Highway noise from nearby I-75 carries into this hike-in primitive site along the Florida Trail's Orange section. Campers access the spot without reservations, though the proximity to the interstate means occasional litter despite Leave No Trace principles.
The site includes one aluminum picnic table and fire ring, with additional cleared areas toward the back offering space for more tents and a smaller fire ring. Limited tree cover provides minimal shade and few hammock options. A seasonal creek flows south of the camp during wet months but dries completely in winter, making water carry-in essential year-round. The site ranks smaller than Panther Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve and Nobles Camp but offers free backcountry camping for those willing to hike their gear in.
Description
Big Cypress National Preserve consists of 729,000 acres of backcountry with several miles of multi-use trails to explore. Backcountry camping allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of the Preserve's wild side. By carrying everything you need to survive on your back or in your off-road vehicle, you can discover a world beyond where the pavement ends.
A Backcountry Camping Permit is required for all backcountry camping. Permits are free and can be filled out online and printed. Additionally, they are located at every backcountry trailhead and can be found at both visitor centers. The permits take only a few minutes to complete. Please click here to get started.
Please click here for more information about the rules and regulations concerning backcountry camping.
Reservation Info
Permit required - see website for details
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingCarpenter Primitive Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve is located in Florida
Coordinates
26.192736 N
81.055435 W
Connectivity
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VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Carpenter Primitive Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 42 min from Naples, FL
- 1 hr 2 min from Miami, FL
- 1 hr 18 min from Cape Coral, FL
- 1 hr 22 min from Punta Gorda, FL
