Big Cypress National Preserve
Designation: National Preserve
Location: Florida
📘 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
Alligators, big and small, call Big Cypress National Preserve home.
Credit: NPS Photo
Cypress swamps while appearing mysterious, are peaceful and serene.
Credit: NPS Photo
As an International Dark Sky Park, Big Cypress protects a beautiful night sky.
Credit: NPS Photo
Canoeing is one of the many activities you can enjoy in Big Cypress
Credit: NPS Photo
The Florida Panther is one of the most iconic animals of Big Cypress
Credit: John Kellam
palm trees emerge out of the fog as an orange sunrise dots the landscape
Credit: Richard Eskin
large open expanses of prairie bordered by pine lands create stunning landscapes
Credit: NPS photo
Two Alligators rest on a river bank
Credit: Al Sunshine
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Friday, Feb 6
Sunny
High: 66.4°F | Low: 42.1°F
Humidity: 64%
Wind: 13.4 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.3
Sunrise: 07:07 AM
Sunset: 06:12 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (82%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 46.3°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Feb 7
Sunny
High: 76.8°F | Low: 49.1°F
Humidity: 65%
Wind: 13.4 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.3
Sunrise: 07:06 AM
Sunset: 06:13 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (73%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 55.9°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, Feb 8
Partly Cloudy
High: 68.2°F | Low: 50.5°F
Humidity: 65%
Wind: 8.1 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.3
Sunrise: 07:06 AM
Sunset: 06:14 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (64%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 53.8°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (1)
Rip Current Statement issued February 6 at 4:04AM EST until February 6 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Miami FL
Effective: Feb 6, 2026 4:04am
Expires: Feb 6, 2026 7:00pm
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.
* WHERE...Coastal Collier County.
* WHEN...Through Friday evening.
* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.
Park Alerts
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: Dec 20, 2025 12:00am to Dec 20, 2025 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