Everglades Chickee Cottages - Ochopee

The Chickees are pretty basic: raised, screened platforms with a roof, a double bed, and two loft mattresses. There’s no electricity or running water, and the light they gave us ran out of battery, so we were left with our phones for light. Expect heat and big, hungry mosquitoes. The bathrooms are what you’d expect at a campground. None of those things alone was especially bad, but the price is more like a hotel’s, which makes this feel like poor value. There isn’t much else nearby, so they have you over a barrel.

This might be a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip. The chickees are lovely and have plenty supplied, but they’re very rustic, with no power, water, or toilet, and the bathhouse is a little way off. I like this sort of setup, though it won’t suit everybody. Think camping, just with some nice comforts.

There’s no electricity in this no-frills cabin, and the price is close to what you might pay for a decent hotel room. But the setting made the stay special: an alligator in the pond about 20 yards away, fireflies over the swamp, and a fiery red sunset. You won’t get that at an ordinary hotel. I’d recommend the site.

Paige, David and Jack were wonderful and helped me with whatever I needed. The cots are really spacious, and the place has a peaceful feel. It’s in a great spot if you want to get away. I had a superb stay, definitely check it out!