Everglades - Things to Do
Explore by boat, foot or bicycle and enjoy expansive views, abundant wildlife and excellent hunting and fishing.
Hunting
Hunting of waterfowl, white-tailed deer, feral hogs, alligators, small game and conditional reptiles occurs in the fall, winter and spring. Prescribed burning and tree island restoration programs help to maintain and perhaps increase the deer population, which decreased during floods in the 1990s. Waterfowl are abundant. Check the regulations summary brochure and hunt calendar before you visit.
If you see a sick or abnormally thin deer or deer dead of unknown causes, please report its location to the CWD hotline, (866) CWD-WATCH (293-9282).
Fishing
Over 200 miles of canals support game fish such as Florida bass, bluegill and other sunfish, as well as catfish and several species of exotic fishes. The canals also serve as refuge for smaller fish species during severe droughts. These fish are an important part of the prey base for wading birds. Check the regulations summary brochure map for boat ramp locations. Carry appropriate licenses and permits.
Wildlife Viewing
Wading birds and raptors are common here. The area hosts one of the top ten wading bird rookeries in the nation and usually supports 10-20 pairs of roseate spoonbills and 90-100 nesting wood stork pairs. This area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Visit the Wildlife page for more information about the area's wildlife.
Hiking and Bicycling
Hiking and bicycling are possible on most levees, but these activities are most popular along the L-67 and L-35 levees. If you bike along L-35B, start from Sawgrass Recreation Park and ride to Sawgrass Expressway and back (about 12 miles round trip) or out of Holiday Park along L-67A. For regulations regarding public access and vehicles, see the regulations summary brochure.
Camping
Camping is permitted seven days prior to the beginning of archery season until seven days after the close of general gun-vehicle season. During other times, camping is permitted on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. Camping is allowed along the L-5 levee and Miami Canal levees.
Roseate Spoonbill
Plumage color and bill shape are distinguishing features of the roseate spoonbill.