Tent campsites near Marathon, Florida concentrate in two distinct ecosystems - the beachfront state parks along US-1 and the mangrove wilderness of Everglades National Park's backcountry. Winter months (November-March) provide the most comfortable camping conditions with temperatures averaging 65-75°F and reduced insect activity. Most backcountry sites require advance paddling experience and navigation skills due to tidal fluctuations and unmarked channels.
What to do
Paddle to backcountry chickees: The paddling route to Backcountry Pearl Bay Chickee — Everglades National Park ranges from 3-5 miles and travels through mangrove tunnels before crossing open water. "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 camper Liz M.
Fish from your campsite: Backcountry Shark Point Chickee — Everglades National Park offers excellent fishing opportunities directly from the platform. "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," reports David P. Species commonly caught include snook, redfish, and jacks.
Beach camping: Tent sites at Long Key State Park provide direct beach access with shallow water ideal for wading and exploring. "If you're looking for a view of the ocean this is the perfect place. The sites are literally on the beach. It's a great place to kayak or just lounge in the shallows," writes Sarah T.
What campers like
Solitude and isolation: Backcountry Lane Bay Chickee — Everglades National Park offers complete privacy as a single-platform site. "Unlike the other chickees, it is a single platform, so your group will be the only ones out there. It is right on the wilderness waterway, so we did have 2 small skiffs go by, but other than that, we were completely alone," shares Liz M.
Wildlife viewing: Marine wildlife sightings are common from chickee platforms. "I saw sharks, dolphins, alligators, and different type of fish," reports Javier J. about Shark Point Chickee. Marine mammals frequently swim directly beneath or alongside the platforms.
Accessibility for beginners: Pearl Bay Chickee provides an entry-level backcountry experience. "This is a great one nighter, or a stop on the way to further sites like Hells Bay of Lane Bay chickee. The relatively short paddle is perfect for a first timer!" according to camper Liz M.
What you should know
Insect preparation essential: Backcountry Hells Bay Chickee — Everglades National Park experiences intense mosquito and no-see-um activity, particularly after sunset. "Great Sunset! Then the bugs came out with a vengeance. Noseeums will slip thru cheaper tents bug screens. This is the Everglades! Be prepared," warns David P. about Northwest Cape. Plan to be inside your tent by dusk.
Platform logistics: Most chickees include a cooking table but lack protection from rain. "It does not have a small bench for food prep like many of the others do. Wasn't an issue, but if you've done other platforms and have come to expect it, it is not there," notes Liz M. about Lane Bay Chickee.
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