Everglades National Park is located in the southern part of the state of Florida and is the third largest national park in the United States covering more than a million acres.

The park was commissioned to protect the ecosystem of the marine life and is the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River. It is home to more than 350 species of birds and 300 types of fresh and saltwater fish. More than 50 specifies of reptiles live in Everglades National Park which is famous for the number and sizes of alligators found in the area. The park recharges the fresh water of the surrounding area including the Biscayne Aquifer. The Everglades National Park has been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGLUbDaNbXc<ref> <ref> http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22394676/ns/us_news-life/page/2/ http://www.nps.gov/ever/

Visitors to the area can plan their vacation arrangements and find hotels near the Everglade National Park by determining which entry point and Visitor Center they plan to use. After determining which location of entry will be used, a Google search by the appropriate city name will reveal more hotels in the surrounding area. In addition to these cities, those looking for combination activities with more than one park or attraction should consider a Miami vacation where many attractions can be visited in one trip. If this is the plan, Miami hotels are available and a trip to Everglades National Park can become a day trip for a portion of the vacation. The four visitor’s centers are located at the following addresses:

1. Ernest Coe Visitor Center; 40001 State Rd. 9336 Homestead, FL 33034-6733
2. Flamingo Visitor Center; Palm Drive (State Road 9336/SW 344th St.); Flamingo, FL
3. Shark Valley Visitor Center; 36000 SW 8th St. Miami, FL 33194
4. Gulf Coast Visitor Center; 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City, FL 34139

There are no overnight accommodations available in Everglades National Park other than camping facilities. Lodging arrangements can be made in towns bordering the park which include Homestead, Florida City, Miami, Everglades City, and Chokoloskee. Visitors wanting to stay in the area before or after visiting the park will find many hotels near Everglades National Park.

For families vacationing in the area but needing to keep costs to a minimum, consider looking for suite type hotels that allow cooking meals in order to reduce the eating out costs. A local Bed and Breakfast offers combination and packages deals combining accommodations along with site seeing options.

Bed and Breakfast Option: http://www.iveyhouse.com/package-vacation.htm

Ivey House Bed & Breakfast

Address: 107 Camellia Street; Everglades City, Florida 34139

Phone: (239) 695-3299

The Inn offers four packages:

1. Airboat and Paddle Combo; Cost is $318 for two includes the trip into the Everglades along with one nights lodging
2. Three Unique Paddling Adventures and Lodging'; Cost is $899 for two people for three paddling adventures into the Everglades and two nights lodging
3. Ivey House Everglades Adventure Package; cost is $859 for two people for a bundle which includes two nights lodging, a paddle trip; an airboat trip, swamp buggy ride and entrance into a wildlife park
4. 'Fishing and Lodging Package; Cost is $799 for two people for a two night stay and an afternoon fishing in the Everglades Back country.

In addition to these package deals, Ivey House guests can take advantage of a 20% discount on canoe/kayak rental and day guided eco adventures in the area. For those not interested in package deals, but still considering a stay at the B&B, lodging costs without the package deals varies depending on the time of year:

Summer rates:

April through December

Inn: $85; Lodge: $70; Cottage: $116

Winter rates from 2010 for estimate of what 2011 rates may be:

Inn: $142; Lodge: $89; Cottage: $174

For those interested in camping, it is available within Everglades National Park.

Front Country Camping is available for $16.00 per site at either of two campgrounds. Long Pine Key Campground is available on a first-come, first-serve basis only while reservations are recommended at the Flamingo Campground and can be made on the park website or by calling 1-877-444-6777. http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/frontcamp.htm

Backcountry camping is available at 47 sites within the park but none are available by car. Most sites are accessible by canoe, kayak or motorboat, though a few may be reached by hikers. Permit Fees are $10 per permit plus $2 per person per night. http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/backcamp.htm

Hotels in the Surrounding Towns:

Captain’s Table Hotel

Address: 102 East Broadway; Everglades City FL 34139

Phone 239-695-4211

Both hotel rooms and apartments are available. Room rates in off season range from $65 a day for a hotel room to $130 a day for a 2 bedroom apartment. During peak seasons the rates increase to $75 for a single room to $170 for a 2-bedroom apartment. http://www.captainstablehotel.com/reservations.cfm

Parkway Motel & Marina

City: Chokoloskee Island

Phone: (239) 695-3261

Rates are not published on the website but the Motel and Marina offers hotel rooms as well as 2 bedroom houses for rent. The Motel is in an area surrounded by the Everglades National Park and the 10,000 Islands. See a featured photo of the island area on this page.