Florida Guys

['Cuda Hunter]

I'm headed to Miami Florida.  I'll have a day before I board my cruise ship and I was wanting to see the everglades and swamps. 
I see on the maps that there are a few roads that lead into the swamps southwest of Miami but I was wondering where I should go.
Any advice where I can camp/crash for a night in the middle of nowhere.  See some wildlife and what not. 

I'll be hunting in Deltona/Daytona area 8-10th. 

[ToxicWolf]

Sounds like fun.  I've never done it but the airboat rides sound like fun.  I'll hang out here with you and see what Tommy sais.   

['Cuda Hunter]

I thought the same thing.  Been on air boats in Lousiana, but not down in the grass lands.  sounds like fun.

I'll be checkin in while on the road.  Thanks

[Gus cuda]

Just don't waste your time with taking I-75 (aka alligator alley), very boring drive. Instead take rt42 I believe it is, it is the county road that goes east/west across the bottom of the state. Very scenic ride through the swamps and you will see plenty of gators.

[fantum]

I think you meant US41.  There's a lot more to see and do than on Alligator Alley.  When in Miami, that road is SW 8th Street - just head west.  The "Shark Valley" entrance to Everglades Park is there and you will see a lot of 'Gators and other wildlife there.  No camping (unless they changed something since the last time I was there).

If you want to camp in the Everglades I would send you to the "Flamingo" section of the park.  It is on the very southern part of the state (not including the Keys), and they have campgrounds where you can pitch a tent.  Just make sure you secure your belongings as the critters like to see if there's anything of value to them (i.e. food).  Not too bad.  You are far from the city and lights, so stargazing is much nicer.

When are you coming down?  Perhaps I can find a way to get out of work to meet with you.  If you have AAA, get a map of Miami before you leave - it will be very helpful.

MIKE
fantum

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Agreed... alligator alley..... zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[tommyg29]

Wow,
just saw this now
too late?
If not, and you have a full day, it will take at least about 90 minutes to get there from the airport but head south/southwest on the florida turnpike to the very end of it to Florida City. The turnpike terminates there (which is where I work), and then take your first right and go several miles and follow signs to the Everglades National park. That long road will also take you eventually to Flamingo through the park but that will take you at least another hour to get there.
Shark valley is due west of the airport about 20-25 miles out in the everglades too. Its much closer and there are airboat rides available, lots of gators and other wildlife to see. No mountains though!
Shark valley pictures off google:

[ToxicWolf]

That looks like fun.  I'll have to get down there and give it a try one of these days.   

[BIGSHCLUNK]

tommy, where is that from ft myers? 

[Sp33dyF1sh]

What's the white thing that doesn't have an exit?


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[tommyg29]

Shark valley is about 90 minutes from Ft Myers, if you have a lead foot, but 2 hours with traffic..
Its on Highway 41 about maybe 60 miles east of Marco Island if you know where that is.

And if you mean the tower, that is a spiral walk up ramp to the observation tower at the southern point of the tour.
Basically the entrance to the park is on 41, and its about an 8 mile walk/bike ride to the tower and another 8 miles or so back on the return loop. You can take a trolley (not sure if thats every day) and I think you can rent a bike too.
Only go during the season, which is November thru April. Any other time and youre likely to be swarmed by mosquitoes.
Interweb it.
Nearby there are some private airboat tour operators. They tend to be the large barge cattleboat variety where they pack on 15 people, but you can get a smaller more private boat for more money.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Oh been to Marco.... they have a watering hole/ restaurant that I like.   I'll have to check it out (tower) next time I'm there.

[tommyg29]

The tower isnt any big deal. You get to look out over a wide open expanse....of nothing 
The coolest part of the trip is you get to see hundreds of alligators, and walk up as close as you dare.
You dont even need to make the 8 mile trip to the tower, just take a short walk down the trail from near the entrance and youll get to see most of what the park has to offer