Monument Lake

Everglades National Park


Reserve months ahead to book one of 10 tent sites (or 26 RV sites) at this appealing campground in the Big Cypress National Preserve. The lake looks quite enticing, but there's no swimming (alligators live here after all).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Everglades National Park attractions

1. Big Cypress National Preserve

2.63 MILES

The 1139-sq-mile Big Cypress Preserve (named for the size of the park, not its trees) is the result of a compromise between environmentalists, cattle…

2. Kirby Storter Roadside Park

3.9 MILES

Though short in size (1 mile total out and back) this elevated boardwalk leads to a lovely overlook where you can often see a variety of birdlife (ibis…

3. Big Cypress Gallery

5.59 MILES

This gallery showcases the work of Clyde Butcher, an American photographer who follows in the great tradition of Ansel Adams. His large-format black-and…

4. Skunk Ape Research Headquarters

10.19 MILES

This only-in-Florida roadside attraction is dedicated to tracking down southeastern USA’s version of Bigfoot, the eponymous Skunk Ape (a large gorilla-man…

5. Ochopee

11.85 MILES

Drive to the hamlet of Ochopee (population about four)…no…wait…turn around, you missed it! Then pull over and break out the cameras: Ochopee’s claim to…

6. Smallwood Store

16.28 MILES

Perched on piers overlooking Chokoloskee Bay, this wooden building dates back to 1906, when a pioneer by the name of Ted Smallwood opened his rustic…

7. Museum of the Everglades

17.29 MILES

For a break from the outdoors, don't miss this small museum run by volunteers who have a wealth of knowledge on the region's history. Located in the town…

8. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve

17.5 MILES

The Fakahatchee Strand, besides having a fantastic name, also houses a 20-mile by 5-mile estuarine wetland that looks like something from the beginning of…