By:
Submission
With twisty mangrove tunnels and eerie waterways with names like “Alligator Creek,” the Watson Place campground in Everglades National Park fits right in. The Watson Place campground is the former home of Florida’s notorious outlaw and sugar cane plantation owner, Edgar Watson, known for killing his workers rather than paying them. The story goes that Mr. Watson was gunned down at the site by fed-up residents in 1910. As a result, some locals believe the site is haunted.
In addition to its outlaw history, the Watson Place campground is a prime example of a Calusa shell mound. The Calusa tribe lived in the Everglades before European settlers brought diseases and destroyed their villages. They would collect shells, placing them together into large mounds, essentially creating small islands within the swampy environment.
Located along the Chatham River, the Watson Place campground is a large site that can accommodate groups. The open space is surrounded by dense vegetation that provides a remote feel at this boat-in only site. A wooden dock allows for easy access and a great spot to watch dolphins swim by as the sun sets.
Large dry land campground. room for several tent sites. historical site.. Its good dock with heavy current. be prepared for BUGS! because you are in mangroves, its very buggy. skin so soft, and cutter. fire pit benches. I think a potty on the dock. heard and saw dolphins in the morning going inland...
If you plan to visit Watson's Place campsite, make sure you read up on the history of Edgar Watson! An internet search will get you started, but I strongly suggest reading "Shadow Country", the trilogy of Peter Mathiesen.
Full Review
First time camping here, but was with a Veteran Watson Place camper who had it all figured out.
The ground is level and we were there through the Full Beaver Moon high-tides and even with the SW Wind, our camp wasn’t in danger of getting wet.
Their is a 5ft gator that was under the dock one morning, but as I walked towards the boat it took off.
If you plan on camping here, be sure to google “Ed Watson and Everglades” to learn about the campsite. You’ll be glad you did and you’ll even get to see a photo of it when a house was there.
Enjoy!
If you visit the Watson Place, make sure you read "Shadow Country" by Peter Matthieson. One of my favorite books and does an excellent job of painting Ed Watson and the history of the keys in living color.
