Touring - can you camp in these places? *link inside*

http://www.fws.gov/mandalay/

Is it legal in these places just to pitch a tent. . .

I didn't see it explicitly permitted or not. . . Thought someone might know for sure here.

Check their goals:

Management Goals:
The management goals are to provide the highest quality migratory bird habitat possible, provide for the needs of endangered plants and animals, allow compatible public uses such as fishing, trapping, wildlife observation and photography, promote research and restoration of wetland resources and provide opportunities for environmental education and interpretation, when possible."

Their goal is the welfare of the animals first... humans have an adverse effect on animal habitat. My conclusion is that no, camping is not allowed there.

I would hazard a guess and say no. Besides if gators are in this area, they might have you over for lunch

call em but i doubt it. Those areas usually have razor glass and a lot of insects. mosquitoes will eat you alive :(. As pretty as wetlands are I'd avoid camping in them. Where there are wetlands there are nice pine forests, they offer better camping.

There's a list of prohibited activities on that site and both camping and night-time use are explicitly mentioned:

"The following activities are prohibited on the refuge:
n The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting
n The possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the
aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other
feed or any non-naturally occurring attractant on the
refuge
n Taking, collecting or disturbing any plant or wildlife other
than those specified by refuge rules
n Target shooting
n Feeding wildlife, including alligators
n Night time use of the refuge
n Frogging
n Taking of turtles
n Climbing trees by driving nails, spikes or other objects:
using a tree that has existing nails, spikes or permanent
steps; or using climbing spikes
n Using areas designated “Area Closed”
n The use of any type of material used as flagging or trail
markers, except reflective bright eyes.
n Camping, building fires or overnight anchoring"