Everglades National Park Statistics

Everglades National Park recorded 778,198 recreation visits in 2025¹, along with 79,899 overnight camping stays.³

• Everglades National Park welcomed 1.12 million visitors in 2019.¹ However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 37% to 702,319.
• By 2021, the number of tourists visiting Everglades National Park began to recover, reaching 942,130.¹
• Tourist numbers increased in 2022 to 1.16 million, exceeding the 2019 figure.¹ However, in 2023, this figure decreased by 30% to 810,189, and fell again to 741,983 in 2024.
• In 2025, visitor numbers rose by 5% to 778,198, still about 30% below the 2019 level.¹

How much do visitors spend at Everglades National Park every year?

In 2024, visitor spending at Everglades National Park amounted to $114.60 million⁷, about 4% above the 2019 pre-pandemic level.

• In 2019, visitors to Everglades National Park generated $110.37 million in expenditure.⁴ However, in 2020, visitor spending dropped by 37% to $69.13 million.⁸
• Everglades National Park recovered in 2021, with tourists spending $100.21 million.⁴
• Tourist spending reached $124.65 million in 2022⁹, the highest since NPS spending records began in 2012. However, this decreased slightly to $120.65 million in 2023 and to $114.60 million in 2024.⁴

Everglades National Park, known for its majestic expanse, faces alarming challenges from climate change and air pollution originating from industrial sources and emissions.¹⁰

• Air Pollution - Sugarcane burning in Florida, along with industrial emissions from nearby Miami, contributes to air pollution in the park, impacting soil and water quality in the Everglades.¹⁰
• Deposition of Pollutants - Nitrogen compounds disrupt aquatic ecosystems and harm wildlife. Poor air quality, increasing wildfires, and rising sea levels pose serious threats to marshes and mangrove forests.¹⁰
• Climate Change Impact - Rising sea levels, increased rainfall, and stronger hurricanes increase the risk of saltwater intrusion, threatening drinking water, vegetation, and habitats dependent on the park’s unique freshwater-saltwater balance.¹⁰

What is being done to address these challenges?

• Efforts to address these challenges include updating industrial facilities to reduce pollution, monitoring air quality in nearby communities, and advocating for stronger climate science.¹⁰
• The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) leads advocacy in support of the Western Everglades Restoration Plan, which Congress has not yet authorized; if authorized, it would improve ecosystem connectivity and could lead to fewer, less severe wildfires. With partners, the NPCA is also advocating for a strong regional haze rule and better controls on sugarcane burning.¹⁰
• NPCA experts also support the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, which will provide clean water to reduce wildfire frequency and improve wetland health in the park.¹⁰

Everglades is the most visited of Florida's three national parks, drawing more visitors in 2025 than Biscayne and Dry Tortugas combined.

• Everglades National Park – 778,198 visits in 2025 (31st of 63 national parks)²
• Biscayne National Park – 486,567 visits in 2025 (41st)²
• Dry Tortugas National Park – 89,355 visits in 2025 (56th)²

Here are the top 5 most visited months in Everglades National Park for 2025, highlighting the seasonal attractions and reasons for the high number of visitors during each month:

• March 2025 was the busiest month for Everglades National Park, attracting 99,017 visitors⁵ driven by favorable weather and spring break when families and tourists come to enjoy outdoor activities.
• January welcomed 89,939 visitors⁵ as people took advantage of the dry season and mild winter weather.
• February remained a popular month for visiting the park with 87,926 visitors⁵, drawn by the cool, comfortable weather that makes hiking, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities much more enjoyable.
• April had 84,148 visitors⁵ take advantage of the last of the cooler weather before the summer heat and rainy season began. It's a popular time for those looking to explore before the crowds thin out.
• With the holiday season in full swing, December attracted 70,926 visitors⁵. The mild winter temperatures in the Everglades offer a warm retreat from colder climates, making it an attractive destination during this period.

Everglades National Park recorded 79,899 overnight camping stays in 2025³, split between two types of camping:

• Concessioner Camping (62,122 overnight stays)³ – The most popular option due to the convenience and amenities provided by third-party operators in the park.
• Backcountry Camping (17,777 overnight stays)³ – Less popular but appealing to more adventurous campers seeking remote and challenging experiences.

Camping has grown sharply in recent years. Overnight camping stays doubled from 39,633 in 2019 to 79,899 in 2025, despite a dip to 45,744 in 2024³.

Visitors are key to protecting the Everglades' wildlife, natural resources, and historical sites. To ensure safety and preserve the park's environment, follow these guidelines:

• Plan Your Trip: The subtropical climate in South Florida brings significant seasonal changes, so it's important to prepare for the distinct conditions during the dry and wet seasons.
• Physical Fitness and Weather: Be mindful of your fitness level and the weather conditions. Stay hydrated and take breaks as needed, especially during outdoor activities.
• Know the Terrain: Familiarize yourself with the local terrain and trails. Proper preparation is key for safe outdoor experiences.
• Supervise Children and Pets: Always keep a close watch on small children and pets, as wildlife and challenging terrain can pose risks.
• Wildlife Awareness: Do not feed wildlife, and be cautious of alligators, crocodiles, and poisonous plants in the park.
• Mosquito Protection: South Florida's wetlands are home to many mosquitoes, so bring insect repellent and wear protective clothing.
• Vultures and Vehicles: Vultures may damage vehicles by tearing rubber parts. To prevent damage, park in full sun, use a car cover, or cover exposed rubber with a wet sheet. If vultures approach, use loud noises to scare them away, but remember they are a protected species and cannot be harmed.¹⁵