Within Big Cypress National Preserve, this National Park Service campground sits along Loop Road, requiring about an hour's drive from the main highway despite appearing close on maps. The $10 primitive sites accommodate both tents and RVs, though no hookups or showers are available.
Sites offer varying degrees of shade from palm trees, with vault toilets and food storage boxes provided. Dave C. notes "Wildlife includes white tail dear, black bears and alligators" in the preserve, though not typically near campsites. The campground layout features both a loop configuration and straight road sections with sites on each side.
Access to off-road vehicle trails begins here for those with proper permits. Fishing opportunities exist in the area, and the location serves hunters and birdwatchers exploring the preserve. Cell service reaches the campground, and trash collection is provided. Mosquitoes are common, so preparation is essential.
The preserve offers places to camp around Big Cypress National Preserve for those seeking additional options. Reservations are available for this no-pets facility, which tends to see lighter use during winter months when conditions are more comfortable.
Description
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 Floridas 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.
Fee Info
Fees are $10 per site all reservations must be made on Rec.gov
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundGator Head Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve is located in Florida
Directions
From Naples: Head east on HWY 41 turn left on Turner River Rd, then go approx 20 miles up the dirt road until you come to a check station then turn left. YOU MUST HAVE AN ORV PERMIT AND GATE COMBO TO ACCESS THIS CAMPGROUND. Once in the gate you will come to a T intersection where you will then turn right and follow the trail until you come to the campground on the left. From Miami: You will head west then same directions as above.
Address
Turner River Road
Ochopee, FL 34141
Coordinates
26.2238 N
81.2678 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
Drive Time
- 48 min from Naples, FL
- 1 hr 24 min from Cape Coral, FL
- 1 hr 28 min from Punta Gorda, FL
- 1 hr 35 min from Miami, FL
