Watson's Place Wilderness Campground — Everglades National Park

I just want to make a correction to information on this page.   It was stated that Watson was killed at this campground (previously The Watson Place (Watson's house) and his sugarcane farm).   Edgar Watson was killed in 1910 on Chokoloskee Island in a confrontation with local residents.  The confrontation was about bodies of some of Watson's farm workers that had been found in the creek at/near The Watson Place.  It was believed that Watson killed these farm workers rather than pay them their wages.  Law enforcement never arrested anyone for killing Edgar Watson and never determined whether Watson killed the farm workers.  Watson is alleged to have killed multiple people during his lifetime.

This is a fantastic spot to spend a night or two, but before you spend any time here learn a bit about the history of this place. It's a little mysterious and a tad creepy, but it certainly makes staying here more interesting especially if you have an active imagination.

The site itself has a wooden dock that makes it easy to access the island. I always canoe or kayak to this destination and pull my boats on shore, but if you're in a motorized boat there is space to dock. There is a weird cistern that collects fresh water and some say you can find an alligator residing here though I have never seen one in all my trips here.

There is a small flat clearing area where you can pitch your tents. The island is certainly a bit larger but rather overgrown. It can be a popular destination so secure your permit as soon as you can.