Jewel Key Campground — Hotel in Everglades City

Jewel Key is one of the more popular backcountry camping sites in Everglades National Park as it can be reached by kayak in less than three hours with an outgoing tide through Sandfly Pass. Most campers will head to the sand isthmus created by recent hurricanes which joined a north islet to the rest of Jewel Key. Camping here permits enjoyment of both they leeward beach and the windward beach facing the open Gulf along with spectacular sunsets and sunrises. The best camping spot on the island is the alcove to the south (left) of the porta-potty as it is flat for tents, has suitable trees for hammocks, and is sheltered from the wind. Additional great camping spots can be found on the windward side to the south of the beach via a social trail. The trees on the island provide plenty of privacy for multiple parties. There are numerous raccoons on the island. They will gnaw through a plastic water jug with no hesitation so all water should be stored in one's kayak compartments. Of course all food should also be hung from the trees. Sandflies and mosquitoes can be a problem year round but particularly during the summer months. Wearing a long sleeve rash guard and long dive skin pants will provide protection from the sandflies and sun. DEET 100 is effective against the mosquitoes. Due to the cool breeze at night from December-March, a fleece and long pants are helpful for after sunset and will also help...

Amazing backcountry camping spot. Jewel Key feels wild and remote, with beautiful views of the Gulf, great fishing, and incredible sunrises and sunsets. You can only get here by boat or kayak, which makes it feel really special and quiet. There are no services except a simple porta-potty, so you have to bring everything you need and pack everything out. Bugs can be rough at times, and weather and tides matter a lot, but if you come prepared it’s an unforgettable place to camp right on the beach under the stars. Absolutely a 5-star experience for anyone who loves true...

Awesome campsite. No flies but the wind was up when we were there. Had a perfect sunset on one side of the 50m stretch of sand in the middle of the island followed by a beautiful sunrise on the other side of the sand the following morning. Great place to watch teams of pelicans diving for fish in unison, terns...