RVing in the Everglades

While some may think of it as just another swamp, Everglades National Park is actually quite unique and special. It is comprised of tropical wetlands, pinelands, coastal lowlands, and more, creating a unique ecosystem that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. Experiencing national parks is even more fun in your RV. Grab your America the Beautiful Pass and your Harvest Hosts membership, and come with us to explore all that the Everglades has to offer.

Why are the Everglades Special?

Everglades National Park is the first park that was preserved specifically for its biodiversity, rather than for its beauty. Here, there are nine distinct habitats that come together to house many species of plants and animals that are not found anywhere else in the world. Despite all the constant research being done, the ecosystem here is constantly fluctuating and changing.

History of the Everglades

Scientists and Historians believe that the Everglades region was first occupied by Indigenous peoples around 14,000-15,000 years ago. They were most likely pursuing large animals that ended up going extinct about 11,000 years ago. Changes in the climate created wetter conditions that the Indigenous peoples had to adapt to. These people were able to create many tools with the resources they had. Archaeologists refer to the cultures that developed from the adaptations as Archaic peoples. Two major tribes existed out of the Archaic peoples: the Tequesta and the Calusa.

The idea of turning the Everglades into a national park was first proposed by Miami land developer Ernest F. Coe in 1928. He had already established the Everglades Tropical National Park Association, which was just the push Congress needed when they declared it in 1934. The park was officially dedicated thirteen years later on December 6, 1947, with 2,400 square miles of protected land.

Things to Do

Everglades National Park is a prime place for wildlife and bird watching due to all the hundreds of species that call the park home. Visitors can find alligators, crocodiles, amphibians, foxes, manatees, black bears, bobcats, panthers, and 360 bird species. Visitors can also partake in outdoor activities like biking, boating, fishing, and hiking.

Camping Inside of the Park