Established Camping
Gator Head Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Collier County put a burn ban in place on Feb. 11, 2025. Anyone who breaks the rules and causes major damage could face fines of up to $15,000. Collier County Officials made this call because of extremely dry conditions across most of the area. The ban stops people from having open fires, outdoor burning, and trash burning outside city limits. People can still use grills, stoves, cookers, and smokers for outdoor food preparation. Farmers, approved industrial burning, and Florida Forest Service and Federal prescribed fire work are allowed to continue. The ban will remain in effect until further notice. For more information, call 311 or (239) 252-4311
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.
Description
National Park Service
Big Cypress National Preserve
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.
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
Location
Gator 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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
Drive Time
- 48 min from Naples
- 1 hr 24 min from Cape Coral
- 1 hr 28 min from Punta Gorda
- 1 hr 35 min from Miami
