Primitive tent camping near Summerland Key, Florida offers waterfront access with minimal facilities. Most backcountry sites require proper planning for weather and insect conditions. Sites in the Everglades can be reached by paddle craft or hiking trails, with varying degrees of difficulty depending on wind and water conditions.
What to do
Wildlife viewing from water sites: Johnson Key Chickee provides exceptional opportunities to observe marine life. "Felt super remote, only a few boats went by the 2 days we were there. Good fishing at the key, around the chickee, and for much of the paddle out. Caught a nice red on our float back to the mainland. Saw sharks and lot of seabirds," notes Dan X. from Backcountry Johnson Key Chickee.
Paddle excursions with variable conditions: Plan carefully for wind conditions when accessing remote sites. "Getting there was great! But canoeing the open water back to Flamingo was very hard. We were going against the wind and it took us almost 12 hours straight," shares Leah W. from Backcountry Clubhouse Beach.
Beach camping with sunset views: Find a spot above the high tide line at Northwest Cape for direct beach access. "Tide goes way out!! Fires on beach recommended to help keep bugs at bay. Tiki torches, too! No tables or fire ring," advises a camper who enjoyed the primitive experience.
What campers like
Direct water access from tent sites: Long Key State Park Campground offers rare waterfront positioning. "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. from Long Key State Park Campground.
Sense of solitude and remoteness: The chickee sites provide unique isolation. "One of the wildest places I've camped. Felt super remote, only a few boats went by the 2 days we were there," reports a camper about Johnson Key Chickee.
Marine wildlife encounters: South Joe River Chickee offers close encounters with marine mammals. "Beautiful are with mangroves and lots of dolphines. On the water. beautiful views," shares Robin M. from Backcountry South Joe River Chickee.
What you should know
Bug preparation is critical: No-see-ums are a significant concern throughout the region. "The bugs went away when the wind picked up... Come bed time, the noseeums were back with a vengeance, and they feasted on us. I bathed in deet bug spray to no avail," warns D C. from Long Key State Park Campground.
Many sites require watercraft access: Be prepared for challenging paddling conditions. "A six and half mile paddle from the visitor center. We had 15 - 20 mph headwinds heading out which was BRUTAL, but the way back was WICKED breezy," explains a Johnson Key Chickee visitor.
Site conditions vary seasonally: Winter camping is recommended for more comfortable conditions. "Not for summer! Challenging 7 mile hike to get there on in maintained, but beautiful trail. Was very wet (August). Must cross mud flats to get to beach," advises Lorraine from Clubhouse Beach.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access quality varies: Not all beaches are suitable for swimming. "Beaches aren't really swim able. Mudy and not sandy," notes Robert S. from Long Key State Park Campground about their week-long stay.
Pack extra water for cleaning platforms: Chickee platforms may need cleaning before setup. "It was COVERED in bird poop when we got there so we had to lug a bunch of bags of water up to wash it off (use an empty drybag)," advises a camper about Northwest Cape.
Be prepared for sudden weather changes: Thunderstorms can develop quickly in this region. "We got beautiful clear day, but scary thunderstorm at 3 am! Better not to attempt in summer," warns a Clubhouse Beach visitor.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options near primitive areas: Most backcountry sites are tent-only and accessible by boat or hiking. The few RV options require careful planning.
Consider mixed accommodations: Some travelers combine primitive camping with developed facilities. "Currently 4 sites open (tent only). Very quite," notes Christian D. about Long Key, indicating the limited capacity.
Site availability fluctuates seasonally: Book well in advance for winter seasons. "This campground was damaged by Irma and hasn't been open for the last couple years," mentioned Michele J., highlighting the importance of checking current status before planning.
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