Crooked Creek Chickee

Two roofed, open air platforms sit elevated over the water. A blue vault toilet sits between them

The chickee rises as a modest wooden platform anchored to limestone bedrock, keeping you clear of the shallow estuary below. Mangrove prop roots ring your campsite, their tangle creating shelter and habitat. The No Wake passage at marker #126 is a marine mammal corridor where dolphins navigate at dawn and dusk, and sea turtles surface year-round. Boating competence and respect for wildlife boundaries are essential—this is active wilderness where nature operates without pause.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 25.7964270993, -81.2985618323

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 1

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Pearl Bay Chickee, Shark River Chickee, Sweetwater Chickee, Hells Bay Chickee, Joe River Chickee, Plate Creek Chickee, Rodger's River Chickee, Everglades Wilderness Waterway
Nearby Facilities: Flamingo Marina (fuel, boat repairs, supplies, boat rentals, camping, lodging)
Tips Advice: Bring DEET-based insect repellent; mosquitoes peak dawn/dusk.
Use tide charts; water depth varies 1-3 feet with tidal cycle.
Maintain 50+ feet distance from dolphins per wildlife guidance.
Bring all drinking water (minimum 2 gallons per person for multi-day trips).
Pack out all waste; leave no trace.
Notify Flamingo Reservation Office of route and return date (required for permit).
Check marine weather and wind forecast before departing Flamingo.

More details

Park Area: Ten Thousand Islands
Family Friendly Notes: Not suitable for young children. Requires paddling skill and wilderness camping experience. Teenagers (12+) with adult supervision and training acceptable. First-aid kit and emergency communication device essential.
Attraction Type: Backcountry Campsite
Elevation Feet: 0
How To Get There: Boat access only. From Flamingo Marina, paddle via the Wilderness Waterway toward Ten Thousand Islands. Locate Marker #126 and the No Wake sign marking Crooked Creek passage entrance. Narrow passage requires paddling skill, navigation chart, and tide awareness.
Parking Availability: Boat parking at Flamingo Marina; typically available. Fuel and supplies on-site.
Road Type: Waterway; boat-access only
Seasonal Access: Year-round, but November–April optimal (lower mosquito pressure, stable weather)
Main Features: Elevated wooden chickee platform, mangrove estuary, tidal waterway passages, dolphin habitat, shallow brackish water
What Youll See: Mangrove shoreline, shallow tidal estuary water, dolphins navigating passages (especially at dawn/dusk), occasional sea turtles, marker #126 No Wake sign
Unique Characteristics: Elevated chickee campsite anchored to limestone substrate in a working mangrove estuary. Located at a key marine mammal passage. One of Everglades' most remote campsites.
Safety Considerations: Boat access requires paddling skill, navigational competence, and water-safety training. No-wake zone is legally enforced; boating error can be fatal. Alligators inhabit Everglades waters—remain on platform, do not approach wildlife. Mosquitoes severe at dawn/dusk, especially June-September; DEET recommended. Backcountry permit required; solo paddling not recommended.
Photo Opportunities: Sunrise and sunset over water, dolphins at dawn/dusk, mangrove reflections in still water
Stargazing Quality: Excellent; far from light pollution
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Excellent; open water views allow clear viewing
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: No cellular service in backcountry. Satellite communication (messenger device or PLB) recommended.
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Trailheads Here: Chickee is a paddling waypoint. Site accesses Wilderness Waterway; paddling continues to other sites or returns to Flamingo.
Connecting Trails: Connects to Everglades Wilderness Waterway; paddling access to other chickees via marked waterway
Nearby Services: Flamingo: visitor center, permit office, marina services, campground, lodge, dining
Common Wildlife: Dolphins, sea turtles
Best Wildlife Times: Early morning (dawn) and dusk for dolphin sightings. Sea turtles present year-round.
Geological Formation Type: Limestone Foundation
Scientific Interest: Platform construction demonstrates human adaptation to waterlogged limestone substrate. Site sits in a freshwater-saltwater mixing zone—creates nutrient-rich habitat for dolphins and sea turtles. Limestone substrate visible at low tide.
Winter Access: Good; dry season (November–April) optimal for boating
Best Season: November to April (dry season, fewer mosquitoes)
Weather Patterns: Afternoon lightning June-September. Mosquitoes heaviest at dawn and dusk June-September. Strong winds possible; marine forecast essential before paddling.
Fishing Nearby: 1
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 1
Climbing Areas: 0

Location

Frequently asked questions

Do I need advanced boating experience to reach this chickee?

Yes. Crooked Creek requires navigation of marked waterway channels, tide charts, and paddling skill. GPS unit and navigation chart required. Competence in paddling, self-rescue, and backcountry decision-making is non-negotiable.

Will mosquitoes make the campsite unbearable?

Mosquitoes peak at dawn and dusk, especially June-September. DEET-based repellent and protective clothing significantly reduce impact. The dry season (November–April) has far fewer insects. The elevated platform position reduces mosquito pressure compared to shore camps.

Are alligators and sharks dangerous to campers?

Alligators are present park-wide but attacks are extremely rare if you follow rules: stay on platform, do not feed wildlife, maintain distance from shore. Sharks occasionally inhabit these waters but show no interest in humans. Do not swim in open water.

Can I bring my family with young children?

Not recommended for children under 12. This site requires boating skill, wilderness camping experience, and age-appropriate water competence. Teenagers (12+) can visit if accompanied by experienced adults trained in wilderness self-rescue and emergency response.

Is potable water available at the chickee?

No. You must bring all drinking water (minimum 2 gallons per person for multi-day trips). Rainwater can be collected if purified via boiling, filtering, or chemical treatment. Do not drink untreated estuary water (mix of fresh and salt).

Can I fish at Crooked Creek Chickee?

Yes, fishing is allowed at this site. A Florida fishing license is required; check current species limits and seasonal restrictions with Flamingo staff. No fish-cleaning table available on-site; pack out all waste and fish remains.