Harney River Chickee

Hey there, fellow Floridians! Are you looking to truly disconnect and immerse yourselves in the unparalleled wilderness that our state proudly offers? If the idea of waking up to the sounds of nature, surrounded by vast, pristine waterways, appeals to you, then the Harney River Chickee in the Everglades is a destination you absolutely need to know about. This isn't your typical drive-up campground with all the bells and whistles; instead, it's an authentic, remote, and truly unique camping experience on a raised platform, deep within the heart of the Everglades National Park.

For those of us who cherish Florida's incredible natural diversity and seek adventures beyond the beaten path, chickee camping offers an unforgettable way to experience the "River of Grass." The Harney River Chickee provides a special opportunity to witness the raw beauty of the Everglades, from its abundant wildlife to its intricate mangrove tunnels. This article will guide you through what makes the Harney River Chickee a prime, albeit rugged, choice for Floridians seeking a genuine wilderness escape. We’ll cover its remote location, the unique camping services it provides, and the unparalleled features that draw adventurers to this remarkable corner of our state.

The Harney River Chickee is located within the vast expanse of the Everglades National Park, specifically listed in Everglades City, FL, USA. For Floridians familiar with our state's unique geography, Everglades City is a gateway to the western and Ten Thousand Islands portions of the Everglades. However, it's crucial to understand that the Harney River Chickee itself is a backcountry campsite, meaning it is not accessible by car.

Access to the Harney River Chickee is primarily by water, typically via kayak, canoe, or shallow-draft powerboat. This makes it a destination for experienced paddlers or boaters who are comfortable navigating the intricate waterways of the Everglades. From Everglades City, paddlers would embark on a journey that could involve traveling through various rivers, bays, and mangrove tunnels to reach the chickee. Given the remoteness, this is not a short paddle; distances to chickees can range from several miles to over a dozen, depending on the put-in point and chosen route.

A specific review mentions a "really beautiful loop if you head north NW from the chickee." This implies that once at the chickee, there are further opportunities for exploration by paddlecraft, extending your wilderness adventure. Visitors must obtain a backcountry permit from the Everglades National Park (typically from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center near Everglades City or the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead) before embarking on their journey. This ensures that the park service is aware of your itinerary for safety purposes and to manage visitor impact. The remote, water-access-only nature of the Harney River Chickee makes it a truly immersive wilderness experience, far from any roads or developed areas.

• Elevated Wilderness Camping Platform: The primary "service" of the Harney River Chickee is providing a raised wooden platform for primitive camping. These chickees are designed to keep campers above the water and potential wildlife, offering a secure and dry sleeping area in the heart of the Everglades.

• Composting Toilet: Most chickees are equipped with a self-contained composting toilet. While basic, this amenity is crucial for minimizing human impact on the sensitive Everglades ecosystem, offering a responsible waste disposal solution in a remote environment.

• Designated Wilderness Zone: The chickee offers access to a designated wilderness zone, meaning it's a place where human impact is minimal and nature is preserved in its wild state. This provides an unadulterated experience of the Everglades ecosystem.

• Paddling/Boating Access: The chickee serves as a destination and overnight stop for multi-day paddling or boating trips through the Everglades. It is located directly on the water, offering a convenient tie-up point for kayaks, canoes, or small boats.

• Opportunity for Wildlife Observation: While not a formal service, the location provides unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing, including various bird species, alligators, manatees, dolphins, and other native Everglades fauna, all in their natural habitat.

• Remote Solitude: For those seeking solitude, the Harney River Chickee offers an escape from crowds. Its remote, water-access-only nature ensures a peaceful and private experience amidst the vastness of the Everglades.

• Unique Chickee Structure: The Harney River Chickee itself is a highlight. These raised, open-sided wooden platforms are a unique form of backcountry camping, indigenous to the Everglades. They provide a safe, dry, and mosquito-net-friendly sleeping area above the water, offering an immersive experience truly unlike any other in Florida.

• Unparalleled Wilderness Immersion: This chickee is deep within the Everglades National Park, providing an authentic, raw wilderness experience. Campers are fully immersed in the sights and sounds of this critical ecosystem, far from the light and noise pollution of urban areas. It's a true escape into nature.

• Exceptional Paddling Opportunities: The location on the Harney River, with navigable waterways, offers fantastic kayaking and canoeing. The review highlights a "really beautiful loop if you head north NW from the chickee," suggesting prime paddling routes for exploration and wildlife viewing directly from your campsite.

• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The Everglades is a hotspot for wildlife, and being on a chickee provides an intimate vantage point. Expect to see a variety of wading birds, alligators, and potentially even manatees or dolphins in the surrounding waters, offering incredible photographic opportunities.

• Stargazing Potential: Due to its remote location, far from city lights, the Harney River Chickee offers incredible opportunities for stargazing. The night sky over the Everglades can be truly spectacular, with thousands of stars visible.

• Solitude and Tranquility: For those seeking a truly peaceful experience, the remoteness of the chickee delivers. You'll find a profound sense of solitude, allowing for deep relaxation and connection with the natural world, free from the distractions of developed campgrounds.

Address: Everglades City, FL, USA

(Note: The Harney River Chickee is a specific backcountry campsite managed by the Everglades National Park. It does not have a direct phone number. For information, permits, and reservations, Floridians should contact the Everglades National Park directly:

Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center (closest to chickee access points): (239) 695-3311

Everglades National Park Main Number: (305) 242-7700

Backcountry permits are required and can be obtained in person at the visitor centers within 24 hours of your trip or, in some cases, online for specific windows. Always check the official Everglades National Park website for the most current information, reservation procedures, and safety guidelines before planning a trip to a chickee.)

For us Floridians, the Harney River Chickee offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the very essence of our state – its unique and breathtaking wilderness. This isn't just a camping spot; it's an authentic Everglades adventure that is perfectly suited for locals seeking a true escape and an immersive natural experience.

Firstly, its very nature as a chickee provides a distinctive Florida experience. These elevated platforms are iconic to the Everglades, offering a safe and dry way to camp directly on the water, surrounded by the incredible ecosystem. For those of us who love paddling, whether by kayak or canoe, the journey to the chickee is as much a part of the adventure as the stay itself, allowing for intimate exploration of mangrove tunnels and wide-open bays. The "beautiful loop" mentioned in a review highlights the fantastic paddling opportunities that extend directly from your temporary home on the water.

Secondly, the Harney River Chickee offers a level of raw, untamed wilderness that can be hard to find in our increasingly developed state. This is an opportunity to truly disconnect, to wake up to the sounds of nature, and to witness the abundant wildlife of the Everglades up close, undisturbed by urban noise or light pollution. For Floridians passionate about conservation and experiencing nature in its purest form, this remote location delivers an unforgettable sense of solitude and connection.

Finally, embracing a chickee camping experience means engaging with our state's unique environment responsibly. It encourages self-sufficiency and adherence to "Leave No Trace" principles, fostering a deeper respect for the fragile Everglades ecosystem. For any Floridian who considers themselves an adventurer, a nature lover, or simply someone yearning for a profound and unique outdoor experience that truly captures the wild spirit of our state, the Harney River Chickee is an absolute must-add to your bucket list. It’s a challenging but ultimately rewarding journey into the heart of what makes Florida truly special.

Harney River Chickee

Everglades City, FL, USA