Backcountry Hells Bay Chickee, near Everglades City, Florida, is a unique camping spot that offers a true backcountry experience in the heart of [Everglades National Park](https://thedyrt.com/camping/florida/near/everglades-national-park). This boat-in site features two platforms that provide a rustic yet comfortable place to set up your tent and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings.

The chickee is known for its beautiful views and the chance to see wildlife, with some visitors spotting dolphins and various seabirds during their stay. While the platforms are close together, which might feel a bit cramped at times, many campers appreciate the stability of the structures and the well-marked paddling trails that lead you through the scenic waterways. As one camper noted, “If you are on the fence, you should totally do this paddle/camp.”

Amenities are basic, with no drinking water or electric hookups available, so be prepared to bring your own supplies. The cooking table has received positive feedback for its stability and size, making meal prep easier. However, keep in mind that the porta-potty situation could use some attention, as it may not always be in the best condition.

For those looking to paddle, the Hells Bay trail is manageable for moderate paddlers, and the sunsets from the chickee are nothing short of breathtaking. Just be ready for the mosquitoes after dark; they can be relentless! Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just looking for a peaceful escape, this spot offers a memorable experience in one of Florida's most iconic landscapes.

Backcountry Hells Bay Chickee — Everglades National Park

Camping in Everglades National Park is an awe-inspiring and exciting adventure where manatees and alligators are common sightings. The 1.5-million-acre wetland is a unique habitat in Florida. Campgrounds in and near Everglades National Park offer accommodations to fit everyone. Pitch a tent or stay in a comfortable cabin with spectacular views of the wetlands, mangroves, and pine flatwoods. RV owners will also find plenty of campgrounds with all of the necessary hook-ups. Near Everglades City, FL, on the park’s western border, campers can hike the trails and explore the area by boat. From beach campsites where you can watch the sharks feeding in the morning and evening, to boating adventures, the Everglades offer some of the best camping in the state.

Everglades National Park

The Best Camping Near Everglades National Park, Florida

We have only done 1-2 overnight paddle trips before, but the park rangers were very helpful in getting us set up. The paddle took about 3-4 hours each way but we took our time. There was only one place where we were unsure which direction to go, but after paddling around a bit we found our way and the rest was smooth sailing. We only saw a few other people on the water. No signs of wildlife anywhere, except for a few birds here and there. Enjoyed an awesome sunset and sunrise from the chickee. Stars were great but hard to enjoy because as soon as the sun goes down the bugs SWARM. Pack some cards or something to do in the tent after sunset before bed. Beautiful sunrise.

Great beginner paddle! Beautiful views! LOTS of mosquitos!

We kayaked the Hells Bay trail in January and had a great time. The trail is well marked for the most part and easy enough for a beginner paddler. The chickee was windy, but in good repair. It would have been slightly uncomfortable if the other camp of the 2 site chickee was in use, just based in privacy and proximity. If you are in the fence, you should totally do this paddle/camp. We didn’t see much wildlife at all - just a few fish and a few birds.

Great Experience

The Hell's Bay Chickee is one of 4 that I have visited. The structure itself needs a little love. I liked the angled boardwalk which made it feel a little more separate from the other platform. It is definitely one of the oldest chickees. The porta-potty doesn't lock and someone put a string on it to hold it shut. There are no ladders like some of the new chickees so on a super low tide some may have issues hauling themselves up. There is also no cooking station so there are a lot of areas where camping stoves melted the composite floorboards. However, it is a stable structure and the porta-potty was clean. There were fishing line and hooks wrapped around a few of the posts, but I blame inconsiderate campers for that and not the NPS. The paddle was relatively easy; we had a moderate headwind at one part which may have been more difficult for less experienced paddlers. I thought the trail was well marked from the head of the the Hells Bay Canoe Trail, however, I mapped and planned a lot ahead of time which may have factored in. Heads up that if you are the first paddler of the day, there will be a load of spider webs across the trail. Contrary to some other reviewers, we saw a lot of wildlife! A few dolphins swam by the Chickee and on the paddle we saw sharks, seabirds, and fish. Mosquitos were awful right after sunset, but a strong north wind came in which blew them away. Winds can change drastically and quickly, so make sure to tie of your watercraft really well; we went from flat calm to 25knots in just 5 minutes.

Great site for a moderate paddler!

This is the third time we've been to this site, but we chose it because we wanted to see the new platforms which were installed this past year. The platform is a little shorter than the last one (closer to the water), but looks nice and has ladders. However, the decking used on the new Hells Bay chickee hurts ones feet after just a few minutes of walking on it, and tears up socks. Shoes are a necessity. The two platforms are also significantly closer together than before which is less than ideal. I certainly missed the angled walkways that made the old platforms feel more separate. We were happy to be the only ones on the platforms that night. The cooking table is definitely better than the previous one; it is stable and quite wide. It you relied on the overhead crossbeams on the older style chickees to store fishing poles or tie up hammocks, you're out of luck. The new roofs do not have these. There's still places on either side, but not the multiple slats like the older chickees. The new posts are made of metal, so they feel a little more secure than previously. Lastly, the porta-potty was not updated. It still does not lock and is currently held close with a carabiner when not in use. It was also so incredibly full and was in desperate need of being emptied. The southern platform definitely got wafts of the port-potty due to the fullness and how close the new platforms are. Overall, we will continue to visit this chickee, but the type of decking and how close the new platforms are to each other is a less than ideal. I hope Everglades NP talks to users before updating any of the other chickees.

Photos of Backcountry Hells Bay Chickee — Everglades National Park

Real photos from real campers