Plate Creek Chickee

A yellow kayak sits atop a wooden platform above the water. A green tent is behind it

A wooden platform rises above shallow water on a small mangrove key, its southeast-facing orientation catching natural breezes. This is the chickee—Everglades wilderness speak for an elevated campsite where you sleep above wetland, not in it. You'll need a free-standing tent and paddling experience to reach this remote outpost, where wading birds hunt at dawn and alligators cruise dark water at dusk. The elevation and wind keep insect pressure lower than ground-based sites, making multi-night stays tolerable.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 25.640947, -81.149028
Accessibility: Water access only via canoe or kayak. Requires intermediate to advanced paddling skills.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 0

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Shark River Chickee, Joe River Chickee, Crooked Creek Chickee, Pearl Bay Chickee, Hell's Bay Chickee, East Clubhouse Beach, Shark River, Flamingo Marina, Everglades Wilderness Waterway
Best Time To Visit: Sunrise and sunset (6–7am, 5–6pm) for optimal wildlife viewing and photography
Tips Advice: Bring all drinking water; none available at site
Use insect repellent despite elevation—biting insects still present
Only free-standing tents work; no ground stakes allowed
Check tide tables and water levels before paddling
Check weather forecast and avoid paddling during thunderstorm season
Carry emergency communication device (no cell service in area)
File a paddle plan with rangers at Flamingo before departure
Arrive well before sunset; navigating open water at night is dangerous
Store food in bear bag or sealed containers; raccoons active at night
Insider Tips: The SE aspect means you catch prevailing breezes—genuinely fewer bugs than ground sites
Water clarity varies; during dry season (winter) visibility is better
Small key means strong wind in storms—platform is stable but weather can be intense
Raccoons are surprisingly bold; secure all food and toiletries
Crocodiles are critically endangered and shy; seeing one is rare
Silence at night is profound; expect no other sounds except water and wildlife
Morning paddling often provides clearer skies before afternoon storms form

More details

Park Area: Ten Thousand Islands / Florida Bay wilderness area
Family Friendly Notes: Not suitable for young children. Requires strong paddling skills and wilderness camping experience. Alligators and crocodiles present. Exposed platform over water. Minimal supervision in remote setting. Best for experienced adult backcountry campers only.
Attraction Type: Backcountry Campsite
Distance From Entrance: Approximately 20+ miles from Flamingo by paddling route; varies based on launch point and route selection
Accessibility Level: Paddle-access required—remote location, no road access
How To Get There: Water-access only. Located at 25.640947°N, 81.149028°W. Accessible by canoe or kayak from paddling trails in the lower Everglades. Launch from Flamingo Marina (approximately 20+ miles by paddling route). Consult the Wilderness Trip Planner at nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/wilderness-trip-planner.htm for detailed route guidance and pre-trip planning.
Seasonal Access: Park open year-round, 24/7. Water levels peak in summer; dry season November–April. Paddling most reliable November–April; summer flooding may open new routes but storms are hazardous.
Entry Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7 consecutive days); $20 per person hiking/paddling; $80 America the Beautiful annual pass
Main Features: Elevated wooden chickee platform, small mangrove key, southeast-facing aspect, vault toilet, direct water access for paddling and fishing
What Youll See: Mangrove shoreline, open shallow water, wading birds (herons, egrets), alligators, clear night sky, sunrise/sunset light on water, distant tree line, occasional dolphins or manatees
Unique Characteristics: Chickee platform design unique to Everglades backcountry—elevated wooden platforms that mitigate insect pressure while remaining open to wildlife observation. Small key size ensures natural air circulation, reducing mosquito density compared to larger ground campsites.
Safety Considerations: Alligators common in surrounding water—maintain 25-yard distance. American crocodiles present but rare (do not approach; extremely dangerous). Mosquitoes and biting insects reduced at platform height but still present; bring repellent. Afternoon thunderstorms pose hazards over open water. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting access. Free-standing tent required; wood platform cannot accept ground stakes. Do not lean over railings or dangle hands/feet in water.
Photo Opportunities: Platform's southeast-facing aspect captures golden-hour light. Early morning shots of herons and egrets hunting in shallow water. Sunrise reflected in calm water. Silhouettes at dusk.
Photography Spots: Platform facing SE for sunrise light. Elevated vantage point captures expansive water/sky. Shoreline with birds for wildlife photography.
Stargazing Quality: Excellent—minimal light pollution in remote wilderness location. Clear night skies ideal for Milky Way photography.
Sunrise Sunset Quality: Excellent for both observation and photography; clear horizon, golden light, active wildlife
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault/Composting toilet
Interpretive Signs: 0
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Nearby Services: Flamingo Marina (approximately 20+ miles by water): fuel, boat rentals, supplies, ranger station, restaurant, campground with amenities
Common Wildlife: American alligators, American crocodiles (rare), roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, great egrets, tricolored herons, white ibis, osprey, bottlenose dolphins, manatees, raccoons
Best Wildlife Times: Sunrise (6–7am) and sunset (5–6pm) for wading birds, herons, egrets, and wildlife activity
Scientific Interest: Everglades wetland ecosystem study site. Elevation above marsh allows comparison of wildlife behavior in water-adjacent habitat. Chickee design represents ecological adaptation to human use in flood-prone terrain.
Best Visit Times: Weekdays in April and November are quieter than December–February peak. Sunrise paddling avoids afternoon heat and afternoon storms common in summer.
Best Season: November through April (cooler, fewer insects, stable water levels, clearer skies)
Weather Patterns: May–September: hot (85–95°F), humid, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, peak mosquito season. November–April: cooler (60–75°F), drier, predictable weather, minimal insect pressure. Cold fronts possible December–February bring brief temperature drops.
Busiest Season: December through February (winter peak for park visitation; still quieter than typical destination)
Fishing Species: Tarpon, snook, permit, redfish, spotted seatrout, largemouth bass
Fishing Nearby: 1
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 1
Review Summary: Visitors consistently praise Plate Creek Chickee for its insect relief compared to ground campsites and its isolation for backcountry solitude. Most reviews emphasize proper preparation is essential—the site offers wilderness experience, not convenience. Experienced paddlers find it worth the effort.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is the elevated platform really less buggy than ground camping?

Yes. Wind circulation at platform height significantly reduces mosquitoes. The key's SE orientation catches prevailing breezes, which further deters insects. Summer still requires repellent, but insect pressure is noticeably lower than ground-based sites.

What tent do I need for a chickee campsite?

A free-standing tent only. The platform cannot accommodate ground stakes or pegs. Flamingo Marina rents free-standing tents if you don't have one.

Is there drinking water at the site?

No. You must bring all drinking water. The vault toilet is the only facility. Plan for approximately 1–2 gallons per person per day for drinking and cooking.

How far do I paddle to reach Plate Creek from Flamingo?

Approximately 20+ miles depending on your specific paddling route. Trip typically takes 6–8 hours of paddling time. Consult the Wilderness Trip Planner and NPS maps for detailed route options.

What wildlife should I worry about?

Alligators are common—maintain 25-yard distance. American crocodiles are present but rarely encountered (do not approach). Raccoons visit campsites at night (secure food). Biting insects are reduced but present.

Do I need a backcountry permit to camp here?

No permit required for overnight stays. However, filing a paddle plan with park rangers before departure is strongly recommended for safety. Visit nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/wilderness-trip-planner.htm for guidance.

What makes this chickee different from others in the park?

Plate Creek's small key size and SE orientation result in superior air circulation compared to larger chickees. This makes it one of the least buggy sites in the Everglades backcountry.