Hells Bay Chickee
Isolated chickee in mangrove bay. Paddle-only access, pristine wilderness, alligators present.
Natural Attraction
Hells Bay Chickee is one of the most remote campsites in Everglades National Park: a platform set in the middle of a wide mangrove-rimmed bay, reached only by paddling the marked Hells Bay Canoe Trail from the Main Park Road. Alligators patrol the shallow channels and wading birds hunt the open water; the bay earned its name from how hard it is to get in and out.
Getting there & parking
- How To Get There
- Main Park Road provides access to Hells Bay Canoe Trail parking. Launch canoe or kayak and paddle the marked trail through winding channels to the bay, ending near marker #178. Alternatively, paddle from Whitewater Bay via the unmarked East River route. Accessible at all tides. Difficult navigation; intermediate to advanced paddle skill required.
- GPS Coordinates
- 25.2533955427, -80.8786273803
When to go
- Best Time To Visit
- Early morning for optimal wildlife viewing and paddling conditions
- Best Season
- November through April (dry season, cooler temperatures, calmer paddling conditions)
- Weather Patterns
- Summer: afternoon thunderstorms, intense heat and humidity. Winter: mild, stable. Afternoon wind year-round can create choppy bay conditions.
What you will experience
- Attraction Type
- Mangrove Bay Campsite
- Main Features
- Mangrove-rimmed shallow bay, isolated chickee platform, open water setting, wading bird habitat, alligator presence
- What Youll See
- Mangrove shoreline, shallow bay waters, wading birds (herons, egrets, spoonbills), alligators, open water 360-degree views
- Unique Characteristics
- Named for its notorious access difficulty—early visitors called it "hell to get to and hell to get out of." Remains one of Everglades' most isolated and pristine wilderness campsites. Mangrove ecosystem provides critical wading bird and alligator habitat.
- Photo Opportunities
- Sunrise over mangrove-rimmed bay, wading birds hunting in shallows, alligators at water's edge, sunset reflections on water
- Common Wildlife
- Alligators, wading birds (herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills), fish, crocodiles (rare)
- Best Wildlife Times
- Early morning and dusk (peak activity periods)
Facilities, fees & access
- Entry Fees
- $35 per private vehicle; $20 per person (on foot/paddle); America the Beautiful annual pass $80. Valid 7 days.
- Permits Required
- Yes
- Restrooms Available
- Yes
- Restroom Type
- Vault/Composting
- Water Available
- No
- Cell Service
- No cell service
- Interpretive Signs
- No
- Accessibility Level
- Paddle-required, intermediate to advanced skill
- Nearby Services
- Flamingo provides nearest supplies, food, ranger services, and boat rentals
- Nearby Facilities
- Flamingo Marina (ranger station, boat rentals, supplies, restaurant). Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground available for vehicle camping.
Safety
- Safety Considerations
- Alligators present; maintain 25+ yards distance. DO NOT allow food scraps to fall into water—attracts wildlife. Shallow bay requires careful paddle navigation. Afternoon weather and wind generate chop. Vault toilet only—no potable water. Summer heat extreme; visit November through April.
Nearby
- Nearby Attractions
- Whitewater Bay, Crooked Creek Chickee, Shark River Chickee, Pearl Bay Chickee, Plate Creek Chickee, Sweetwater Chickee, Joe River Chickee, Everglades Wilderness Waterway
Planning advice
- Tips Advice
- Paddle slowly through Hells Bay Canoe Trail; channels are narrow and winding with numbered markers
- Never feed alligators or allow food to enter the water—strictly enforced
- Carry all water and supplies; nothing available on-site except vault toilet
- Plan for night temperatures; bring sleeping bag appropriate for season
- Paddle to campsite before afternoon wind peaks; water becomes dangerous
- Vault toilet is composting only; pack out all waste
- Check tide and wind forecasts before departure
More details
- Visitor Center Present
- No
- Boating Allowed
- Yes
Location
Frequently asked questions
Do I need advance reservations and a permit?
Yes, backcountry camping at Everglades requires advance reservations through the NPS. Chickees are popular; book 2-3 months ahead for ideal dates.
Will I encounter alligators?
Alligators are present year-round. Attacks are rare if you maintain 25+ yards distance and never feed wildlife or leave food near water.
What is the paddling difficulty?
Hells Bay Canoe Trail has marked channels but is winding and narrow. Expect moderate difficulty with basic paddle skills. East River route from Whitewater Bay is more challenging.
What amenities are provided at the chickee?
Only a platform and vault toilet. Bring all water, food, camping supplies, and pack out all waste. No running water or electricity.
When should I visit?
November through April offers cool temperatures, fewer insects, and stable paddling conditions. Summer heat and afternoon storms make paddling dangerous.
Can I bring my family with children?
Yes, if adults can paddle and children have basic water safety skills. The vault toilet is primitive; plan for minimal comfort and full self-sufficiency.
Sources
- National Park Service
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.