Hey Dean... up your way there's a terrific place to camp with your son it's called
Manatee Hammock Campground.
I don't know how old your son is but this is a great place to start and learn the art of hanging in a great setting. Go check that link I think you'll like it.
When you both get more experienced then sky's the limit down in the Everglades. But I suggest you don't do the Glades till you feel very confident in your skills.
Lots of things to get you down there... huge gators, huge anacondas, and of course our friend Skeeter.
You're never ever going to win the battle against biting insects down here because we have no see um's, sand fleas, biting black flies, gnats, and love bugs.
The number 1 rule for hammock's down here is to make sure you always have an UC on your hammock. You don't need anything in there like a pad or space blanket because it's warm. But the undercover will assure you won't get bit and let me tell you it sure makes them angry they can't get to you.
Some guys spray their hammocks with chemicals like permethrin, but I don't. Instead I use the wind. And you'll find in South Florida the wind always comes up late in the evening. Wind= no skeeters.
So when picking your campsite make sure you're getting a good movement of air, preferably right off to sea.
Whatever you do, do not use DEET. That stuff will put a hole in your hammock and turn you into a cast member of the "Walking Dead".
If you must put something on your legs and arms use something like "Skin so Soft".
When you do go camp, please let me know how it was.
There's nothing quite so lovely as swinging in your hammock, looking at the stars and listening to the gentle sound of the waves hitting the shore.
Paradise!
Mike
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