warning:

Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially during warmer, wetter months. Visitors recommend bringing strong insect repellent. February visits were reported as having manageable bugs. :bug:

The Everglades Water Walk is a unique trail that takes you through shallow water, offering a different perspective and opportunities to see aquatic life and specialized plants not found on dry land. :droplet:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Long Pine Key offers a fantastic opportunity for families to connect with nature. The secluded campsites provide a sense of adventure, and the generator-free nights are perfect for early bedtimes and enjoying the quiet. Encourage kids to explore the hiking trails, especially the unique Everglades Water Walk, which can be an exciting way to spot wildlife like birds and reptiles. Remember to pack plenty of bug spray and sunscreen for daytime adventures. The clean bathrooms and showers are a plus for family comfort. Reddit+1

🚗 Budget Travelers

Long Pine Key is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. As a primitive campground, the nightly fees are typically very reasonable compared to campgrounds with full hookups. The free access to numerous hiking trails means you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Everglades without additional tour costs. While you'll need to be self-sufficient with food and water, the affordable camping fees leave more budget for park entrance passes and any essential supplies. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Camping at Long Pine Key

Long Pine Key Recreation Area offers a primitive camping experience, meaning sites do not have electric or water hookups. However, there is a convenient RV dump station located near the park exit for those traveling with recreational vehicles. The campsites themselves are noted for being well-spaced and offering a good degree of privacy due to natural barriers, making it feel more secluded than some other campgrounds. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere, especially with the strict no-generator policy after 8 PM, which enhances the experience of enjoying the night sky and the sounds of nature. While basic restrooms with flush toilets and showers are available, it's wise to check the operational status of facilities, as one reviewer noted issues with tent area toilets.

The staff at Long Pine Key are consistently praised for being friendly and helpful, adding to the positive camping experience. The campground's location is also a significant advantage, being described as closer to some of the best hikes in the area. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of Everglades National Park. Despite the primitive nature, the Verizon cell service was reported as good by at least one visitor, which can be a welcome surprise for those needing to stay connected. Overall, it's a highly recommended spot for those seeking a peaceful, nature-focused camping trip within the park. Reddit+3

Exploring the Trails and Wildlife

Long Pine Key is a gateway to the diverse ecosystems of Everglades National Park, offering numerous hiking trails that cater to various interests. A standout recommendation from visitors is the Everglades Water Walk, a unique trail that immerses you in the shallow waters, providing an unparalleled opportunity to observe wildlife and plant life that thrive in this specific environment. This experience is described as seeing things you 'just don’t see on dry lands.' Reddit

Wildlife viewing is a major draw, with opportunities to spot birds, reptiles (including snakes and alligators), and other native fauna. To maximize wildlife sightings, early mornings and late afternoons are generally the best times, as animals are often more active during these cooler periods. Visitors should always be mindful of the park's inhabitants; while the desire to see snakes is noted by some, it's crucial to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, including alligators and venomous snakes. Reddit+2

While the mosquitoes can be a factor, particularly in warmer months, visitors in February found them to be manageable. Nevertheless, packing effective insect repellent is a non-negotiable tip for any visitor to ensure a comfortable exploration of the trails and surrounding natural beauty. Reddit+1

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