Backcountry Sweetwater Bay Chickee — Everglades National Park

Chickees, Seminole for "thatched roof," are one of the coolest features of the national park. There are several of these available along the Wilderness Waterway (this one is at marker 99) located on the inside (non-Gulf side of the islands).

Chickees are raised platforms that provide camping options when there isn't any dry land available. However, they can only sleep 12 (6 on each side) and they often get reserved quickly. Keep in mind that you can only get your permit for these sites 24 hours in advance of entering the park. So be at the ranger station early the day before you plan to start your trip.

There is a port-o-john available on the chickee but beware, if the tides haven't been in favor of the park service it might be full! You do need a free standing tent for these platforms. While hammocks have become popular, I would not suggest using them here out of courtesy of other visitors. While surrounded by water, fires are not permitted on these structures.

For more information on chickees and planning your adventure paddling the Wilderness Waterway, check out this awesome site:https://www.nps.gov/ever/upload/Wilderness_Trip_Planner_2009.pdf