The Spectacularly Unique Over-Water Camping Experience You Can Only Have In Florida's Everglades

A wetland ecosystem that spans about 1.5 million acres throughout southern Florida is better known as the Everglades. Visitors from around the globe come to witness the beauty of this incredible landscape and spot Florida's wildlife. Extending between Lake Okeechobee and the Gulf of Mexico, it is considered to be one of the world's most extensive tropical wetlands. The wildlife throughout the Everglades is particularly special, with the habitat supporting an array of diverse species, including the Florida panther and the American crocodile. Per the Everglades Safari Park, "The Everglades is home to over 16 species of birds, a host of rodents, reptiles, trees, and dozens of rare vegetation, as well as nine distinct ecosystems." Visitors can come and explore the region by hiking one of the 36 trails — though the majority of the Everglades is only accessible by one of its many waterways. If you choose to explore the park via its waterways and think to yourself while in your kayak, "I wish there was a way to spend the night out here" — you're in luck. 

Dotted throughout the Everglades are unique camping spots called chickee huts — wooden platforms with railings and a thatched roof that sits in the middle of the water. Interestingly, these huts have a history dating back to the early 1800s when the Seminole Tribe who lived in the area built them as fast, disposable shelters while on the run from U.S. troops.  Today, these huts remain a unique and safe way for visitors to spend the night under the stars in an otherwise largely waterlogged environment. 

There is a reason this is such a unique camping experience — ultimately, because the chickees take some effort to find. Visitors should start their adventure off at the Flamingo Visitor Center, located at the southern end of the Everglades Park. Here, you can pick up a wilderness camping permit the day before your trip, which is $21 plus an additional $2 per person per night. Visitors can also make reservations on recreation.gov three months ahead of the trip (which is recommended), however, permits are also available to walk-in campers on a first come, first served basis. 

Most chickee huts can sleep up to six people, but some, like the Pearl Bay Chickee can hold up to 12. If you do not have your own kayak or canoe, rentals are available at the Flamingo Visitor Center and nearby marina. Visitors should bring their own supplies, as there are only a few basic items available at the marina. You're going to want to bring one to two gallons of water per person, per day. You should also prepare for the elements by bringing rain gear, sun protection, and bug spray. Since the platforms are open-air, you might want to consider a bug net so you can sleep without getting bitten. 

Visitors are required to use free-standing tents, as stakes are not permitted on the chickees. Because of this, ropes and bungee cords are good supplies to have to secure the tent to the platform. When it comes to weather, the Everglades do not see much in the way of traditional seasons. Rather, they have dry and wet weather. The dry season is from November to March, and the wet season is from April to October, with the dry season being the best time to avoid hurricanes, muggy weather, mosquitos, and thunderstorms.

There are 17 chickee sites to choose from across the Everglades National Park — 12 of which are double platforms. A toilet is also provided at each chickee site. Campfires are not permitted. If camping in the middle of the water isn't your idea of fun, the Everglades National Park has numerous other camping and activity options to choose from. Ground camping sites are available along interior bays and rivers, typically on mounds of earth a few feet above the surrounding mangroves. There are 13 sites available and each can accommodate larger groups. Beach campgrounds are also available for those who want to camp along the coast, and they are the only sites that allow campfires. There are currently 15 beach campsites available for use in the park. There are also more developed camping options at Lone Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds, with drinking water, picnic tables, RV hookups, grills, and showers.

The area also plays host to numerous trails that visitors can explore on foot, or if you're interested in a bike ride, try the 3.2-mile Snake Bight Trail. Note that, as of this writing, the bike trail is open but not actively maintained. Visitors can also purchase state fishing licenses and catch critters like bass, tarpon, snapper, and snook. There are also over 350 bird species that can be seen throughout the Everglades, such as blue heron, roseate spoonbills, and snowy egrets. If you still have questions regarding camping options, you can review the Everglades Wilderness Trip Planner online or you can call or stop by the Flamingo Visitor Center before booking your permit.