Shark Point Chickee

For those of us in Florida who truly appreciate the raw, untamed beauty of our state's natural landscapes, the idea of a backcountry adventure often brings to mind images of remote wilderness and unparalleled solitude. Shark Point Chickee, nestled within the expansive Florida Bay in the heart of Everglades National Park, embodies this spirit perfectly. This unique camping destination offers an experience unlike any other, allowing you to sleep suspended over the water, under a canopy of stars, with panoramic views that stretch to the horizon.

Shark Point Chickee isn't your typical drive-up campground. It's an elevated camping platform, or "chickee," a traditional structure adapted for modern adventurers seeking a deep connection with the Everglades. Imagine paddling through the calm, shallow waters of Florida Bay, leaving the bustling world behind, and arriving at your own private oasis. This is a place where the constant breeze offers respite, the sunsets and sunrises are truly glorious, and the only sounds are those of nature. It's a testament to Florida's commitment to preserving its wild spaces and offering unique opportunities for locals to explore them.

Shark Point Chickee is located in Florida Bay, within the boundaries of Everglades National Park. While its address is broadly "Florida, USA," accessing this particular campground requires a sense of adventure and a paddlecraft. The primary launch point for reaching Shark Point Chickee is the Flamingo Visitors Center Saltwater Basin Ramp, situated at the southernmost tip of mainland Florida within Everglades National Park. From Flamingo, Shark Point Chickee is approximately 8 miles due east across Florida Bay.

The journey to Shark Point Chickee is a significant part of the experience. It is accessible exclusively by water, predominantly by kayak or canoe. Paddlers typically launch from Flamingo and navigate the waters of Florida Bay. While the route is generally a direct line, it's crucial for paddlers to be experienced and to carry nautical charts and a compass, as conditions can change. Low tides can sometimes make direct routes challenging, requiring knowledge of established channels. This commitment to paddling ensures that Shark Point Chickee remains a truly remote and pristine destination, perfect for Floridians seeking an authentic wilderness experience away from crowded tourist spots. It offers a sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the journey itself.

• Elevated Camping Platform: Shark Point Chickee is a double-platform structure built on stilts above the water, providing a unique and elevated camping experience.
• Portable Toilet: The chickee is equipped with a clean, well-maintained portable toilet (port-o-let) for convenience, although it's important to note that these are basic facilities in a wilderness setting.
• Landing Platform: A landing platform is available for tying up paddlecraft, though users should be aware that it can flood at high tide.
• Roofed Tent Areas: The platforms are roofed, offering shelter from the elements, including sun and rain.
• Spectacular Views: The chickee provides incredible, unobstructed views of Florida Bay, perfect for watching sunrises and sunsets.
• Open-Air Exposure: Positioned in open water, the chickee benefits from a constant breeze, which helps to mitigate insect activity.
• Backcountry Permit Required: While not a direct "service," obtaining a backcountry permit from Everglades National Park is a required step for all overnight stays, ensuring regulated and responsible use of this wilderness area.
• Proximity to Wildlife: While not a service, the location inherently offers opportunities for incredible wildlife viewing, including observing marine life in the surrounding waters and seabirds that may roost on the chickee.

• Unrivaled Solitude: Being an over-water, paddle-in campsite, Shark Point Chickee offers an exceptional level of peace and quiet, truly allowing campers to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.
• Panoramic Florida Bay Views: The elevated position and open-water setting provide 360-degree views of Florida Bay, creating stunning backdrops for sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing.
• Wildlife Encounters: Reviewers have noted seeing incredible wildlife, including sharks (small lemon sharks, often), rays, and various seabirds. The potential for marine life sightings directly from your campsite is a significant draw.
• Constant Breeze: The open exposure of the chickee generally ensures a consistent breeze, which is a welcome feature in Florida's climate and often helps to keep insects at bay, as noted by appreciative campers.
• Clean Facilities in a Remote Setting: The presence of a clean and well-kept portable toilet on such a remote platform is a notable highlight, enhancing the comfort of a primitive camping experience.
• Unique Camping Experience: Camping on an elevated platform over the water is a distinctive experience that sets Shark Point Chickee apart from traditional land-based campgrounds.
• Ideal for Experienced Paddlers: The journey to Shark Point Chickee is rewarding for those with intermediate paddling skills, offering a sense of accomplishment and adventure.
• Night Sky Viewing: Far from light pollution, the chickee provides exceptional opportunities for stargazing and enjoying the vastness of the night sky.

Address: Florida, USA (within Everglades National Park)

For information regarding backcountry permits and specific access details, contact Everglades National Park directly.

Everglades National Park Information Line: (305) 242-7700

Flamingo Visitor Center: (239) 695-2945 (for wilderness permit inquiries and recent conditions)

For Floridians seeking an authentic wilderness adventure that goes beyond the typical beach day or theme park visit, Shark Point Chickee stands out as an unparalleled destination. It’s not just a campground; it’s an immersive expedition into the very heart of the Everglades, a natural wonder right in our backyard. The allure for locals lies in its unique blend of accessibility and profound remoteness. While it requires an adventurous spirit and a paddle to reach, the reward is an experience that resonates deeply with our state’s identity – wild, beautiful, and a little untamed.

Many Floridians cherish the idea of escaping the everyday, and Shark Point Chickee offers just that. Imagine a weekend where your alarm clock is the sunrise over Florida Bay, and your neighbors are the abundant wildlife. The reviews from fellow campers speak volumes, describing it as "one of the best experiences" of their lives and a "glorious location." The consistent breeze, a true blessing in Florida, helps ensure a more comfortable experience, even in warmer months, by keeping the notorious Everglades insects somewhat at bay – although a screen tent is still a highly recommended packing item, as any seasoned Florida outdoors person knows!

This chickee provides a sense of exclusive solitude, like having your own private island in the middle of a vast bay. It fosters a deep connection with the unique ecosystem, allowing you to witness the natural rhythms of Florida Bay firsthand, from mesmerizing sunsets to potential sightings of marine life. For us locals, who have grown up with the Everglades as a defining feature of our landscape, experiencing Shark Point Chickee is a way to truly appreciate and understand the incredible natural heritage we are so fortunate to share. It's a challenge, yes, but one that rewards you with unforgettable memories and a renewed appreciation for the wild heart of Florida.

Shark Point Chickee

Florida, USA