Tent camping near Cutler Bay, Florida primarily centers around water-based adventures that access remote sites in the Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. Winter temperatures range from 50-75°F, making December through March the most comfortable camping season. Most backcountry sites require paddling through mangrove tunnels or crossing open water bays and cannot be reached by land vehicles.
What to do
Wildlife viewing from chickees: Lane Bay Chickee offers an isolated platform on the wilderness waterway where campers can spot various marine species. "While this wasn't an awful paddle out to do in a single day, it may have been a little rough turning around and doing the whole thing back the next day. I would suggest pairing this with Hells Bay or Pearl Bay for a 2 night trip. Decent fishing for smaller fish (little snook, red drum, jack)," notes a camper at Lane Bay Chickee.
Kayaking through mangrove tunnels: The Pearl Bay Chickee provides an accessible first-time backcountry experience. "This is a great one nighter, or a stop on the way to further sites like Hells Bay of Lane Bay chickee. Starts off through beautiful winding mangroves trails, then a short jaunt across the more open Pearl Bay and you're there," according to a review from Pearl Bay Chickee.
Snorkeling and swimming: Elliott Key offers opportunities to explore underwater ecosystems. "When we went, we did a lot of kayaking. We saw a ton of wildlife, beautiful waters, and views. Unfortunately, there's a TON of liter (not the park's fault, just dirty people who don't care about the environment)," reports one camper at Elliott Key.
What campers like
Solitude and wildlife encounters: Shark Point Chickee provides an isolated camping experience. "Paddled out to chickee from Flamingo. Got lucky with the tide being with us for most of the way. Mud banks at low tide. Nobody else for miles. Wind kept bugs blown away," says one visitor to Shark Point Chickee.
Accessibility for different skill levels: The Hell's Bay trail system accommodates various paddling abilities. "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," according to a Hells Bay Chickee camper.
Unique island camping: Boca Chita Key offers beach and field camping options with Miami skyline views. "This small island in Biscayne National Park offers a distant view of the Miami skyline, gorgeous aqua water for swimming, snorkeling, boating and fishing. A small lighthouse stands above the protected harbor," notes a camper from Boca Chita Key Campground.
What you should know
Weather and wind considerations: Platforms on chickees can experience sudden weather changes. "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," warns a Hells Bay Chickee visitor.
Insect precautions: Mosquitoes become particularly active at dusk throughout the Everglades. "It is semi-protected so one still gets a decent breeze, but expect the mosquitos to swarm after sunset; bring cards or a book to entertain you in the tent," advises a Pearl Bay camper.
Toilet facilities: Portable toilets on chickees vary in condition and maintenance. "The porta-potty 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," reports a recent visitor to Hells Bay.
Potable water requirements: No fresh water is available at any backcountry sites. "There is no electricity, no freshwater, and minimal to no cell service," reminds a Pearl Bay Chickee camper.
Tips for camping with families
Platform safety awareness: Newer chickees have varying safety features. "This is a beautiful Chickee! Brand new and ADA certified as much as a platform over water can be! Both platforms have ladders and the eastern platform has small steps down towards the water level for those with limited mobility," notes a Canepatch visitor.
Shelter options during storms: Some sites offer better protection during inclement weather. "We stayed at the group campsite and got hit with a ton of storms. Thankfully there was a shelter nearby where we hung out for most of our trip. It had cover and picnic tables so we could escape from the rain," shares an Elliott Key camper.
Paddling difficulty assessment: Consider children's paddling abilities when planning routes. "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," explains a Hells Bay visitor.
Tips from RVers
Alternative options when RV sites unavailable: The Sawgrass Recreation Park offers tent camping for RVers seeking temporary alternatives. "This place saved my buddy and I. Didn't book ahead anywhere else in town and ended up stumbling into this little gem. Just beautiful spot. The bathrooms could have been better but the gorgeous scenery and safety made up for it," reports a visitor to Sawgrass Recreation Park.
Weather-dependent access: Seasonal conditions affect road access to tent sites. "Because of the rain, getting to and from the campsites by car may be challenging, and the area could be muddy," warns a Sawgrass camper.
Deposit requirements: Some facilities require security deposits. "A $200 deposit is also pending, subject to a damage inspection of the campsite," notes another Sawgrass Recreation Park visitor.
