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Big Cypress National Preserve

Designation: National Preserve

Location: Florida

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Conserving over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to diverse wildlife, including the Endangered Florida panther.

🌤 Weather Information

Big Cypress National Preserve experiences two predominant seasons- wet and dry. RAINY SEASON (May through October) While visiting during this season you may find daily afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity, temperatures in the mid-to-high 80s and a multitude of mosquitoes. DRY SEASON (November through April) Falling water levels within Big Cypress make this a pleasant time to hike, camp, and watch wildlife.

🚗 Directions

Big Cypress National Preserve is located along Tamiami Trail East (US 41) and I-75 in southern Florida. The preserve can be accessed by driving from the cities of Miami and Naples. The preserve's two visitor centers are located along Tamiami Trail East.

Images

A small alligator basking on top of dry vegetation.

Alligators, big and small, call Big Cypress National Preserve home.

Credit: NPS Photo

A water filled swamp filled with lush green ferns and trees.

Cypress swamps while appearing mysterious, are peaceful and serene.

Credit: NPS Photo

The milky way dominating a starry night sky over palm trees.

As an International Dark Sky Park, Big Cypress protects a beautiful night sky.

Credit: NPS Photo

two visitors in a canoe go through mangrove tunnels on the Turner River

Canoeing is one of the many activities you can enjoy in Big Cypress

Credit: NPS Photo

a Florida Panther sits in a tree

The Florida Panther is one of the most iconic animals of Big Cypress

Credit: John Kellam

palm trees emerge out of the fog in an orange sunrise

palm trees emerge out of the fog as an orange sunrise dots the landscape

Credit: Richard Eskin

A prairie foreground with tall pine trees in the background. A large blue sky with white cloud

large open expanses of prairie bordered by pine lands create stunning landscapes

Credit: NPS photo

Two Alligators rest on a river bank

Two Alligators rest on a river bank

Credit: Al Sunshine

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Saturday, Apr 18

Sunny

Sunny

High: 91.8°F | Low: 68.9°F

Humidity: 72%

Wind: 13.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 11.2

Sunrise: 06:59 AM

Sunset: 07:51 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (1%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 73.1°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Sunday, Apr 19

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 85°F | Low: 74°F

Humidity: 67%

Wind: 11.9 mph

Rain Chance: 88%

UV Index: 10.9

Sunrise: 06:59 AM

Sunset: 07:51 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (3%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 71.5°F

Cloud Cover: 88%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Monday, Apr 20

Moderate rain

Moderate rain

High: 88°F | Low: 70°F

Humidity: 62%

Wind: 15.7 mph

Rain Chance: 88%

UV Index: 9.6

Sunrise: 06:58 AM

Sunset: 07:52 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (9%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 69°F

Cloud Cover: 88%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Temporary Road Closures Possible Due to Wildfire Activity Park Closure
SR 29 and I-75 may be closed periodically due to smoke impacts from the National Wildfire. Please be patient and use caution when in the area.
Off Road Vehicle Inspections Information
ORV renewals & new permits will be issued at the Nathanial P. Reed Visitor Center Friday-Monday, 9am-1:30pm. No permits will be issued Tuesday-Thursday. Permits will be issued first-come first-served. Visit our ORV page for more information

More Info

Kirby Storter - Partial Reopen Information
As of 11/4/2024, the Kirby Storter Boardwalk will reopen to the public. Note that the boardwalk is only open part of the way, as rebuilding has not yet begun.
Hilux Wildfire Caution
The Hilux Wildfire, discovered on April 3, continues to burn in the northwest corner of the preserve, north of I-75. Due to the fire progression, some areas have been closed for use, including Bear Island, Gator Head, and Pink Jeep Campgrounds, as well as trails in the area. Visitors should use caution and remain clear of all areas north of I-75 and west of Bundschu Grade. For area closure map click more.

More Info

Area Closure for National Wildfire Park Closure
Big Cypress National Preserve has issued a temporary area closure in order to ensure firefighter and public safety during wildfire activity. For more information and to view specific area restriction map, please click the link.

More Info

Temporary Area Restriction for Tundra Fire Information
Due to a wildfire in the area, a temporary area restriction is in place to ensure the safety of firefighters and public. This restriction includes all areas in the perimeter south of I75, west of Turner River Rd, north of Upper Wagonwheel, west of Birdon Rd (between Upper and Lower Wagonwheel), north of Lower Wagonwheel, and east of SR 29, including Fire Prairie Trail and Deep Lake Trail.
Park Passes Information
Park passes, including: America the Beautiful, Veteran, Lifetime, etc., are UNAVAILABLE for purchase/pickup within Big Cypress. Shark Valley Visitor Center (Everglades) is the closest location to Big Cypress for purchase.
Off Road Vehicle Office Closed Park Closure
Due to technical issues, the Off Road Vehicle Office is closed until further notice. Please call 239-631-9988 for updates on the status of the office. Thank you for your understanding at this time.
Kirby Storter Closure Park Closure
Starting March 23rd, the Kirby Storter boardwalk will be closed for debris removal. This closure will include what remains of the boardwalk and the north side of the parking lot. The closure for this cleanup is expected to last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Park Events

Visitor Centers Closed Christmas Day

Though the Visitor Centers and business offices will be closed, access into the Preserve is still available.

There are no ranger-led activities available on this day.

Location: Oasis Visitor Center and Big Cypress Welcome Center

Date: Dec 25, 2015 12:00am to Dec 25, 2015 12:00am

Paid Event

Night Sky Program

Programs will be held once per month in December, January, February, and March. The programs will take place at the end of Seagrape Drive located on the east side of the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center, 33000 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141. 

Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 17, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Night Sky Program

Programs will be held once per month in December, January, February, and March. The programs will take place at the end of Seagrape Drive located on the east side of the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center, 33000 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141. 

Date: Feb 21, 2026 12:00am to Feb 21, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Night Sky Program

Programs will be held once per month in December, January, February, and March. The programs will take place at the end of Seagrape Drive located on the east side of the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center, 33000 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141. 

Date: Mar 21, 2026 12:00am to Mar 21, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, FL 34141

🏤 Mailing Address:
33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, FL 34141

📞 Voice Phone: 2396952000

📞 Fax Phone: 2396953901

✉️ Email: bicy_information@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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