Wilderness Permits
E V E R G L A D E S N A T I O N A L P A R K

You'll Need a Permit

Wilderness permits are required for all overnight camping, except in auto campgrounds or when sleeping aboard boats. There is a fee for processing of the permit. They may be obtained in person up to 24 hours before the day your trip begins. Please display your permit on your tent. Upon completion of your trip, turn your permit in to a Ranger Station or Visitor Center. Indicate comments or complaints on the back of the permit, and report any violations to a park ranger.

Insect conditions are so severe during summer months that wilderness use is minimal and permit writing desks may not be staffed. Permits are still required - follow self-registration instruction at the Flamingo or Gulf Coast Visitor Centers, or the Key Largo Ranger Station (usually May to November).

Winter wilderness users originating from the Florida Keys will be able to obtain permits by phone by calling 941-695-2945, no more than 24 hours prior to the start of their trip, for the following locations only: North Nest Key, Little Rabbit Key, Carl Ross Key, and the Cape Sable Beaches.

Permit fees:

• $10 for 1-6 people
• $20 for 7-12 people
• $30 for 13 or more people

Winter Permit Station Hours

Gulf Coast Visitor Center (Everglades City) 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily 239-695-3311 (usually December through April)

Flamingo Visitor Center (including all Florida Bay sites) 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily 239-695-2945

Main Entrance Station (12 miles southwest of Homestead) 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily Wilderness permits are written from the Main Entrance Station only for two land sites in the Long Pine Key area: Ernest Coe and Ingraham Highway.