In this section

Everglades National Park Increases Recreational Access

| General Government Relations

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Everglades National Park is increasing recreational access. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning May 14, Everglades National Park will reopen access to:

  • Royal Palm, including the Anhinga Trail
  • Research Road
  • Long Pine Key picnic area and trails
  • West Lake
  • Guy Bradley Trail and Flamingo Day Use area
  • Coastal Prairie Trail
  • Canoe, kayak and skiff rentals at Flamingo

In addition, entry fees are waived, and the following spaces continue to be available:

  • Main Park Road from the Homestead entrance to Flamingo
  • External restrooms at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
  • Flamingo Marina and boat launch ramps
  • Flamingo Marina Store, restrooms, and gas pumps
  • Flamingo Fish Cleaning Station and restroom
  • East Everglades, accessible by 168th St. (9 a.m - 5 p.m.)
  • Marine waters of Everglades National Park
  • Beach campsites in wilderness

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

  • All visitor centers
  • Shark Valley
  • Gulf Coast
  • Nike Missile Historic Site
  • Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds
  • Concession tours and houseboat rentals
  • Wilderness campsites (ground sites and chickees)

“We recognize that recreating outdoors on our public lands is important to our community,” said Superintendent Pedro Ramos. “Acknowledging that our visitors are following public health guidance, we are expanding recreational access just a little more, while keeping health and safety a priority.”

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on the park's website and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.