Discover hidden gems on Florida’s Paradise Coast with our guide to unique accommodations tailored to eco-adventurers. From bungalows on a famous wildlife photographer’s Big Cypress property to chickee huts owned by traditional Gladesmen, each stay offers an unparalleled connection to the Everglades.
Whether you're hoping to go fishing, kayaking, or hiking, these distinctive lodgings promise an unforgettable adventure in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. On your visit to Naples, Marco Island or the Everglades, consider booking these one-of-a-kind accommodations for an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.
CLYDE BUTCHER’S RENTALS
For eco-adventurers seeking a truly immersive experience on Florida's Paradise Coast, Clyde Butcher–the famous wildlife photographer–offers a unique option. You can actually rent bungalows and cottages located directly behind his famous Big Cypress Gallery, set on his 13-acre property.
This serene hideaway, once the Butchers' home, provides all the comforts of modern living, including a full kitchen, screened-in porch, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Yet, it’s the setting that truly captivates! While there, don’t miss the chance to join a guided swamp walk, delving deep into the enchanting cypress swamps that inspired Clyde Butcher’s iconic photography.
The location along the scenic Tamiami Trail places you within easy reach of the Everglades National Park. Additionally, for those wanting to explore the immediate area, nearby attractions include Big Cypress National Preserve and Kirby Storter Roadside Park. With so much to do and see, we recommend booking one of Butcher’s properties for at least two to three nights.
PARKWAY MOTEL & MARINA
The Parkway Motel & Marina in Chokoloskee offers various accommodations, from 1950s-style motel rooms to historic cottages and modern fishing lodges. Each unit comes equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, coffee makers, and refrigerators, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Located near Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, this motel offers a one-of-a-kind stay on historic Chokoloskee Island, once home to the indigenous Calusa people. The on-site marina provides convenient access to the Gulf, making it an ideal base for fishing and boating adventures. For paddlers, you can find kayak launches at the nearby Chokoloskee Island Park and Marina or at the Outdoor Resorts of Chokoloskee on the island's north end.
Owned by Chokoloskee native Aaron Tabor and his partner David Ardelean, Parkway Motel & Marina is deeply rooted in local heritage. Aaron's lifelong connection to these waters and David's passion for the natural world make them the perfect hosts, eager to share their extensive knowledge and genuine hospitality with every guest.
RIVER WILDERNESS WATERFRONT CABINS
Nestled in the heart of Everglades City, the western gateway to the Florida Everglades, River Wilderness Waterfront Cabins make an ideal base for exploring the area. These cabins provide apartment-style accommodations with screened-in porches overlooking tranquil Lake Placid, where you might even glimpse an alligator!
Take the time to enjoy the slower pace of life in this small city, known for its friendly community and fresh-from-the-gulf seafood. River Wilderness Waterfront Cabins are also pet-friendly if you want to bring your furry friend along.
Moreover, the property offers access to complimentary canoes, allowing you to explore the surrounding canoe trails and hikes. Whether you're looking for great fishing, hiking, or kayaking–or simply looking to relax and recharge–these accommodations promise an unforgettable Everglades experience.
TRAIL LAKES CAMPGROUND
Trail Lakes Campground in Ochopee offers visitors the chance to stay in the heart of Big Cypress Swamp while supporting a family that’s been in the area for five generations. This campground features four rustic cabins equipped with air conditioning and electricity. For a truly unique experience, stay in one of the three indigenous-built chickee huts, designed with thatched roofs that keep the interior cool by allowing air to circulate during the hot summer months.
Situated just minutes from Everglades City and the backcountry of Everglades National Park, Trail Lakes Campground is a prime destination for families, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts. The campground also offers RV and tent sites, catering to a variety of camping preferences.
Owned by the Shealy family, who have lived in the Big Cypress Swamp for generations, the campground embodies the spirit of traditional Gladesmen. The family's extensive local knowledge and commitment to preserving their heritage make Trail Lakes Campground an exceptional choice for eco-tourists. Guests can enjoy guided tours, including traditional pole boat safaris, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking–all led by members of the Shealy family and other native Gladesmen and naturalists.
These unique accommodations offer more than just a place to stay—they provide a gateway to one of Florida’s most exciting ecosystems. For eco-adventurers seeking the perfect blend of comfort and access to nature, Only Paradise will do.
