telltail Posted December 12, 2019 Report Share Posted December 12, 2019 Hi--would anyone happen to know the ENP Park's policy regarding leaving the boat at the marina over night? Buddy is meeting us over at Flamingo from the Keys and needed to leave his skiff in the water at night. Have no problem renting a slip if need be. The campground concessionaire says no prob, but that's the Park Service handles that portion. I called the Park, one person said no, but wasn't sure. Requested to speak to someone/supervisor who had a definitive answer, said wasn't sure, as policy is "fluid" and constantly changing. But, still could not say yes or no?! Any insight appreciated, as leaving tmrw morning. Looks like a light front coming thru Fri night, beachside camping sounds iffy. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conocean Posted December 12, 2019 Report Share Posted December 12, 2019 The ranger at the welcome center should be able to give you a definitive answer when you arrive. However, I would never leave my boat in the water there. I've heard of a few thefts and many cases of vandalism from people doing that in years past. I've even heard of the same things happening to boats on their trailers left overnight in the Flamingo parking lot. Best of luck & catch 'em up!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telltail Posted December 12, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 12, 2019 1 hour ago, conocean said: The ranger at the welcome center should be able to give you a definitive answer when you arrive. However, I would never leave my boat in the water there. I've heard of a few thefts and many cases of vandalism from people doing that in years past. I've even heard of the same things happening to boats on their trailers left overnight in the Flamingo parking lot. Best of luck & catch 'em up!! Thanks, con! Actually, the welcome center is whom I spoke to first--they were more confused then anyone! ( : As usual, sounds like the right hand does not know what the left is doing down there. But, affer calling all, think I have my answer. Bascially, the concessionaire is responsible for all non-backcounty camping, and the marina, (including the store, boat and slip rentals, etc. ). And you can leave the boat/rent a slip. Also, thanks for the heads up regarding leaving the boat. I grew up in S Florida, so I try not to get caught slipping. Take all and lock up everything what's not bolted down--outta sight/outta mind! Normally we're camping out back, or on the beaches, but unfortunately the schedule/weather may not permit this weekend. Any ideas for a non chickee location fairly close to Flamingo that would be safe for the boat with a front scheduled to come thru? Was possibly thinking Clubhouse or Brown's Creek, wind scheduled to go from SE/WSW/NW then NE during the weekend...Tight lines! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Dave Posted December 12, 2019 Report Share Posted December 12, 2019 Saturday and Sunday are looking pretty good, at least according to tonight's weather report. Sunday should be especially nice. I've only camped on the beaches (when absolutely sure the weather report was favorable) or the chickees. If you were going out of Chokoloskee, I would suggest Picnic Key or Tiger Key. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunstone Posted December 13, 2019 Report Share Posted December 13, 2019 Just seems odd thieves would drive that far to Flamingo plus pay to enter. Are they camping there? I've stayed in the house boats and never gave a second thought about my boat but I'm right there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE OUTLAW Posted December 13, 2019 Report Share Posted December 13, 2019 Camping in Chocko Wed - Sunday . Fishin is on fire . Sheeps n Blackies are filling the coffin . Merry Christmas 🇺🇸🏴☠️ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conocean Posted December 13, 2019 Report Share Posted December 13, 2019 13 hours ago, Sunstone said: Just seems odd thieves would drive that far to Flamingo plus pay to enter. Are they camping there? I've stayed in the house boats and never gave a second thought about my boat but I'm right there. No the dirty rats used to drive down there in the middle of the night from Homestead/FL City/Redlands, scan the lot & marina, jack peoples stuff then probably pawned it all for drugs! There was a theft ring that got busted down there maybe 15+/- years ago. An ENP guide was implicated in assisting the thieves with intel but it was never proven. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinnyH2O Posted December 13, 2019 Report Share Posted December 13, 2019 Keep in mind that there are Federal Law Enforcement Officers there and they do patrol the area at night. They may not be everywhere or stop everything but they are there. They may even stop you to determine you're reason for being in the area. If you are legally armed though while in the park, don't be offended if they temporarily disarm you during their contact with you. Its for your safety and theirs. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted December 14, 2019 Report Share Posted December 14, 2019 my question??? Why ? even think about leaving a skiff in the park? dc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE OUTLAW Posted December 14, 2019 Report Share Posted December 14, 2019 So when you emerge from your tent , drop another log on the fire , realize last night was awsome , make your cuban coffee , you will know your boat is allready in the water and then, you realize , today , is going to be a great day! 🇺🇸🏴☠️ #campersdelight! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason p Posted December 14, 2019 Report Share Posted December 14, 2019 I think Dino means leaving your skiff in the parking lot overnight Ralph... I think anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted December 15, 2019 Report Share Posted December 15, 2019 18 hours ago, jason p said: I think Dino means leaving your skiff in the parking lot overnight Ralph... I think anyway. that was my question...I know why you leave it in the water.... DC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telltail Posted December 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2019 Guess I shoulda clarified. We needed to leave the skiff in a slip at the marina at night. My buddy came over from the Keys with his skiff, and I met him at Flamingo by truck. We had a hard west wind predicted on Sat, so instead of camping on the beach like we normally do, we had a Plan B at the Flamingo campsite. Fri was empty, with Sat night bringing some people in. Fishing was kinda slow with the west wind on Sat, but the kids stayed busy. Kinda buggy at the site with the no see-ums at times, but the beer flowed, camp fire burned bright, and the eatin' was good! Also saw a killer meteor Sat night that had a real low trajectory! Good times! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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