Camp Lonesome

Two picnice tables surround a clearing in dense green vegetation. A tall palm tree trunk is visible

Camp Lonesome rises as a sheltered mound crowned with tropical hardwood trees, offering rare high ground in the endless sawgrass prairie. This elevated platform sits where Calusa Indians hunted and lived; Seminole families later claimed it as their own territory when the park was established in 1947. The site extends farther inland than most backcountry camps, penetrating deep into the sawgrass frontier. Just south, the unmarked Wood River channel beckons paddlers seeking true wilderness solitude.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 25.4881,-80.9999

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 1

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Wood River (unmarked channel south of site), Pearl Bay Chickee, Shark River Chickee, Plate Creek Chickee, Everglades Wilderness Waterway
Nearby Facilities: No facilities at site. Flamingo Marina and Flamingo Campground offer services 25-40 miles away by water route.
Best Time To Visit: Early morning (wildlife activity, no afternoon heat exposure)
Tips Advice: Study the NPS Wilderness Trip Planner before departing—navigation is challenging with unmarked channels.
Arrive early to claim the mound's shaded camp zone.
The hardwood canopy provides rare shelter; this is the primary draw in the exposed prairie.
Look for wading birds (herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills) especially at dawn/dusk.
Wood River to the south is unmarked; suitable for confident paddlers only.
Pack out all trash; no services available for 20+ miles.
Bring water treatment (filtration or purification); do not rely on surface water.

More details

Park Area: Central Everglades, sawgrass prairie
Family Friendly Notes: Not recommended for young children or novice paddlers. Remote location, water hazards (alligators/crocodiles), weather exposure, and multi-mile paddle approach require experienced outdoor skills and comfort with wilderness camping.
Recent Updates: No recent changes to campsite access or amenities as of July 2026. Consult NPS website for real-time closures or water level alerts affecting paddling access.
Attraction Type: Backcountry Campsite
Distance From Entrance: 15-30 miles by canoe, depending on water route selected
Accessibility Level: Moderate paddling skill required. Remote wilderness, water-only access.
How To Get There: Water access only. Launch paddlecraft from Everglades access points; navigate to 25.4881,-80.9999. Distances vary by route; most approaches are 15-30 miles by canoe. Consult NPS Wilderness Trip Planner at nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/wilderness-trip-planner.htm for route planning.
Parking Availability: N/A (water access only); park at designated water entry points (Shark Valley, Gulf Coast, Flamingo—all have lot capacity constraints)
Road Type: N/A (water access only)
Seasonal Access: Year-round water access, but dry season (Nov-Mar) recommended for paddling ease and comfort. Summer: extreme heat, high water levels, high mosquito pressure. Hurricane season (Jun-Nov) poses risk.
Entry Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass) or $20 per person; backcountry camping permit required (no additional fee, but required for overnight use)
Main Features: Calusa mound platform, tropical hardwood grove, open sawgrass prairie, Wood River channel access, vault composting toilet, picnic table, canoe/kayak launch
What Youll See: Elevated mound topped with dense tropical hardwoods (mahogany, gumbo limbo, buttonwood), open sawgrass prairie stretching to the horizon, shallow water channels, wading birds, occasional alligators in adjacent waters
Unique Characteristics: One of the few backcountry campsites extending inland into the sawgrass prairie rather than clustering near coastal water. Sits on a Calusa Indian mound with documented Seminole occupation history. Tropical hardwood canopy provides rare shade in exposed wetlands. Unmarked Wood River channel to the south offers advanced paddling exploration.
Safety Considerations: Remote backcountry wilderness. No road access, water-only entry. Bring all water, food, and emergency supplies. Alligators and American crocodiles present—maintain 25-yard distance. Weather exposure in open sawgrass; afternoon thunderstorms common. Shallow water channels require careful navigation. Navigation requires map and compass or GPS.
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault/Composting toilet
Picnic Areas: 1
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: None. Bring emergency communication (satellite messenger recommended)
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Common Wildlife: Wading birds (great blue herons, white ibises, roseate spoonbills), alligators, American crocodiles, raptors (osprey, bald eagles), deer, raccoons
Best Wildlife Times: Dawn and dusk for wading birds; dry season (Nov-Mar) concentrates wildlife near remaining water
Best Visit Times: Weekdays November-February; most solitude in early morning hours
Best Season: November to March (dry season, lower mosquito pressure, cooler temperatures)
Weather Patterns: Afternoon thunderstorms common year-round. Summer heat/humidity extreme. Dry season (Nov-Mar) offers best conditions. Hurricane season June-November poses risk.
Fishing Species: Redfish, snook, tarpon, sea trout (typical Everglades species in adjacent waters)
Fishing Nearby: 1
Boating Allowed: 1
Review Summary: Visitors consistently report that Camp Lonesome delivers on the promise of remote wilderness solitude. The hardwood canopy and elevated mound are genuinely unique in the flat Everglades. However, reviews reflect that this is strictly for experienced paddlers and wilderness campers—the isolation and navigation challenges are not trivial.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a backcountry permit?

Yes. All overnight Everglades backcountry camping requires a free permit available from the NPS (nps.gov). No permit, no stay.

Can I access it by car?

No. Camp Lonesome is water-only accessible. You must paddle a canoe or kayak from one of the park's water entry points. Expect 15-30 miles of paddling depending on your launch point.

What wildlife should I expect?

Alligators and American crocodiles are present; maintain 25-yard distance. Wading birds (herons, egrets, spoonbills) and raptors are common. Most wildlife is not aggressive if given space.

Is there fresh water at the site?

No. Bring all drinking water, treated or bottled. The surrounding water is brackish/saltwater and unsuitable for drinking.

What makes this site different from other backcountry camps?

The mound provides rare shade from tropical hardwoods and extends farther into the open sawgrass prairie than most sites. It's one of the few camps offering both shelter and deep wilderness in one location.

When is the best time to go?

November through March (dry season, cooler, fewer mosquitoes). Early morning hours offer the best wildlife viewing and coolest temperatures.