Mormon Key

A white curved sandy beach with shells and seaweed. blue waters and green vegetation

You'll see a sandy beach backed by dense mangrove shoreline where the Huston and Chatham Rivers meet the open water—a tidal formation reshaped daily by river flow and Gulf tides. Amenities include benches and scenic views across the water confluence, with excellent fishing habitat for saltwater species concentrated at the river mouths. Tides govern everything here: camp only above the high tide line, as water levels rise 2-3 feet with predictable daily cycles. All vessels must be tied, beached, or securely anchored to withstand tidal movement and storm surge.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 25.673639, -81.289692
Accessibility: Boat or kayak access required. No road access. Requires water navigation skills and vessel operation competence.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 1

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Shark River Chickee, Pearl Bay Chickee, Rodger's River Chickee, Hells Bay Chickee (nearby wilderness campsites), Flamingo Marina, Whitewater Bay
Nearby Facilities: Flamingo Marina (water access, fuel, supplies, boat rentals). All other amenities require self-sufficiency at Mormon Key.
Tips Advice: Stake your tent carefully above the marked tide line—wind can gust across the open beach.
Monitor tide tables before arrival and during your stay; mark your campsite relative to tide marks.
Arrive on low tide for easier boat unloading and camp setup.
Secure your vessel first—a lost boat strands you.
Fish the river mouth at dawn and dusk; midday sun reduces activity.
Bring all drinking water; no potable water exists on-site.

More details

Park Area: Ten Thousand Islands / Everglades Wilderness Waterway
Family Friendly Notes: Backcountry site best for experienced paddlers and campers. Tide awareness and vessel security skills essential. Young children only with experienced water navigators. No facilities beyond benches—full self-reliance required.
Attraction Type: Tidal Beach Campsite
Accessibility Level: Boat access required
How To Get There: Water access only. Navigate by boat or kayak to coordinates 25.673639°N, 81.289692°W at the confluence of the Huston and Chatham Rivers where they meet Florida Bay. Nearest boat launch: Flamingo Marina (within park). No road access; all travel requires a water vessel.
Entry Fees: $35 per vehicle or $20 per person (Everglades park entrance fee applies)
Main Features: Beach shoreline, river-mouth confluence, mangrove vegetation, sandy camping area, scenic Gulf views, benches/seating, excellent saltwater fishing habitat
What Youll See: Sandy beach backed by mangrove shoreline, river confluence with open water, shallow sand flats, wading birds (herons, egrets, spoonbills), fishing birds (ospreys, pelicans), occasional dolphins in deeper water, and expansive Gulf vistas. Low tide exposes extensive sand flats; high tide brings water to tree line.
Unique Characteristics: The confluence of Huston and Chatham Rivers with open Florida Bay creates a rich saltwater fishing ecosystem. Tidal processes reshape the beach daily with predictable cycles. The site offers some of Everglades' finest saltwater fishing access while maintaining true backcountry isolation.
Safety Considerations: Tides are the primary hazard. High tide can rise 2-3 feet during normal conditions—camp must be positioned above the high tide line or flooding will destroy your tent. All vessels must be tied to shore, beached firmly, or anchored securely to prevent drift during tidal movement and storm surge. This is a backcountry site with no ranger presence. Self-reliance and water-navigation competence are essential.
Photo Opportunities: Dawn light across river confluence, sunset over Gulf waters, wading birds at low tide, mangrove silhouettes, fishing action
Photography Spots: Campsite benches provide water-view compositions. Best light: sunrise from eastern shore, sunset toward open water. Tide flats create mirror-like reflections at low tide.
Stargazing Quality: Excellent. Minimal light pollution from this remote Gulf-facing location. Dark skies ideal for stargazing, especially during moonless nights.
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Excellent. Sunrise light across the river confluence; sunset reflections on open Gulf water. Warm colors at dusk ideal for photography.
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 0
Water Available: 0
Nearby Services: Flamingo Marina is the nearest resupply point. No potable water, facilities, or services at the campsite itself.
Common Wildlife: Wading birds (herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills), gulls, ospreys, pelicans. Saltwater fish species include tarpon, snook, redfish, mullet. Occasional dolphins in open water.
Geological Formation Type: River-Mouth Delta
Winter Access: Dry season (November-April) offers best water conditions for paddling and boating. Accessible year-round by water if weather permits; no seasonal road closures (water access only).
Weather Patterns: Afternoon thunderstorms June-September. Tidal surge during weather events. Morning fog common. Dry season (November-April) brings steady east winds; summer brings southwest winds and higher tidal range.
Fishing Species: Tarpon, snook, redfish, mullet (saltwater species concentrated at river mouth)
Fishing Nearby: 1
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 1
Review Summary: Visitors seeking backcountry fishing and true solitude find Mormon Key rewarding. The site's tidal dynamics and river-mouth location offer excellent saltwater fishing but require tide planning and water-navigation skills. Success depends on respecting tidal cycles and preparing for self-reliance.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Won't high tides destroy my tent overnight?

Yes, if you camp below the tide line. Success requires positioning your camp above the high tide mark. Check tide tables before arrival and during your stay—water levels can rise 2-3 feet predictably.

Is the fishing really good here?

Yes. The river mouth confluence concentrates saltwater fish species (tarpon, snook, redfish). The NPS description specifically notes 'good fishing in the area.' Early morning and dusk are peak times.

Can I bring a motorboat, or do I need a kayak?

Both work. The site accommodates powered boats and kayaks equally. All vessels must be anchored or beached securely to prevent drift during tidal movement and storm surge.

Will I be alone out here?

Yes. As a backcountry site, it sees minimal traffic compared to day-use areas. That solitude comes with responsibility—no ranger support on-site. You must be entirely self-sufficient.

Do I need a permit to camp here?

Yes. Backcountry camping in Everglades requires a permit from the park. Check the Everglades National Park website for permit requirements, fees, and the wilderness trip planner.

What's the nearest supply source if I run out of water?

You must be self-sufficient. No potable water exists on-site. Bring all drinking water and supplies from outside. Flamingo Marina (accessible by boat) is the nearest resupply point within the park.