Map showing campground location near Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida

Camper submitted image from Bear Island Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

Bear Island Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Big Cypress National Preserve manages Bear Island Campground, a drive-in site about 40 miles into the preserve along a long stretch of dirt and gravel road. The road conditions alone are worth planning around: reviewers note the drive can run over 20 miles of unpaved surface depending on the entry point, so high-clearance vehicles and a full supply kit are practical necessities before heading out. Campers interested in pet-friendly campgrounds around Big Cypress National Preserve will find Bear Island fits that criteria, with pets welcome throughout.

The campground has 40 sites total, split between an open field with some tree cover and more wooded sites that provide additional privacy. Sites 1 through 12 sit on a loop with limited separation between neighbors, though the sites themselves are large enough that crowding is rarely an issue. A canal running alongside the road gives anglers a place to fish, and at night the surrounding swamp comes alive with crayfish, alligator gar, and gators. Vault toilets and bear boxes are on-site. No water or electric hookups are available.

Wildlife activity is a consistent theme in reviews. Bobby G. recommends visitors "take a flashlight and look in many of the waterways" after dark. ORV trails are accessible with a permit, and the same routes work for hiking and biking. One note on noise: Interstate 75 sits roughly a mile away, and road sound carries when the wind drops. Campers wanting a different layout or closer access to services can look at Pink Jeep Campground, also within the preserve.

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Map & DirectionsBear Island Campground is located in Florida near Big Cypress National Preserve

Public Campground

Address

33100 Tamiami Trail East
Immokalee, FL 34142

Coordinates

26.18146076 N
81.24426382 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

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Last on 2/24/26
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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

+12396951201

Reservations

+18774446777

Drive Time

33 min from Naples, FL
1 hr 9 min from Cape Coral, FL
1 hr 11 min from Miami, FL
1 hr 13 min from Punta Gorda, FL

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Bear Island Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited clean, spacious sites and well-maintained facilities including vault toilets and bear boxes. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, though visitors should prepare for 20+ miles of dirt road access and occasional highway noise.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Rene G.

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 30, 2025

Bear Island

Very spacious and cared for. Primitive and peaceful. Has on-site bathrooms no showers

Month of VisitDecember

Eric G.

Scout

Reviewed May. 19, 2025

Very isolated location.

This location is at the end of a 41 mile dirt road. We stayed on the loop that contains sites 1 through 12. There is no privacy between sites, except #4. The sites are large and you shouldn’t feel crowded. The area was well maintained and the vault toilet was clean. There is some great fishing in the canal alongside the road.

Site#8

Month of VisitMay

Bobby G.

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 25, 2024

Clean, Warm, and Cozy. With a touch of Gators...

Stayed here for a quick overnight campout last weekend and was very pleased with the campgrounds. The site was clean and well groomed. We were close to the swamp and at night saw quite a few crayfish crawling around on the ground at night which was a first for me. If you stay here make sure you take a walk around at night that is where we ended up seeing a lot of critters which was really cool. Also make sure you take a flashlight and look in many of the waterways. We ended up seeing quite a few gators and fish like alligator gar. Also discovered that the creeping growling noises I was hearing all night was Gators mating which is wild to think about...

Site03

Month of VisitMarch

Elizabeth C.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 23, 2022

Primitive & Secluded

Absolutely love this campground. Instead of turning left to the circular campground, go straight and there is many more sites. It is quiet and well kept. No water/electric but personally, you don't need it.

Site39

Month of VisitNovember

Bob S.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 27, 2021

Remote camping

Part of Big Cypress Preserve, Bear Island offers 40 sites including 13 year round in a field with some trees. The other 27 offer more privacy in wooded camp sites each with a fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets are available along with bear boxes for food storage. Bring everything you need because the drive in is over 20 miles of dirty/gravel roads. Plenty of wildlife. ORV trails if you obtain a permit. Trails also good for biking, hiking, and running. Only downside is the road noise from I-75 about a mile away. When wind isn’t rustling through the trees, road noise can be heard. A little buggy at dusk too.

(8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bear Island Campground located in Big Cypress National Preserve?

Bear Island Campground is located in the northern section of Big Cypress National Preserve. It's situated at the end of a 41-mile dirt road, making it a more remote camping destination. The campground consists of two distinct areas: a circular loop containing sites 1-12, and additional camping areas that can be accessed by continuing straight instead of turning left toward the loop. This remote location offers a true wilderness experience within the preserve's unique ecosystem.

What outdoor activities can I do near Bear Island in Big Cypress?

Bear Island offers excellent fishing opportunities in the surrounding waters. The area's proximity to swampland provides unique wildlife viewing experiences - campers have spotted crayfish and other wetland creatures, especially at night. The natural setting is perfect for hiking and nature photography. The campground's remote location at the end of a long dirt road means minimal light pollution, creating outstanding stargazing opportunities. The diverse ecosystem of Big Cypress National Preserve surrounding the campground provides an authentic wilderness experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Do I need a permit or reservation for Bear Island Campground in Big Cypress?

While specific reservation details aren't mentioned, Bear Island Campground operates within Big Cypress National Preserve and likely follows National Park Service protocols. As a precaution, check with the Big Cypress National Preserve visitor center or official website before your trip to verify current reservation requirements and fees. Given its remote location at the end of a 41-mile dirt road, it's advisable to secure your camping arrangements in advance, especially during peak seasons.

What facilities and amenities are available at Bear Island Campground?

Bear Island Campground offers 40 primitive sites, including 13 year-round sites in a field with some trees and 27 more private wooded sites. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground provides vault toilets and bear boxes for food storage. There are no water or electric hookups available. The sites are well-maintained and clean, with the loop sites (1-12) offering large spaces but minimal privacy between most sites (except #4). Come prepared with everything you need as there are no services at this remote location.

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