Undeniable Proof: 3 Reasons Why You Can’t Miss Skunk Ape Headquarters on Your Next Family Vacation
You say Sasquatch, I say Skunk Ape.
Known by many names, the elusive ape-like creature is America’s most famous cryptid. Usually described as over six feet tall, possessing humanoid features, and covered in hair, Bigfoot has garnered an even bigger following throughout the decades. (You don’t get your own Skunk Ape Headquarters in Florida for nothing!)
Once a byword for the unbelievable, Bigfoot now captivates people all across the country. Famous survivalist Les Stroud filmed an entire series about searching for Bigfoot and has even spoken about his own possible Alaskan encounter with the cryptid.1 David Paulides, a respected investigator and former police officer, found the subject so compelling he set out to prove or disapprove of the creature’s existence and published his findings in a book called The Hoopa Project: Bigfoot Encounters in California.
Whether or not you’re a true believer in the creature, the idea of an unidentified, giant primate roaming across the states is some pretty fun (and spine-tingling) folklore.
While we can’t guarantee you’ll see a Skunk Ape skulking around the swamplands, we can assure you that southern Florida is home to one of the most mysterious and adventurous vacation destinations in the state: Skunk Ape Headquarters! Unlike any place you’ve been before, you’ll love exploring Skunk Ape HQ with your family.
They have amazing campgrounds for extended stays, friendly staff who give immersive tours of Everglades National Park, and interactive exhibits on all things Skunk Ape (and other mysterious Floridian creatures)!
Let’s get squatchin’!
Fact #1: Skunk Ape Headquarters Campgrounds
Our first piece of persuasive evidence for vacationing at Skunk Ape HQ is their amazing campgrounds. Budget-friendly and totally immersive, living with the land is getting into the true spirit of the Skunk Ape.
Camping at Skunk Ape Headquarters is one of the best ways to ensure you get the full experience of the park. There are several options for camping, from cabins to chikees, so you’ll be able to find exactly what you need to make sure everyone in your group is comfortable during their stay! (You can reserve your preferred accommodations ahead of time.)
Cabins
There are four cabins available to rent for your stay at Skunk Ape Headquarters. Each one varies in size, so be sure to double-check the cabin accommodations before booking to ensure everyone will have a space to sleep in. (Otherwise they get to sleep outside with the Skunk Ape!)
Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning, which is a must-have during the summer!
Chickee
One of the best ways to experience Skunk Ape Headquarters is to reserve one of the three chickees. What’s a chickee? It’s an authentic native Indian cottage! Each chickee is topped with a grass roof and its open structure keeps you connected to nature the entire time you’re staying here.
Forget the Skunk Ape – what about bugs? Won’t the open structure open me up to being eaten alive?? Not at all! Each bed is outfitted with a bug net that will keep those pesky critters off of you while you sleep.
RV Sites
Got your own cabin on wheels? Skunk Ape Headquarters has a spot for you! There are several RV sites here that are outfitted to handle each class of RV and their electrical needs. For class A RVs, there are 50-amp hookup sites. For class B, there are 15-amp sites, and for class C there are 30-amp sites.
You’ll be able to connect to water at each site, and you also get full free access to the bathhouse on the campground. And when you’re all done, you also get free access to the onsite dump station for convenient clean-up following your visit!
Tent Sites
If you’re looking to save some money on your camping experience in favor of spending it on some world-class tours through the Everglades, you’ve got the option to book a tent site! Just like with the RV sites, you get free access to the bathhouse, so you’ll be able to refresh yourself after each day of adventure while visiting Skunk Ape Headquarters!
Fact #2: Everglades Tours
Tours of the Everglades are undeniably engaging and a key piece of evidence for why you should visit Skunk Ape HQ.
In fact, it’s one of the best parts about visiting! Skunk Ape Headquarters offers many different tours into the vast wilderness of the Florida Everglades, and are licensed by the Department of the Interior to take people into the Everglades National Park, which is home to 1.5 million acres of gorgeous swampland.
You can explore the Everglades on the water by booking a pole boat tour, a kayak tour, or a canoe tour.
But, if you’d rather keep yourself on dry land, no problem! You also have the option to book a hiking tour that will help you discover areas that are off the beaten path. (Prime real estate for Skunk Ape sightings.)
Of course, for a truly unique experience, you need to book a night tour! It’s exceptionally striking how different the Everglades are at night; it feels a bit like stepping into a different dimension. The swamp comes alive with the various nocturnal animals who rest during the heat of the day. You’ll make your way through the darkened swamp by pole boat, kayak, or canoe to explore the rarely seen birds and reptiles who call the Everglades home. And, if you just happen to be in the right place at the right time, you may see a Skunk Ape.
Fact #3: Skunk Ape Animal Exhibit
This last bit of evidence is 100% irrefutable: animals are awesome.
Skunk Ape HQ has animals.
Therefore, Skunk Ape HQ is awesome.
Although they aren’t cryptids, Skunk Ape Headquarters’ animal residents are legends in their own right. For example, they have one of the largest snakes held in captivity! You’ll definitely want to say “hi” to Goldie, the 400 pound, 24-foot long reticulated python! Seeing this massive snake is absolutely stunning. And you’ll love seeing the other animals in the exhibit, too. From alligators to birds, a guided tour will teach you everything you want to know about the various creatures who call the Everglades home.
Final Thoughts
A trip to Skunk Ape Headquarters is sure to delight even the most cynical skeptic.
From the variety of camping options to the knowledgeable staff who will guide you through the Everglades, your family won’t be able to stop talking about their trip to Skunk Ape Headquarters! Just be sure to book your trip early so you can get the campsite and tour times you want.
Oh, and take a decent camera. No more blurry Bigfoot pics, please. I want to see Skunk Ape in high definition.
Have you been to Skunk Ape HQ? Tell us about your experience (and any sightings) in the comments below!
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