Tent campers in the Everglades have two choices: primitive back-country camping or front-country camping. The National Park Service issues back-country permits one day in advance in person only; the park has 47 back-country sites on beaches, elevated platforms called chickees and ground sites. Campers must hike or paddle to these sites. As of September 2010, permits cost $10 plus $2 per person. The park has two front-country camp sites: Flamingo and Long Key, and campers may drive to these sites. Flamingo campers can reserve $16 sites online, but Long Pine Key campers cannot make reservations.
Three state parks in the Florida Keys have tent camping: Bahia Honda, John Pennekamp Coral Reef and Curry Hammock. These parks have beach view sites, showers, water and electricity.
The Dry Tortugas and Biscayne National Parks have tent camping available to campers who can access islands. Both parks have ferry operators contracted to carry passengers, and both parks have access for private boats to drop off campers. Camping is first-come, first-served at both parks. The parks have no electrical hookups and limited, if any, fresh water supplies.
