Hells Bay Chickee

An aerial view of Hells Bay canoe trail, a snaking blue canoe trail surrounded by dense tree canopy

Before you spreads a vast mangrove-rimmed bay where alligators patrol shallow channels and wading birds hunt across open water. The chickee platform sits isolated in the middle of the bay, fronting a mangrove island—one of the Everglades' most remote camp positions. The bay's name reflects its hydrological reality: shallow channels and tidal complexity made historical paddling treacherous, and access remains challenging today. Water-based self-sufficiency is mandatory.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 25.2533955427, -80.8786273803

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 1

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Whitewater Bay, Crooked Creek Chickee, Shark River Chickee, Pearl Bay Chickee, Plate Creek Chickee, Sweetwater Chickee, Joe River Chickee, Everglades Wilderness Waterway
Nearby Facilities: Flamingo Marina (ranger station, boat rentals, supplies, restaurant). Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground available for vehicle camping.
Best Time To Visit: Early morning for optimal wildlife viewing and paddling conditions
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

Attraction Type: Mangrove Bay Campsite
Accessibility Level: Paddle-required, intermediate to advanced skill
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.
Entry Fees: $35 per private vehicle; $20 per person (on foot/paddle); America the Beautiful annual pass $80. Valid 7 days.
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.
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.
Photo Opportunities: Sunrise over mangrove-rimmed bay, wading birds hunting in shallows, alligators at water's edge, sunset reflections on water
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault/Composting
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: No cell service
Water Available: 0
Nearby Services: Flamingo provides nearest supplies, food, ranger services, and boat rentals
Common Wildlife: Alligators, wading birds (herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills), fish, crocodiles (rare)
Best Wildlife Times: Early morning and dusk (peak activity periods)
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.
Boating Allowed: 1

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.