Planning to camp in the Everglades? Flamingo Everglades offers a variety of unique places to stay, from traditional campsites and houseboat rentals to two standout options: elevated lodges and safari-style eco-tents. Located in the heart of Everglades National Park, at the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula, it’s the perfect area to call basecamp.
While the Flamingo campground and houseboats have their charm, this guide focuses on the eco-tents and lodges, two accommodations I’ve personally stayed in during previous trips. Each offers a unique way to experience the Florida Everglades, and I’m sharing this comparison based on what it’s like to stay in both.
Both options offer incredible access to Florida Bay and the Everglades’ natural beauty, but cater to different travel styles. Whether you’re after climate-controlled convenience or a back-to-nature glamping vibe, this guide will help you decide how to best camp in the Everglades.
Comfort & Amenities When You Camp in the Everglades: Which Stay Fits Your Style?
Lodges:
The Flamingo Everglades Lodges are unlike anything else you’ll find in a national park. Built from modified shipping containers and raised on stilts, these modern units offer elevated views over Florida Bay from a private balcony. I loved coming back from a day of exploring to sit outside, watch the birds and enjoy the view, very relaxing.
Inside, they feel more like a boutique hotel than a backcountry cabin. You’ll find a clean, contemporary design with climate control, plush beds, a private bathroom, fully equipped kitchenette, coffee maker and Wi-Fi. They have 24 lodges that can accommodate couples and families with their studio and suite layouts. We stayed in a spacious one-bedroom suite for 2 nights. I also appreciated the undercover parking and outdoor grilling areas. Another great perk? Guests can bring their boat, and I saw quite a few heading out for fishing trips on Florida Bay.
These lodges are ideal for travellers who want a unique and comfortable stay without sacrificing amenities. Plus, they’re just steps from the Flamingo Restaurant, Marina Store, activity booth, and the new Guy Bradley Visitor Center.
Eco-Tents:
If you’re looking to camp in the Everglades without giving up all the comforts, the eco-tents are a fantastic option. These safari-style canvas tents sit on elevated camping platforms overlooking Florida Bay and offer a classic glamping experience, no tent setup or sleeping on the ground required.
During the winter season (November through late April), each tent comes furnished with a bed, fan, electricity, and a small deck. A built-in bug net keeps mosquitoes out while still letting the breeze in. I loved that we could settle in right away and start exploring, no gear to unpack or setup needed.
The Everglades eco-tents are also available in the summer months, but they’re unfurnished. If you plan to visit then, you’ll need to bring your sleeping mats and bags. Personally, I recommend visiting in winter when the weather is cooler, bugs are minimal, and the tent is fully outfitted and ready to enjoy.
The bathrooms and showers are shared and solar-heated, giving the campground a relaxed, off-grid feel. This is Everglades glamping in its best form – simple, scenic, and connected to nature. The eco-tents are more budget-friendly than other lodging options in the park, making them perfect for travellers who want to camp in the Everglades with a bit of comfort and style. After staying in one, I’m not sure I could go back to traditional wilderness tent camping in this area!
Camp in the Everglades Pricing:
Lodges: Higher nightly rates reflecting luxury and amenities.
Eco-Tents: More budget-friendly with seasonal pricing.
You can check out my full eco-tent review in this guide.
Flamingo Everglades Restaurant
One of the highlights of staying at Flamingo Everglades is the convenient on-site restaurant. Located right next to the lodges, it’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is varied and features fresh, locally inspired dishes. I especially appreciated the clear allergen key as I follow a gluten-free diet. The menu also highlights vegan, vegetarian, kosher and low-calorie options, so there’s something for everyone.
It has stunning waterfront views and a laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a day of kayaking, hiking, or wildlife spotting. The bar opens at lunch, and a cold drink with a Florida Bay sunset is a pretty great way to end your day.
The restaurant is also wheelchair and stroller-accessible, making it an easy stop for families and anyone with mobility needs. Whether you’re staying in the lodges or eco-tents, having access to a full-service restaurant adds extra comfort to your experience.
Access & Activities: Making the Most of Your Stay
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Flamingo Everglades is the unbeatable access to outdoor activities within Everglades National Park.
From kayaking through mangrove tunnels and taking boat tours across Florida Bay to hiking scenic trails and spotting wildlife, everything is just steps from your door. You can book experiences directly from the activity booth at the Flamingo Marina.
During my visits, we took full advantage of what was on offer – kayaking, bike rides, and a fantastic, guided boat tour that gave us a deeper appreciation of the park’s unique ecosystems. I especially loved the Guy Bradley Trail, which runs along the shoreline from the campgrounds to the lodges. It’s a peaceful and easy walk with beautiful bay and beach views. We spotted all kinds of birds and even a few manatees in the water!
The lodges are particularly convenient for quick access to the visitor center, marina store, and tour departures. We were lucky enough to see an American crocodile near the marina, along with plenty of ospreys, egrets, and other iconic Everglades wildlife.
The Guy Bradley Visitor Center is also a helpful resource. You’ll find hiking trail maps, info on wildlife sightings and national park ranger programs to help you explore more of the Everglades.
And when the sun goes down? The stargazing is unreal. With so little light pollution in this remote corner of Florida, the night skies absolutely come alive. I was blown away by how many stars we could see, an amazing way to end the day.
Staying inside the park puts you in the heart of the action and gives you the chance to truly immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind ecosystem. In short, whichever you pick, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable Everglades experience.
Which Everglades Entrance Is Best for Reaching Flamingo?
Everglades National Park has three main entrances: Homestead (Main Entrance), Shark Valley near Miami, and the Gulf Coast Visitor Center near Naples. If you’re planning to stay at Flamingo Campground or the Lodges, the Homestead entrance is your best bet. It’s the most direct route to the southern part of the park.
There is an entrance fee at all access points, but the pass is valid for seven consecutive days. From the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead, it’s about a 45-minute drive down to the Flamingo area. You’ll pass through scenic stretches of parkland along the way.
Final Thoughts: How to Choose Where to Camp in the Everglades at Flamingo
I genuinely enjoyed both stays, with each offering something special. The Flamingo Everglades Lodges gave me a stylish, comfortable retreat with incredible views over Florida Bay. While the eco-tents brought me closer to the raw, untamed beauty of the Everglades, perfect for unplugging and reconnecting with nature.
Both options are fantastic ways to camp in the Everglades and take full advantage of staying inside the national park.
If you’re looking for modern amenities, air conditioning, and a boutique-style stay, the lodges are a perfect fit. But if you’re after a budget-friendly, glamping-style experience and a strong connection to the outdoors, the eco-tents deliver something truly memorable.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be waking up in one of the most unique and biodiverse places in the U.S. With kayaking, hiking, wildlife spotting and stargazing, staying inside Everglades National Park never looked better.
Thanks for reading. I hope this guide helps you choose the best place to stay in Flamingo Everglades and makes planning your trip a little easier! So, which option are you choosing? Let me know in the comments below or find me on Instagram.
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I camped and stayed at the old hotel in Flamingo many times as a kid, but haven’t been back since. The shipping container lodging and eco-tents look like a wonderful addition to the lodging options in the park–hope I can try them again during a winter visit.
I have not been to the Everglades since I was a kid. The Flamingo sounds like a great way to spend a few nights there. Thank you for all of the insight. This will make my decision about which aspect of the Flamingo to stay in, easier!
Not much of a camper, but these eco tents look phantastic. I would love to bird watch there, it looks so beautiful.
Such beautiful lodges to enjoy the serenity of Everglades and its picturesque scenery.
The lodges actually look super luxurious, but the eco-tents are so cozy! I absolutely love glamping, so they seem perfect. Awesome that the on-site restaurant serves vegan options 🙂