The Ultimate Everglades National Park Packing List

Are you getting ready for an unforgettable adventure in Everglades National Park? From sun-soaked boardwalks to gator-filled marshes, this unique subtropical wilderness is unlike any other place in the U.S.! That’s why having the right Everglades National Park Packing List is key to staying comfortable, safe, and prepared.

But before you head into the wetlands, you’ll want to make sure your suitcase (or daypack!) is ready for the heat, humidity, and—yes—bugs.

In this guide, we’re sharing the ultimate Everglades National Park packing list to help you stay comfortable, protected, and fully prepared. Whether you’re hiking Anhinga Trail, paddling through mangroves, or spotting wildlife at Shark Valley, this list will make sure you’re ready for anything the Everglades throws your way.

Because let’s face it—nothing ruins a trip faster than bug bites, soggy shoes, or not having enough water to battle the Florida heat.

About Everglades National Park

Spanning more than 1.5 million acres, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It’s a place unlike any other—filled with slow-moving water (but not still water, a big distinction you’ll learn about), dense mangrove forests, open sawgrass marshes, and an incredible variety of wildlife.

You might come for the alligators, but you’ll also find manatees, wading birds, crocodiles, turtles, pythons, and even the elusive Florida panther. It’s wild, beautiful, and often unpredictable.

Because the terrain is so unique—and often wet—what you pack can make or break your trip. The sun is intense. The humidity is no joke. And the bugs? Let’s just say they’re persistent.

That’s why it’s important to plan your clothing and gear based on the season. The dry season (December through April) is cooler, more comfortable, and far less buggy. The wet season (May through November) brings daily storms, heat, and more mosquitoes—but also fewer crowds and a lush, green landscape.

Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, having the right gear helps you explore more and stress less.

When to Visit Everglades National Park? Dry Season vs. Wet Season

Everglades National Park experiences two distinct seasons—dry and wet—and the time of year you visit will affect everything from trail conditions to what you should pack.

The Dry Season (December – April)

The dry season runs from December through April, and not surprisingly, it’s the most popular time to visit. During these months, temperatures are cooler, humidity is lower, and mosquito activity drops significantly. As a result, trails are generally dry and easy to navigate. Plus, wildlife is easier to spot, since animals tend to gather near the remaining water sources.

Additionally, this is when the park offers the most ranger-led programs, and the visitor centers are fully staffed and active. However, because it’s the busiest season, you can expect more visitors—especially on weekends and holidays—so be prepared for crowds at popular spots like Shark Valley and Anhinga Trail.

The Wet Season (May – November)

The wet season, which runs from May through November, brings intense heat, daily afternoon thunderstorms, and a noticeable increase in mosquitoes. Even so, there are still plenty of reasons to visit. During these months, the landscape becomes more lush and vibrant, water levels rise, and bird activity can be incredible as nesting and feeding patterns shift.

For photographers especially, the dramatic clouds, reflected light, and rich greens create beautiful, moody scenes that are harder to capture in the dry season. Additionally, you’ll find fewer people on the trails, offering more solitude and a stronger sense of the wild.

When it comes to packing, the season matters. If you’re visiting during the dry season, focus on sun protection, breathable clothing, and hydration. On the other hand, if your trip falls during the wet season, you’ll want to prioritize bug spray, rain gear, and quick-dry clothing that can handle the heat and unpredictable weather.

Download the Everglades National Park Trip Planning Bundle

This 8-page Everglades National Park Bundle includes everything you need to explore Florida’s wildest landscapes with confidence! Inside, you’ll find a 2-day itinerary, a quick-links guide, a printable checklist, a custom Google Map with over 40 pins, and a fun game of Everglades Bingo to keep things playful on the trail. Whether you’re spotting gators on Anhinga Trail or biking Shark Valley, this guide will help you hit all the highlights—without the overwhelm.

Our Experience Visiting Everglades National Park

We visited Everglades National Park in January 2025 as part of a trip to see all three of Florida’s National Parks. It was stop number 41 on our mission to visit all 63 U.S. National Parks—and honestly, it wasn’t one we were hyped about.

The Everglades is flat, swampy (technically a slough), and full of wildlife we weren’t thrilled to meet. We’re both afraid of snakes, and Joey’s ichthyophobia means fish encounters are not his thing. Plus, we’d heard plenty of mosquito horror stories and were expecting a rough few days.

But the park totally surprised us. Visiting during the dry season meant perfect weather—cool mornings, warm afternoons, and barely a bug in sight. It was hot enough, even in January, that we ended up in shorts every day.

We were thankful for the gear we brought: sun shirts, refillable water bottles, trail shoes, and light layers that dried quickly. We also realized how helpful a sun shirt with UPF protection, a lightweight rain jacket (as a hard shell against bug bites), and bug spray could be—even in the dry season.

What we didn’t expect? How much we’d love the calm landscapes and easy, wildlife-packed trails. Watching gators sunbathe feet from the boardwalk or seeing the sky explode with color over the sawgrass felt just as memorable as any mountain view.

Everglades National Park doesn’t feel like most parks—but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. If you’re packing for your first trip, keep reading. We’re sharing everything we wish we’d known before heading into the wetlands.

Everglades National Park Packing List

Packing for the Everglades isn’t just about what fits in your suitcase—it’s about staying cool, dry, and bite-free.

In the list below, we’ve broken everything down by category so you can plan based on your activities. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or wildlife spotting, this packing list will help you stay comfortable and prepared.

Clothing

What you wear in Everglades National Park matters more than you might think. You’ll need lightweight layers that breathe well, protect you from the sun, and dry quickly. Here’s what we recommend packing:

Long-sleeve sun shirt: A breathable sun shirt with UPF protection is one of the best things we packed. Even in the dry season, the sun can be intense—especially on exposed trails like Anhinga and Shark Valley. These shirts gave us extra sun protection and helped shield buggy areas like arms and shoulders.

• Our Favorites: REI’s Sahara Shade Hoodie and Topo Design’s Sun Hoodie

Moisture-wicking T-shirts: We brought a few quick-dry shirts that stayed breathable and didn’t cling once we got sweaty. If you’re someone who overheats easily or hates that sticky Florida humidity, opt for lightweight performance fabrics.

• Our Favorites: REI’s Relaxed T-Shirt and Lululemon’s Metal Vent Tech Shirt

Quick-dry shorts or pants: We wore quick-dry shorts almost every day of our trip, even in January. If you’re someone who prefers more coverage, we recommend convertible hiking pants or breathable joggers. Just skip anything cotton/denim—once it’s wet, it stays wet.

• Our Favorites: Lululemon’s Pace Breaker Shorts and Nike High Wasted Leggings

Lightweight rain jacket: We didn’t use ours for rain as much as we did for bug protection. A thin hardshell was a great backup when the mosquitoes started buzzing, especially in areas near water or at dusk. Choose something compact that fits easily into your daypack.

• Our Favorites: Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L and Topo Design’s Global Jacket

Wide-brimmed hat: Don’t underestimate how strong the sun can feel in South Florida, even in winter. A good sun hat kept our faces and necks shaded—it also helped keep bugs away from our ears.

• Our Favorites: MELIN’s Legend Hydro and Top Design’s Sun Hat

Swimsuit: We never ended up using our swimsuits, but we were glad to have quick-dry shorts. They worked well for kayaking and were comfortable after long, sweaty days outside.

• Our Favorites: Lululemon’s Pace Breaker Shorts

Change of clothes: We didn’t end up needing them, but having a clean outfit ready—was still a good call.

Light sweater: Even in January, mornings can be chilly—especially if you’re getting an early start on the trails. A lightweight fleece or pullover is all you’ll need, and it packs down easily once the sun is out.

• Our Favorites: The Landmark Project’s Smokey Retro Unisex Sweatshirt and Lululemon’s License to Train Hoodie

Clothing (Optional)

Neck gaiter (optional): Not essential, but nice to have. A gaiter works for sun protection, bug defense, and even as a sweatband if needed. We didn’t bring one, but we saw a few hikers using them for sun and bug protection. Seemed like a smart extra to have.

Bug-repellent clothing (optional): We didn’t use it in the Everglades, but we’ve packed it for trips to Alaska and Uganda. If you’re visiting in the wet season or tend to attract bites, it might be worth bringing.

Footwear

Choosing the right footwear makes a big difference—especially when you’re switching between trails, water, and long drives. Here’s what worked for us on our Florida National Parks trip:

Closed-toe shoes for hiking: We both wore trail shoes, and they were perfect for the short, mostly flat hikes inside Everglades National Park. Lightweight, breathable, and no break-in needed.

• Our Favorites: Altra’s Escalante and Nike’s Zegama 2 Trail Running Shoe

Extra socks: We always pack more socks than we think we’ll need. Merino wool is our favorite—it keeps feet dry, even in humidity, and holds up well on the road.

• Our Favorites: Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Cushion

Water shoes or sandals: We didn’t wear these in the Everglades, but they came in handy for kayaking and snorkeling in Biscayne and Dry Tortugas. If your trip includes water activities, pack something you don’t mind getting soaked.

• Our Favorites: Chaco Mega Z/Cloud and Teva Hurricane XLT2

Flip-flops (for camp or shower): Nothing feels better than kicking off your shoes after a long, hot day. Flip-flops were our go-to at the hotel and after hiking.

Waterproof boots (for slough slogs): If you’re planning to do a ranger-led slough slog—where you hike directly through the water—you’ll want high, waterproof boots. We didn’t do one on this trip, but if we had, we wouldn’t have wanted to wear anything else.

No matter what activities you have planned, comfortable footwear makes a big difference in the Everglades. For most travelers, breathable trail shoes and a few backup options are all you need. But if your trip includes kayaking, snorkeling, or ranger-led water hikes, plan ahead and bring the right shoes for the job.

Gear & Essentials

Everglades National Park isn’t a place to overpack—but the right gear can make your experience smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Here’s what we recommend bringing:

Daypack: A small, comfortable backpack is perfect for carrying snacks, water, and any extra layers. Look for one that’s breathable and has room for your essentials without being bulky.

• Our Favorites: Mystery Ranch’s Gallagator 25 and Mystery Ranch’s Scree 33

Refillable water bottle or hydration pack: It’s hot, it’s humid, and there’s not always easy access to water. We each carried a refillable bottle, but a hydration pack would be great if you plan to bike or hike longer distances.

• Our Favorites: Osprey’s 2 Liter Reservoir and Yeti’s Yonder Water Bottle

Dry bag: If you’re kayaking, boating, or visiting during the wet season, a dry bag will keep your phone, keys, and gear from getting soaked.

• Our Favorites: Sea To Summit’s Dry Bag

Waterproof phone case: Between the humidity, surprise rain showers, and the potential for water activities, we were glad we had extra protection for our phones.

• Our Favorites: Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

First aid kit: We always keep a small kit with bandages, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. You likely won’t need it—but when you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.

• Our Favorites: Adventure Medical Kits

Flashlight or headlamp: Even if you don’t plan to hike at night, it’s smart to have one just in case you’re out later than expected or participating in a ranger-led night program.

• Our Favorites: Black Diamond Spot 400

Pocketknife or multitool: Not essential for everyone, but it’s a nice-to-have item that comes in handy more often than you’d expect.

• Our Favorites: Leatherman Multi Tool and Benchmade Taggedout Knife

Lightweight towel: Great for drying off after kayaking or wiping sweat on hot days. We kept one in the car and used it more than we thought we would.

• Our Favorites: REI Multi Towel Lite

Sunglasses: The glare off the water can be intense. A pair of polarized sunglasses helped us spot wildlife more easily and saved our eyes on bright days.

• Our Favorites: Knockaround Fast Lane Polarized Sunglasses

Map / printed trail info / GPS unit: Cell service is limited in many parts of the park. Having a paper map or GPS backup is helpful—especially in remote areas like Flamingo.

• Our Favorites: AllTrails Digital Maps and Garmin InReach Mini 2

National Park Passport Book: Everglades has several cancellation stamp locations, and collecting them is a fun bonus for every stop.

• Our Favorites: 63 US National Park Adventure Guide

Camera & Electronics

The Everglades is a great place to capture wildlife, wetlands, and big Florida skies—but the humidity and heat can be tough on electronics. Here’s what we recommend:

Camera or smartphone: We used our phones for most of our trip, but photographers may want a zoom lens for wildlife. Be cautious near water and trails—there’s not much room for error if you drop something.

• Our Favorites: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon R5 with 24-105 F4 Lens

Waterproof or protective cases: Whether you’re kayaking or it’s just a humid day, waterproof or shockproof cases are smart.

• Our Favorites: Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Power bank: You won’t always have access to outlets, and the heat can drain batteries quickly. We always pack a power bank or two just in case.

• Our Favorites: Anker 25,000mAh Portable Charger

Spare SD cards or storage: Especially if you’re filming or photographing wildlife, bring extra storage. You’ll fill it faster than you think.

• Our Favorites: SanDisk Extreme PRO (Make Sure To Get The Correct One For Your Camera)

Pack smart, protect your gear, and leave room for the unexpected—you never know what you’ll capture in the Everglades.

Looking for more information on our camera equiptmen? Check out our blog post here: Our Camera and Vlogging Gear: The Ultimate Set-Up 2024

Bug & Sun Protection

Let’s be real—Florida sun and mosquitoes are no joke, even in the dry season. The Everglades is full of wide-open boardwalks, exposed trails, and waterlogged areas where bugs thrive. Having the right protection can make or break your experience.

Bug spray: We don’t usually dive straight into the heavy-duty DEET—we like to try natural options first and only move up if the bugs are relentless. During our Everglades trip, we were perfectly fine with the natural products.

• Our Favorites: Natrapel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent and Picaridin Insect Repellent

Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the sun is strong. We packed reef-safe sunscreen and reapplied often—especially on our face, neck, and hands.

• Our Favorites: SPF 50 Adventure Mineral Sunscreen Cream

Sun shirt with UPF protection: A total MVP. It kept us cool, protected our skin, and saved us from constantly reapplying sunscreen on our arms and shoulders.

• Our Favorites: REI’s Sahara Shade Hoodie and Topo Design’s Sun Hoodie

Lip balm with SPF: Easy to forget, but so helpful. The combo of sun and wind can really dry out your lips.

• Our Favorites: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm

Wide-brimmed hat & sunglasses: Essential for shade and eye protection. The glare off the water is real, and this combo helped keep us from squinting all day.

• Our Favorites: Knockaround Fast Lane Polarized Sunglasses, MELIN’s Legend Hydro, and Top Design’s Sun Hat

With the right sun and bug protection, you’ll spend less time swatting and sweating—and more time enjoying the park.

For Kayaking & Boating

Whether you’re paddling through mangrove tunnels or joining a ranger-led canoe tour, these items can make your experience more comfortable (and a lot less soggy).

Dry bag: A must-have for protecting your phone, wallet, and other small items from splashes or full submersion. We kept ours clipped inside the kayak and everything stayed perfectly dry.

• Our Favorites: Sea To Summit’s Dry Bag

Lightweight gloves (optional): We didn’t use these, but if you’re going on a longer paddle, gloves can help prevent blisters and reduce hand fatigue.

Strap for sunglasses: A simple addition, but so helpful. You don’t want your sunglasses sliding off into the water—and they don’t float.

Quick-dry towel: Perfect for wiping down gear, drying off your hands, or cleaning up after your paddle. We left one in the car and another in our daypack.

• Our Favorites: REI Multi Towel Lite

Extra clothes: You might not get soaked, but chances are you’ll get at least a little wet. A fresh set of clothes makes the transition from water to dry land much more comfortable.

These small items can make a big difference on the water—keeping you dry, comfortable, and ready for anything.

What Not To Pack

Not everything belongs in your bag—especially when you’re exploring a hot, humid, and often muddy subtropical wilderness. Here’s what we recommend leaving at home:

Heavy hiking boots: The trails are short, flat, and often on boardwalks. Bulky boots are overkill and way too hot for this climate.

Jeans: They don’t breathe, they don’t dry, and they’ll make you miserable. Trust us—leave them behind.

Scented lotions or perfumes: Bugs love scented products. Skip anything with fragrance to avoid attracting mosquitoes.

Drones: They’re not allowed in the park and can disturb wildlife. Better to leave them at home and soak in the views instead.

Fancy clothes or anything you can’t get wet: Even if you don’t plan to kayak, the humsidity and surprise rain showers are real. Stick to quick-dry, breathable fabrics.

The Everglades is all about comfort, function, and staying cool—so leave the heavy, fancy, and scented stuff behind.

Seasonal Tips

What you pack for Everglades National Park depends a lot on when you’re visiting. The dry and wet seasons offer totally different experiences—and packing for the wrong one can lead to discomfort fast.

Dry Season (December–April)

This is the most popular time to visit. The weather is cooler, there’s less humidity, and bug activity is way down. Here’s what to focus on:

Light, breathable clothing: Shorts, sun shirts, and moisture-wicking layers worked great for us.

Sun protection: The sun is strong even in winter. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Layers for cool mornings: A fleece or light jacket was enough for early starts.

Bug spray: You might not need it everywhere, but don’t leave it behind—some spots still have mosquitoes.

Wet Season (May–November)

Expect heat, humidity, daily afternoon storms, and lots more bugs. Fewer crowds, but much stickier conditions. You’ll want:

Rain gear: A lightweight rain jacket and a packable poncho will come in handy.

Quick-dry clothing: Cotton won’t cut it. Bring clothes that dry fast and breathe well.

Extra bug protection: Think bug spray, treated clothing, and maybe even a head net for thick areas.

Waterproof bags and gear: If you’re kayaking or hiking in rain, a dry bag and waterproof phone case are smart.

Packing smart for the season you’re visiting can make or break your trip—especially in a park as wild and unpredictable as the Everglades.

Download Our Free Everglades National Park Packing Checklist!

We created a free Everglades National Park Trip Planning Bundle that includes:

• A printable packing checklist
• A detailed 2-day itinerary
• A custom Google Map with 40+ photo spots, hikes, and food stops
• And a fun Everglades Bingo game for kids (or kids at heart)

It’s everything we wish we had before our trip—organized and ready to download. Grab yours here and get started planning your adventure today!

Final Thoughts, Everglades National Park Packing List

Everglades National Park is unlike any other park in the U.S.—and because of that, a little preparation goes a long way. With the right gear, comfortable clothes, and a few bug-busting essentials, this Everglades National Park Packing List will help you explore everything this wild and wonderful place has to offer.

Before you go, be sure to check the weather, pack for the season, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.

We hope this guide gives you the confidence to head out fully prepared. And after your visit, let us know what you packed—and what you’d add to the list for next time!

Save This For Later! Everglades National Park Packing List