Established Camping
Mitchell Landing Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve
Mitchell Landing Campground, near Ochopee, Florida, is a unique spot tucked away in the Big Cypress National Preserve. This place offers a true wilderness experience with its remote setting, making it perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The campground features a mix of open and tucked-away sites, providing some visual privacy for campers. Visitors have noted the clean vault toilets and the peaceful ambiance, with sounds of nature filling the air at night. As one camper shared, “I was the only one camping. Loved it,” highlighting the solitude you can find here.
For outdoor activities, the campground is a great base for fishing, with reports of peacock bass and other species nearby. There's also an airboat launch area, which adds a bit of excitement for those interested in exploring the backcountry trails. Just keep in mind that there’s no drinking water available on-site, so plan accordingly.
While the amenities are basic, with no electric hookups or showers, the charm of Mitchell Landing lies in its simplicity and connection to nature. Campers appreciate the opportunity to unwind and soak in the beautiful surroundings, making it a memorable destination for those who enjoy a more primitive camping experience.
Description
National Park Service
Big Cypress National Preserve
Overview
Mitchell Landing Campground is a primitive campground located in Big Cypress National Preserve. Access to the campground is along a secondary gravel road. Cell phone service is limited and it is highly encouraged that reservations be made in advance.__ Mitchell Landing Campground is open August 15-April 15 and offers 12 campsites. This campground allows for tent, RV, and travel trailer camping. Visitors may enjoy nearby activities such as off-road vehicle trail access, hiking, fishing, and our popular loop road scenic drive. The campground offers vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is no water available.__
Recreation
Mitchell Landing Campground is a popular location for airboat users. It is part of the Stairstep backcountry unit, the only unit open to airboats in the park. Visitors with an off-road vehicle (ORV) permit can access airboat trails directly from the campground. This location also offers the opportunity for nearby hiking, fishing, and access to the popular loop road scenic drive. For more information on fishing regulations please visit myfwc.com. For more information on ORV use please call the off- road vehicle office at 239-695-1117 or visit our website at https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/orv-use.htm.
Facilities
Mitchell Landing Campground is a popular location for airboat users. It is part of the Stairstep backcountry unit, the only unit open to airboats in the park. Visitors with an off-road vehicle (ORV) permit can access airboat trails directly from the campground. This location also offers the opportunity for nearby hiking, fishing, and access to the popular loop road scenic drive. For more information on fishing regulations please visit myfwc.com. For more information on ORV use please call the off- road vehicle office at 239-695-1117 or visit our website at https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/orv-use.htm.
Natural Features
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.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (239) 631-9988.
Nearby Attractions
Mitchell Landing Campground is located directly off the popular loop road scenic drive. Shark Valley Visitor Center, part of Everglades National Park, is located 11 miles east. The Stairstep backcountry trails are accessible directly form the campground and they offer the only airboat trails in the preserve. The Florida National Scenic Trail is accessible 22 miles to the east.__
Fee Info
Campsites are $24.00 a night.__
Location
Mitchell Landing Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve is located in Florida
Directions
From Naples follow US HWY 41 to Loop Road, Mile marker 40. The east entrance to Loop Road will offer easier access to larger vehicles. Follow Loop Road approximately seven miles and turn left into the campground.____ From Miami follow US HWY 41 to Loop Road, Mile marker 40. The east entrance to Loop Road will offer easier access to larger vehicles. Follow Loop Road approximately seven miles and turn left into the campground.__
Coordinates
25.7554905 N
80.9292486 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 6 min from Miami
- 1 hr 34 min from Naples
- 2 hrs 19 min from Cape Coral
- 2 hrs 23 min from Punta Gorda