Everglades Backcountry chickees now open

Everglades National Park has opened two new backcountry campsites.

The remote, open-air chickees are accessible via open water to boaters, canoers and kayakers.

The Shark Point site is 7.5 miles east of Flamingo and the Johnson Key site is 6.25 miles south of Flamingo.

Camping is limited to one night and two parties with six or fewer people in each.

Required backcountry permits are available at Flamingo Visitor Center or the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City no more than one day in advance of a trip’s departure. The basic permit fee is $10, plus $2 per person per night.

For more information, go to http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/camping.htm.