Rodger's River Chickee – Tarpon Fishing Shelter

Two open air platforms over the water with two roofs. A blue vault toilet is in between them

A wooden double chickee platform sits alone in a small, protected mangrove cove, raised above the waterline on sturdy pilings. The platform's isolation and openness to sea breeze keep mosquitoes unusually low for the Everglades, making this one of the most comfortable overnight spots in the backcountry. Tarpon patrol the nearby saltwater bays while freshwater bass hide in creek channels—though local bass carry high mercury levels and should not be eaten. Reaching this shelter requires paddling skills, trip permits, and careful planning, but you'll experience pristine Everglades solitude.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 25.5367°N, 81.0639°W
Accessibility: Water-only access via paddling. Platform is elevated on pilings. No vehicular or hiking access.

Conditions & safety

Permits Required: 1

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions: Crooked Creek Chickee, Hells Bay Chickee, Joe River Chickee, Pearl Bay Chickee, Plate Creek Chickee, Shark River Chickee, Sweetwater Chickee
Nearby Facilities: Flamingo Marina, Gulf Coast Visitor Center, Flamingo Campground
Best Time To Visit: Early morning for tarpon feeding and birdwatching; dusk for wading bird activity
Tips Advice: Arrive fully supplied: fresh water, food, emergency kit.
Know gator behavior: 3+ feet = give distance; 6+ feet = immediately depart.
Test paddling skills on Shark Valley Trail before attempting remote backcountry.
High-mercury bass: throw back or freeze for disposal ashore.
Moon phase affects water levels and navigation visibility—plan accordingly.
Insider Tips: Bring all potable water—none available on-site.
The protected cove delivers rare mosquito-free paddling in the Everglades.
Tarpon are most active at dawn in adjacent bays.
Never solo—wilderness trip planning mandatory, file float plan.
Pack all trash; gators habituate quickly to human food.

More details

Park Area: Ten Thousand Islands
Family Friendly Notes: Not recommended for young children. Requires strong paddling skills, wilderness navigation ability, and outdoor self-sufficiency. Unsuitable for first-time backpackers or recreational paddlers. Remote isolation demands experienced outdoor adults.
Attraction Type: Backcountry Paddling Shelter
Elevation Feet: 0
Accessibility Level: Backcountry paddling required
How To Get There: Water access only via paddling. Located at 25.5367°N, 81.0639°W in the Ten Thousand Islands region of southern Everglades. Accessible from Flamingo Marina via paddling routes; advance trip planning required via NPS Wilderness Trip Planner.
Main Features: Double chickee platform, protected mangrove cove, vault composting toilet, canoe/kayak launch access, tarpon bays, freshwater bass creeks, minimal mosquito exposure due to wind and isolation.
What Youll See: Shallow mangrove bays, raised wooden platform, wading birds (herons, egrets, spoonbills), occasional tarpon cruising surface, sunset reflections on calm water, unobstructed star-filled night sky
Unique Characteristics: Rare Everglades location with minimal mosquito pressure due to exposed cove position and consistent breeze. Double chickee accommodates small groups. Access to both tarpon (saltwater) and bass (freshwater) fishing without paddling multiple bays.
Safety Considerations: Backcountry wilderness isolation: water-only access, no ranger patrols, self-rescue critical. Local freshwater bass carry high mercury—do not consume. Alligators and crocodiles present; maintain 25-foot distance. Typical wetland hazards: sudden afternoon storms (June-September), strong currents, disorienting navigation.
Photo Opportunities: Sunrise over protected cove, wading birds in shallow bays, tarpon surface strikes, sunset light on mangroves and water reflections, star-filled night sky (zero light pollution)
Photography Spots: East side of platform for sunrise light; west side for sunset backlight over bays
Visitor Center Present: 0
Restrooms Available: 1
Restroom Type: Vault/Composting
Picnic Areas: 0
Interpretive Signs: 0
Cell Service: Limited or none—remote backcountry location
Water Available: 0
Guided Tours Available: 0
Nearby Services: Flamingo area provides fuel, food, lodging, and supplies; approximately 20+ paddling miles away
Common Wildlife: Alligators, American crocodiles, tarpon, mullet, osprey, great herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, manatees (seasonal)
Best Wildlife Times: Early morning and dusk for wading birds; year-round tarpon in nearby bays
Scientific Interest: Mangrove wetland ecosystem; transition zone between freshwater and brackish water; habitat for salt-tolerant vegetation and estuarine fish species.
Best Visit Times: October-November and April-May (shoulder seasons with fewer crowds than winter)
Best Season: November to April (dry season, cooler temperatures, lowest mosquito pressure)
Weather Patterns: Summer (June-September): afternoon thunderstorms frequent, high humidity, mosquito peaks. Winter (November-April): cooler, drier, minimal storm risk, manageable mosquitoes.
Busiest Season: December to February (winter peak travel)
Fishing Species: Tarpon (nearby saltwater bays), freshwater bass (local creeks). Warning: Local bass carry high mercury content and should not be consumed.
Fishing Nearby: 1
Swimming Allowed: 0
Boating Allowed: 1
Climbing Areas: 0