Everglades info needed...

R

Rich G

Joined
Jul 21, 2000
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This is a question for those of you who have spent time back packing or primitive camping in the glades. I'm planning on spending 4-5 days in the area, perhaps big cypress. I'm looking for general info on a good area to camp. I'd like to get away from everyone and everything. Any advice would be much appreciated. Also any general tips or pointers for glades camping would help too.
Many Thanks!
 
Rich,

The best time to go is AFTER we get our first cool night in the 40s. Until then the mosquitos are going to be incredible. I haven't done big Cypress, but the best way to get away from it all in the glades is to do part of their 99 mile trail from Everglades City to Flamingo. It is a water trail, so travel is either via small power boat (draft is only 2 feet in places), or better yet, canoe. They have a series of well marked camp sites (sometimes just a wooden platform over the water) where you can stay. You can start by calling them to check on campsite availability.

The best way around there is via boat. Take plenty of fresh water and bug spray; and remember that there is absolutely nothing once you are away from your starting point. A marine radio can be a big plus, cellphones should be left at the car. This can be very beautiful, like the time we were led by a dolphin into a small hidden lagoon full manatee; but, make sure your buddies are up to it. This is probably the last place you want to go for a beer bash, and if someone gets trashed and runs into the mangroves, you may never see them again.

n2s
 
Thanks N2S!
I have a sea kayak and have done quite a bit of padlling and camping on and around Cayo Costa Island. Call me nuts, but I was thinking of hitting the Glades on foot...
 
All joking aside, you may want to think about a way to get off the ground for the night. I like using a hammock to keep me out of the path of little critters who's bite is worse than their bark. Put a pancho over it and you have shelter from rain as well.
 
I've got that covered, I sleep in a Hennessey Hammock which works well for me.
What I'm looking for is some guidance as what areas you have found to be a good spot to pitch camp. Also, I've got an MSR miniworks filter and I was wondering if I could put it to use in the glades...
 
Read this before you take a drink:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...ding=UTF8&no=283155&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER&st=books

Remember that you are in a swamp/mangroves with a slow moving water supply that can be brackish, or contaminated with agricultural runoff. There have been fishing bans from time to time due to elevated mercury levels.

You can read about the water problem here:
http://www.nps.gov/ever/eco/threats2.htm

Camping info, rules, and maps:
http://www.nps.gov/ever/visit/backcoun.htm

n2s
 
Thanks Sharp,
So does that mean that even with using tabs and then filtering the local water is still not potable?
 
I would recomend not using the water in the Everglades. You may be able to make it reasonably safe but it will taste like sh**. Sharp is right about the contamination of the water. I think the snakes in the glades are even having bottled water sent in to drink.
 
I don't know how it is in Big Cypress, but on the Wilderness Waterway that N2S referred to, camping is only allowed at designated sites that must be reserved when your permit is issued. You may just have to settle for what is available. Also, I know pedestrian traffic is forbidden in most areas, particularly the hammocks (that's hammocks as in small islands of non-mangrove trees, not as in sleeping nets).

I, too would discourage you from trying to use a filter for water. The water is going to be brackish (part salty) nearly everywhere you go, and if you do find fresh, it will be absolutely thick with silica and tannins. Even tabs aren't going to help you in the 'glades. You will need to pack in your water, I'm afraid. One to two gallons per person per day.

Also, a close second to the mosquito menace will be the RACCOONS! They are fearless, numerous and they want your stuff! Take a slingshot or a tazer. No kidding.

Enjoy your trip, and take some pictures!
 
A few months ago I talked to a Ranger from Big Cypress, he told me that I could make camp where ever I wanted and that I would be o.k. as long as I kept within the guidlines issued about fires, trash, etc. I was planing on packing in my water. It would have been nice to be able to filter some if I was getting low...
 
Rich- It looks as though YOU are going to have to do the legwork as far as finding a good spot, and then come back and tell US. :D
 
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