Dogs at Everglades National Park: What to Know Before You Go
Everglades allows dogs only in limited front-country areas. Here’s the current NPS pet policy, key restrictions, fees, and practical tips for visiting safely.
Everglades National Park Dog Policy
Dogs are allowed in limited developed areas of Everglades National Park, but NPS does not allow pets on any park trails, including boardwalks, paved paths, and unpaved trails.
According to the park’s official NPS pets page, dogs are permitted on roadways open to public vehicular traffic, in roadside campgrounds and picnic areas, on maintained grounds around public facilities and residential areas, and on private boats. Because of wildlife safety concerns, the park may close areas to pets or service animals if they pose a direct threat to people or wildlife. Separate camping, tour, and rental fees may apply beyond the entrance fee.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
Dog-Friendly Trails
Everglades National Park does not allow dogs on any trails. The locations below are real park trails that visitors often ask about, but they are not dog-friendly under current NPS rules.
Anhinga Trail
0.8 miles round trip, easy. Popular wildlife-viewing trail at Royal Palm, but dogs are not allowed; service animals only.
Royal Palm, Everglades National Park, FL
Visit WebsiteGumbo Limbo Trail
0.4 miles round trip, easy. Short shaded hammock walk starting at Royal Palm Visitor Center, but pets are not allowed.
Royal Palm Visitor Center, Everglades National Park, FL
Visit WebsitePinelands Trail
0.4 miles round trip, easy. Wheelchair-accessible pine rockland loop, but dogs are not permitted.
Main Park Road near Long Pine Key turnoff, Everglades National Park, FL
Visit WebsiteMahogany Hammock Trail
0.5 miles round trip, easy. Short boardwalk through dense hardwood hammock, but pets are not allowed.
Main Park Road, about 20 miles from the main entrance, Everglades National Park, FL
Visit WebsiteWest Lake Trail
0.5 miles round trip, easy. Accessible mangrove boardwalk near Flamingo, but dogs are not allowed.
Main Park Road, 7 miles north of Flamingo Visitor Center, Everglades National Park, FL
Visit WebsiteEco Pond Trail
0.5 mile loop, easy. Birding-focused walk near Flamingo Campground, but pets are not allowed on the trail.
Road to Flamingo Campground, Everglades National Park, FL
Visit WebsiteGuy Bradley Trail
1 mile one way, easy. Scenic connector from the Flamingo visitor area toward the campground day-use area, but pets are not allowed on the trail.
Flamingo, Everglades National Park, FL
Visit WebsitePa-Hay-Okee Overlook
0.16 miles round trip, easy. Short accessible boardwalk to a River of Grass overlook, but pets are not allowed.
Main Park Road, about 13 miles from the Homestead entrance, Everglades National Park, FL
Visit WebsiteTips for Visiting Everglades National Park with Your Dog
Plan your day around the fact that dogs are limited to developed roadside areas, campgrounds, picnic areas, maintained grounds around public facilities, and private boats. You cannot take your dog onto Everglades trails, boardwalks, Shark Valley Tram Road, unpaved roads, or wilderness areas, so a short stop with your dog is usually easier than a full hiking day. Bring extra water, a bowl, shade, and waste bags, and never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle or at camp. South Florida heat, humidity, insects, and intense sun can be tough on pets year-round, and wildlife hazards are real here, including alligators and other predators. Keep your leash short, stay on developed surfaces, clean up after your dog, and avoid letting pets approach water edges or wildlife. If you want to explore trails yourself, travel with another person so one adult can stay with the dog in permitted areas while the other hikes.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Homestead
Near the main Homestead entrancePrimary gateway community for the park’s main entrance, with lodging and services for road-trippers with dogs.
Florida City
Near the main entranceConvenient base just outside the park with budget-friendly stays and quick access to the Homestead entrance corridor.
Miami
About 1 hour to Shark ValleyBig-city base for travelers combining Everglades sightseeing with dog-friendly urban parks, patios, and hotels.
Everglades City
At the Gulf Coast entranceSmall Gulf Coast gateway town for boat-based access and Ten Thousand Islands area exploration.
Naples
Closest major city to the Gulf Coast entranceUpscale Gulf Coast option with pet-friendly lodging and dining before or after visiting the park’s west side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed at Everglades National Park?
Yes, but only in limited areas. Dogs are allowed on roadways open to public vehicular traffic, in roadside campgrounds and picnic areas, on maintained grounds around public facilities and residential areas, and on private boats.
Can I hike trails in Everglades National Park with my dog?
No. Pets are not allowed on any trails in the park, including boardwalks, paved trails, and unpaved trails.
Are dogs allowed at Shark Valley?
Dogs are restricted there because pets are not allowed on the Shark Valley Tram Trail/Road, and pets are not allowed on park trails.
Can dogs stay in Everglades campgrounds?
Yes. NPS allows pets in roadside campground areas, but dogs still need to stay leashed and cannot go onto trails or be left unattended.
How long can my dog’s leash be at Everglades?
Your dog must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Is there a kennel at Everglades National Park?
NPS does not list a kennel at Everglades National Park.
Can I leave my dog in the car while I visit a trail?
You should not. NPS says not to leave pets unattended, and South Florida heat can become dangerous very quickly.
How much does it cost to enter Everglades National Park with a dog?
There is no separate pet fee listed by NPS, but standard park entrance fees apply: currently $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person on foot or bicycle for a 7-day pass.