Gator Head Campground, near Ochopee, Florida, is a unique spot tucked away in the Big Cypress National Preserve. This place is all about embracing the wild, with primitive camping that lets you truly connect with nature.

The campground offers a handful of sites surrounded by lush palms and plenty of shade, perfect for those hot Florida days. Visitors have noted that the vault toilets are clean, but you’ll need to come prepared since there are no showers or water hookups. As one camper mentioned, “These are primitive sites with vault toilets, so bring what you need!” 

For adventure seekers, the area is a gateway to off-road trails, but make sure you have the necessary permits. Wildlife is abundant here, with sightings of deer, black bears, and alligators reported nearby. Just remember, while you might not see them right at your campsite, they’re definitely around!

If you’re looking for a quiet escape, Gator Head Campground is a solid choice. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but once you arrive, you’ll find a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, this campground offers a true taste of Florida’s wilderness.

## 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][1] . All campers must also carry a [Backcountry permit][2] . 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][1] information. Hunting and fishing regulations can be found at [Florida Fish and Wildfire Conservation Commission][3].\_\_ 
## Facilities

 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][1] information. Hunting and fishing regulations can be found at [Florida Fish and Wildfire Conservation Commission][3].\_\_ 
## 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. 

[1]: https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/orv-use.htm
[2]: https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/backcountry-permits.htm
[3]: https://myfwc.com/

Gator Head Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

Searching for the best camping near Immokalee, FL? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Immokalee, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Immokalee, FL. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Immokalee

The Best Camping Near Immokalee, Florida

Campground itself has few amenities, vault toilets among them. Be prepared for mosquitoes, but you  knew that. Lots of shade in some sites from pine trees, and a decent distance from closest water.

Primitive camping in the swamp

No access from 75, don’t be fooled by close location to it. Overall it’s nice

Nice distant campground. 

You will spend about hour to get there from alligator highway, despite it close location (you need make a loop). 

camp by itself is very nice and quiet. it also has two locked entrances to special off-road  trails (ORV permit required).

Nice camp

The camp at Bear island is has a good location to camp with tents and rvs with clean bathrooms with toilets no showers no electrical or water for rvs. Even though it looks close off 75W you have to go through the loop to actually get to the camp ground. There is a mix of campsites raging from a loop to a straight road with camp sites on each side. Wildlife includes white tail dear, black bears and alligators. Non were present near the camp site but we saw them on our way back on the preserve grounds. 

Remote enough to fill the wilderness 

I was here in January and there were very few campers. Sites are level with varying degrees of shade from the palms.

  

These are primitive sites with vault toilets, so bring what you need! There are food storage boxes available. There's access to off-road trails from this area if you have a vehicle and the necessary permits. Hunting and birdwatching are just a couple of the activities in the area.

Grassy lots among the palms in wilderness area

This spot has limited access. Need an ORV permit or hike in. 

Photos of Gator Head Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

Real photos from real campers