Directions to Camp Everglades

Take US 1 or the turnpike south (last exit) to SW 344^th St./State Road 9336. Make a right following the sign for the Everglades National Park (ENP) and continue through Florida City ~ 1.3 miles until the first stop sign (SW 192^nd Ave, "Robert is Here Fruit Stand" is on the SW corner). Following the sign for ENP make a left and continue for ~ 2.4 miles to the next stop sign (county prison on the SE corner). Following the sign for ENP make a right and continue ~ 6.0 miles to the ENP Entrance Station. At the entrance station tell them you are going to the Boy Scout Camp and you will not be charged the entrance fee if you have a valid tour permit. Continue for ~ 1.7 miles to the first intersection. Following the sign for the Royal Palm Visitor Center make a left and continue for ~ 0.8 miles to the first intersection. Following the sign for the Research Center make a right and go ~ 0.5 miles to the next intersection. Make a right and continue for ~ 1.8 miles and look for the camp entrance on your left. If you reach the research center you have gone too far.

Map from Everglades National Park entrance to Camp Everglades

Camp Everglades is a great, natural property owned by the South Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America. The 253-acre campground is located WITHIN the Everglades National Park. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets are common in this campground with clear views of the horizon in the east and the west. The campground is primarily pine rockland forest with eight primitive campsites, a main campfire arena, a main covered shelter, and pitcher pump wells. Running water, hot showers, and sinks are located near the main shelter and are available for all to use. Stoves, refrigerators, and electricity are located in the main covered shelter. Portable toilets (6) are located permanently at the camp. If you are holding a large event you may want to rent additional portable toilets. Garbage disposal facilities are NOT available and all garbage must be taken with you when you leave camp.

Left: Pine Rockland Forest; Right: Beautiful sunset at camp

Left: Main Shelter; Right: Main Shelter Kitchen area

Left: Typical Campsite with Shelter and Fire Ring; Right: Shower house near the main shelter

Most campsites have their own open shelter with patrol tables and a fire area. Water pipes (1 1/4" diameter) are close to each campsite. Some pitcher pumps are available in the main shelter.  It is recommended that you bring your own pitcher pump if you have one. A large area has also been cleared for activities. If your group decides to explore the Everglades, the National Park requires that you pay the necessary fees at the front gate. Camp Everglades also has a hiking trail that circles the area. Alligators and many birds are typical sites along the trail. The pine rockland forest also provides an excellent wildlife area for nature programs. Flowers, animals, insects, reptiles and water fowl are abundant in their seasons.

The recommended camping season is from November to May. Beyond these months, the area returns to its natural state as a "river of grass". The official opening date for the camp is the weekend before Thanksgiving. On the Saturday of this weekend, Thunderbird District holds its annual Camp Everglades Mowing and Work Day so if you plan on camping that weekend be prepared to help. Depending on the water levels it may be possible to camp in October and early November. Please contact the camp caretaker, Jim Happell (jhappell@sfcbsa.org or 786-473-0700), to check on camp conditions before making a reservation for October or early November. The official camp closing date is the last weekend in May. Reservations are made through the South Florida Council Office. A valid tour permit is required for admission to the National Park System.