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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. ⛺

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 438 reviews

Type

Campground

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

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.

Hi friends! Does anybody have any recommendations for car camping/cool areas? Me and a couple friends are driving to the Everglades tomorrow from Key Largo. None of us have ever been there and are super stoked. Ideally it would be best to camp the night so I thought I would…

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. ⛺

reddit.com

Camping in Everglades National Park

4 nights at Flamingo Campground

reddit.com

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

June-August are my usual vacation times (kids are out of school), but that's probably not the best time to visit Florida. I'm thinking March during spring break might work? Daughters want to see the wildlife in Florida, especially all the snakes. (Yes, they know there are…

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?

I’m possibly going to find myself in Florida for four nights in the second week of November this year and I’m thinking of seeing the Everglades for part of that time. I’d be driving from Miami either to the keys first and then Everglades in the way back to Miami or the other…

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. ⛺

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. 🚽

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. 🚽 🚿

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. 🛶 :hiking_boot:

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

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. 🐦 🐍

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: ⚠️

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:

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