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.
Photo: NPS Photo
Big Cypress National Preserve
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.
- LocationOchopee, FL
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now80°F Patchy rain nearby
- Alerts 2 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Alligators or Crocodiles
- Animals
- Archeology
- Arts
- Birds
- Cats (wild)
- Coniferous Forests
- Deciduous Forests
17 more topics
- Endangered
- Estuaries and Mangroves
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Fire
- Forests and Woodlands
- Grasslands
- Groundwater
- Industry
- Logging and Timber Cutting
- Native American Heritage
- Night Sky
- Photography
- River and Riparian
- Swamps
- Unique Species
- Watersheds
- Wetlands
Alerts (2)
InformationORV Permits Sold Online
Starting May 1st, 2026 ORV permits will only be able to be purchased online. Please visit the link to learn more.
InformationPark Passes Park passes, including: America the Beautiful, Veteran, Lifetime, etc., are UNAVAILABLE for purchase/pickup within Big C… Read more
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.
Things to Do
33 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Wildlife Watching
- Scenic Driving
- Stargazing
- Astronomy
- Boating
- Paddling
- Biking
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Junior Ranger Program
Show 21 more activities
Camping
8 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
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Bear Island Campground
Reservable Campground
Bear Island Campground is a primitive campground located in Big Cypress National Preserve. Access to the campground is at the end of a 20-mile secondary gravel road…
Reserve on Recreation.govDetails
Fees: Campsites are $10.00 a night.
Overview
Bear Island Campground is a primitive campground located in Big Cypress National Preserve. Access to the campground is at the end of a 20-mile secondary gravel road. Located nearby are Gator Head and Pink Jeep campgrounds. Cell phone service is limited and it is highly encouraged that reservations be made in advance.
Bear Island campground has 40 campsites. Campsites 1-12 are open year round. Campsites 13-40 are open August 15- April 15. The campground offers tent and RV camping. Amenities include vault toilets, fire rings, shared food storage, and picnic tables. Visitors may enjoy nearby activities such as off-road vehicle trail access, hiking, and hunting.
Recreation
Bear Island Campground is the perfect location to enjoy much of what Big Cypress National Preserve has to offer. Visitors can enjoy nearby hiking, hunting, fishing, and off-road vehicle (ORV) trails with a permitted off-road vehicle. For information on ORV use please call 239-631-9988.Hunting and fishing regulations can be found at myfwc.com.
Facilities
Bear Island Campground is a primitive campground only accessible down a 20-mile secondary gravel road. Campsites have gravel or grass pads. It offers vault toilets, picnic tables, shared food storage, and fire rings. There is no water available.
Natural Features
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. Protecting over 720,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida Panther.
Nearby Attractions
The Bear Island Unit offers 20 plus miles of backcountry trails. Everglades City is located 30 miles south and provides dining, sight-seeing, and historical sites. Everglades National Park can also be accessed via Everglades City. Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center is also located 30 miles to the south.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (239) 631-9988. -
Burns Lake Campground
Reservable Campground
Burns Lake Campground offers lake views from every campsite. Offering direct backcountry access, this campground is the ideal place for hunters and off-road vehicle…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Fishing
Details
Overview
Burns Lake Campground offers lake views from every campsite. Offering direct backcountry access, this campground is the ideal place for hunters and off-road vehicle enthusiasts.Recreation
Burns Lake offers a great access point for your permitted off-road vehicle. Campers can enjoy fishing in the lake and surrounding areas with the appropriate licensure. Just far enough from any major highway, this campground offers countless wildlife viewing opportunities.Facilities
This campground offers a picnic day use area, vault toilets, and an off-road vehicle parking lot and access point. No fresh water is available.Natural Features
Surrounded by towering pine trees and wrapping around a lake, this campground allows you to feel like you are getting away while still being close enough to modern conveniences.Nearby Attractions
Campers can enjoy local sight-seeing attractions such as airboat and swamp buggy tours, museums, art galleries, and boardwalks. This campground is located close to multiple national and state parks.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (239) 631-9988. -
Gator Head Campground
Reservable Campground
Gator Head Campground is a primitive campground located within the Bear Island Unit of Big Cypress National Preserve. (THIS CAMPGROUND CAN ONLY BE ACCESSED WITH AN ORV…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Fishing
- Biking
- Birding
- Off Road Vehicle Trails
Details
Fees: Fees are $10 per site all reservations must be made on Rec.gov
Overview
Gator Head Campground is a primitive campground located within the Bear Island Unit of Big Cypress National Preserve. (THIS CAMPGROUND CAN ONLY BE ACCESSED WITH AN ORV PERMIT, FOOT, OR BICYCLE) THE GATE COMBO WILL ONLY BE GIVEN IF YOU HAVE THE PROPER ORV PERMIT AT THE PERMITING OFFICE. All ORVs must have a valid ORV permit . All campers must also carry a Backcountry permit . Cell phone service is limited and it is highly encouraged that reservations be made in advance.
Recreation
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. Protecting over 720,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida Panther.
Gator Head Campground offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to camp at a designated campground in the Big Cypress backcountry. Visitors can enjoy nearby hiking, hunting, fishing, and off-road vehicle (ORV) trails with a permitted off-road vehicle. For more information on ORV use, please call 239-631-9988 or review park Off Road Vehicle Use information. Hunting and fishing regulations can be found at Florida Fish and Wildfire Conservation Commission.
Facilities
This small primitive campground offers nine sites with picnic tables, shared food storage, and fire rings. Vault toilets are available for use. There is no water available. The Bear Island Unit offers 20 plus miles of backcountry trails. Everglades City is located 30 miles south and provides dining, sight-seeing, and historical sites. Everglades National Park can also be accessed via Everglades City. Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center is also located 30 miles to the south.
Natural Features
Gator Head Campground has 9 campsites. This campground offers pickup camper and tent camping only. No trailers or RV's are allowed in the backcountry. Amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Visitors may enjoy nearby activities such as off-road vehicle trails, hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (239) 631-9988.Nearby Attractions
The Bear Island Unit offers 20 plus miles of backcountry trails. Everglades City is located 30 miles south and provides dining, sight-seeing, and historical sites. Everglades National Park can also be accessed via Everglades City. Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center is also located 30 miles to the south.
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Midway Campground (FL)
Reservable Campground
Midway Campground is a beautiful place where visitors can enjoy the surrounding preserve while sitting at their picnic table. Visitors may enjoy nearby activities such…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Day Use Area
Details
Overview
Midway Campground is a beautiful place where visitors can enjoy the surrounding preserve while sitting at their picnic table. Visitors may enjoy nearby activities such as fishing, hiking through the preserve, and exploring the many boardwalks.Recreation
Midway Campground is centrally located in Big Cypress National Preserve, offering a multitude of recreational activities. Ranging from hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, photography, and off-road vehicle trails.Facilities
This campground offers electric hookups for RV sites, dump station, flush toilets, and water. Each RV campsite has its own picnic table and hibachi style grill. Covered picnic areas are located around the lake for day use.Natural Features
The RV campsites surround the lake offering a view from every site. Each campsite is open with limited to no shade. The outer perimeter of the campground is lined with a mixture of different trees.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (239) 631-9988.Nearby Attractions
Located just off the highway, this campground is close to the Oasis Visitor Center, Miccosukee Cultural Center, Shark Valley, and Clyde Butcher's Art Gallery.
Show 4 more campgrounds
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Mitchell Landing Campground
Reservable Campground
Mitchell Landing Campground is a primitive campground located in Big Cypress National Preserve. Access to the campground is along a secondary gravel road. Cell phone…
Reserve on Recreation.govDetails
Fees: Campsites are $24.00 a night.
Overview
Mitchell Landing Campground is a primitive campground located in Big Cypress National Preserve. Access to the campground is along a secondary gravel road. Cell phone service is limited and it is highly encouraged that reservations be made in advance.
Mitchell Landing Campground is open August 15-April 15 and offers 12 campsites. This campground allows for tent, RV, and travel trailer camping. Visitors may enjoy nearby activities such as off-road vehicle trail access, hiking, fishing, and our popular loop road scenic drive. The campground offers vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is no water available.
Recreation
Mitchell Landing Campground is a popular location for airboat users. It is part of the Stairstep backcountry unit, the only unit open to airboats in the park. Visitors with an off-road vehicle (ORV) permit can access airboat trails directly from the campground. This location also offers the opportunity for nearby hiking, fishing, and access to the popular loop road scenic drive. For more information on fishing regulations please visit myfwc.com. For more information on ORV use please call the off- road vehicle office at 239-695-1117 or visit our website at https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/orv-use.htm.
Facilities
Mitchell Landing Campground is a primitive campground located along a secondary gravel road. Campsites have gravel or grass pads and accommodate tent and RV campers. This campground offers vault toilets, picnic tables, shared food storage, and fire rings. There is no water available.
Natural Features
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. Protecting over 720,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida Panther.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (239) 631-9988.Nearby Attractions
Mitchell Landing Campground is located directly off the popular loop road scenic drive. Shark Valley Visitor Center, part of Everglades National Park, is located 11 miles east. The Stairstep backcountry trails are accessible directly form the campground and they offer the only airboat trails in the preserve. The Florida National Scenic Trail is accessible 22 miles to the east.
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Monument Lake Campground
Reservable Campground
Monument Lake Campground is a beautiful place where visitors can enjoy the surrounding preserve while sitting at their picnic table. Visitors may enjoy nearby activities…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Fishing
- Day Use Area
- Hunting
Details
Overview
Monument Lake Campground is a beautiful place where visitors can enjoy the surrounding preserve while sitting at their picnic table. Visitors may enjoy nearby activities such as fishing, hiking through the preserve, and exploring the many boardwalks.Recreation
Monument Lake Campground is centrally located in Big Cypress National Preserve offering a multitude of recreational activities including hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, photography, and off-road vehicle trails.Facilities
This campground offers flush toilets and drinking water. Fire rings are available at the tent sites.Natural Features
The RV campsites surround the lake offering a view from every site. Each campsite is open with limited to no shade. Tent sites are tucked away from the RV area and close to the campground host and restroom.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (239) 631-9988.Nearby Attractions
Located just off the highway, this campground is close to the Oasis Visitor Center, Miccosukee Cultural Center, Shark Valley, and Clyde Butcher's Art Gallery. -
Pinecrest Group Campground
Reservable Campground
Pinecrest Campground offers four group campsites that provide a nice, quiet and relaxing atmosphere. This is a wonderful location for a group to start their south…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Fishing
- Biking
- Historic & Cultural Site
Details
Overview
Pinecrest Campground offers four group campsites that provide a nice, quiet and relaxing atmosphere. This is a wonderful location for a group to start their south Florida adventure.Recreation
Pinecrest offers access to recreational activities such as paddling, hiking, birding, fishing, and hunting with proper licensure.Facilities
This campground is for primitive group use camping only. Picnic tables and fire rings are available at each site. There are no covered picnic areas, toilets, hookups, or water. Minimal shade is provided by surrounding trees.Natural Features
Situated alongside Loop Road the campground is located in a clearing and surrounded by pine and oak trees.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (239) 631-9988.Nearby Attractions
Located on historic Loop Road this campground is close to the Miccosukee Cultural Center, Oasis Visitor Center, and Shark Valley. -
Pink Jeep Campground
Reservable Campground
Pink Jeep Campground is a primitive campground located in the backcountry within the Bear Island Unit of Big Cypress National Preserve. (THIS CAMPGROUND CAN ONLY BE…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Biking
- Birding
- Off Road Vehicle Trails
Details
Overview
Pink Jeep Campground is a primitive campground located in the backcountry within the Bear Island Unit of Big Cypress National Preserve. (THIS CAMPGROUND CAN ONLY BE ACCESSED WITH AN ORV PERMIT, FOOT, OR BICYCLE) THE GATE COMBO WILL ONLY BE GIVEN IF YOU HAVE THE PROPER ORV PERMIT AT THE PERMITING OFFICE Ph# 239-631-9988. All ORVs must have a valid ORV permit. Campers must also carry a Backcountry permit . Cell phone service is limited and it is highly encouraged that reservations be made in advance.
Pink Jeep Campground has 9 campsites. This campground offers pickup camper and tent camping only. No trailers or RV's are allowed in the backcountry. Amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Visitors may enjoy nearby activities such as off-road vehicle trails, hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting.
Recreation
Pink Jeep Campground offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to camp at a designated campground in the Big Cypress backcountry. Visitors can enjoy nearby hiking, hunting, fishing, and off-road vehicle (ORV) trails with a permitted off-road vehicle. For more information on ORV use, please call 239-631-9988 or review this park Off Road Vehicle information. Hunting and fishing regulations can be found at Florida Fish and Wildfire Conservation Commission .
Facilities
The Bear Island Unit offers 20 plus miles of backcountry trails. Everglades City is located 30 miles south and provides dining, sight-seeing, and historical sites. Everglades National Park can also be accessed via Everglades City. Nathaniel P. Reed Welcome Center is also located 30 miles to the south.
Natural Features
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. Protecting over 720,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida Panther.
Nearby Attractions
The Bear Island Unit offers 20 plus miles of backcountry trails. Everglades City is located 30 miles south and provides dining, sight-seeing, and historical sites. Everglades National Park can also be accessed via Everglades City. Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center is also located 30 miles to the south.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (239) 631-9988.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
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Oasis Visitor Center
Visitor Center
This 1960s building was a gas station/convenience store. It was purchased by the National Park Service in the 1980s to be used as a visitor center.
Details
This 1960s building was a gas station/convenience store. It was purchased by the National Park Service in the 1980s to be used as a visitor center.
Other Visitor Services
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Gator Head
Facility
This is a primitive campground, which contains nine campsites. No water. Vault toilets are available. This campground is accessible only by permitted off-road vehicles…
Details
This is a primitive campground, which contains nine campsites. No water. Vault toilets are available. This campground is accessible only by permitted off-road vehicles, biking or hiking. -
Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center
Facility
Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center is a facility that was designed with energy conservation in mind, making maximum use of renewable resources. The visitor center offers…
33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL (239) 695-1168 Directions
Details
Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center is a facility that was designed with energy conservation in mind, making maximum use of renewable resources. The visitor center offers indoor and outdoor exhibits related to the history of the Big Cypress Swamp, as well as printed materials and an introductory film to the Preserve, its resources and recreational opportunities. The auditorium is available to reserve. -
Pink Jeep
Facility
This is a primitive campground, containing nine campsites. No water. Vault toilets are available. Pink Jeep can be accessed by off-road vehicle, hiking or biking…
Details
This is a primitive campground, containing nine campsites. No water. Vault toilets are available. Pink Jeep can be accessed by off-road vehicle, hiking or biking. Backcountry permits are required for all, off-road vehicle permits are required for off-road vehicles.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Big Cypress National Preserve
Hours details
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Big Cypress National PreserveOpen 24 hours, daily
The preserve is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The Oasis Visitor Center and the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center are closed on December 25th. No fee is charged for access to the preserve.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Weather
80°F
Patchy rain nearby · feels like 82°
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Today
86° 75°
Overcast76% rain -
Tomorrow
83° 76°
Overcast82% rain
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Saturday
91° 77°
Overcast79% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Contact the park
Upcoming Events
2 coming up-
Swamp Heritage Festival
Event page for Swamp Heritage Festival (opens in a new tab)About
Join us for the 4th annual Swamp Heritage Festival on December 5th, 2026! Live music, exciting speakers, exhibit booths, and tasty food await you at the festival grounds behind Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center! While the date/time for this event is set, planning is still in the works! Check back in October/November for more specific information.
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Visitor Centers Closed Christmas Day
About
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.
Photos
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palm trees emerge out of the fog as an orange sunrise dots the landscape — Richard Eskin -
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Getting There
Ochopee, FL 34141
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.
Full directions
The preserve's two visitor centers are located along Tamiami Trail East.
Mailing address: 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141
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