Camping near Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve has several good camping options throughout the area. Collier-Seminole State Park maintains a campground with hiking trails nearby and a boat ramp you can use to get on the water. Hunt Camp gives you a more basic camping setup with non-potable water available but fewer amenities. Burns Lake Campground fills up with RVs during winter when people come down to escape cold weather up north. Most campers visit from November through April when it's cooler and more comfortable to be outside. Summers get really hot and humid, and you can count on afternoon thunderstorms rolling through regularly. You should book ahead during winter months since spots fill up fast, especially at the more developed sites. Collier-Seminole has restrooms, showers, and picnic tables that make family camping easier. Hunt Camp is pretty bare-bones but puts you right in the middle of the natural environment. Make sure to pack in your own drinking water and supplies at the more remote sites where you won't find many facilities. You'll likely see alligators and lots of wading birds while camping in the preserve. Big Cypress works well for quick weekend trips or longer stays depending on what you're looking for. Always double-check if any areas are closed before heading out, especially during seasonal transitions or after storms.

Best Camping Sites Near Big Cypress National Preserve (74)

    1. Monument Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    22 Reviews
    Ochopee, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 695-1205

    $24 - $28 / night

    "Nice simple campground right in the middle of the huge wilderness of Big Cypress National Preserve and not far from Everglades National Park."

    "The next day was back to Florida’s hot and humidity. This campground is in one of natire’s most wonderful places, big cypress national preserve. This campground has tent and rv sites."

    2. Trail Lakes Campground

    12 Reviews
    Ochopee, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 504-6554

    $45 - $225 / night

    "My girlfriend and I wanted to do the spur of the moment camping trip and so, while we were driving from the east side of south Florida we tried calling multiple campgrounds to find which had last minute"

    "Trail Lakes is a proper campground which is staffed and gated just off of Hwy 41 (Alligator Alley) on the west side in Ochopee. It's open all year long. "

    3. Midway Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    16 Reviews
    Ochopee, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 695-1205

    $24 - $30 / night

    "I appreciated that he was around as it make me feel safer if I were to travel alone."

    "This is a great campground in Big Cypress Wilderness Reserve at mile marker 52 on route 41 Tamiami trail."

    4. Burns Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Ochopee, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 695-1205

    $24 / night

    "This is campground in Big Cypress National Preserve is the same campground that is managed by that National Park Service."

    "You would need to drive a considerable distance on 41 east or west to get to a service station that might have what you are looking for. Its quiet…in a nature sort of way."

    5. Seven Mile Camp on the Florida Trail

    3 Reviews
    Big Cypress National Preserve, FL
    8 miles
    Website

    "The Florida Trail starts at the Oasis Visitor's Center off of US 41 and goes up through the state and finishes off in the panhandle."

    "Secluded, far away from a lot of stuff but unfortunately still able to hear the hwy at times. Lots of wild life lots of stars."

    6. Collier–Seminole State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Goodland, FL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 394-3397

    $22 / night

    "It is a well laid out Florida State Park campground In a mangrove swamp, making the mosquitoes horrible."

    "Even still, there are 105 camp sites tucked away on dry ground. All have electric and water, a fire pit and picnic table."

    7. Bear Island Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    4 Reviews
    Big Cypress National Preserve, FL
    17 miles
    +1 (239) 695-1201

    $10 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    8. Everglades Isle Motorcoach Retreat

    5 Reviews
    Everglades City, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 695-2600

    "In the future we will choose non waterfront or the furthest down from the entrance! Word of caution...watch for falling coconuts. One in the pic fell right next to where we were sitting."

    "I have to say i was very impressed with the resort and staff, it was way above my expectations, very close to Marco Island and Naples. I will dedinetly come back."

    9. Gator Head Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    6 Reviews
    Immokalee, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 695-1117

    $10 / night

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

    "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."

    10. Backcountry Sweetwater Bay Chickee — Everglades National Park

    1 Review
    Ochopee, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (305) 242-7700

    "There are several of these available along the Wilderness Waterway (this one is at marker 99) located on the inside (non-Gulf side of the islands)."

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Recent Reviews near Big Cypress National Preserve

211 Reviews of 74 Big Cypress National Preserve Campgrounds


  • Anthony B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Naples/Marco Island KOA Holiday

    Nice park but drainage issues

    We stayed here last weekend, and while the park is nice enough, there are severe drainage issues. We live in Florida and fully understand rainy season, but there’s no excuse to wake up to 4 inches of water FLOWING through your site. Site L18 is not recommended.

  • Ernesto H.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2025

    Monument Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    Naturaleza salvaje

    La primera vez que fui me impactó muchísimo porque desde la entrada veías los caimanes a la orilla de la calle fuera del agua y bastante cerca de las tiendas de campaña. Hay baños y algo se señal de T-Mobile

  • Rob C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2025

    Monument Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    Clean Quiet

    Enjoyed my 2 day stay here! Amazing thing while I was there is there were Thousands of Green Grasshoppers all on the Trees, Ground and the camper wheels, not eating, just like they were waiting for something!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2025

    Panther Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve

    Great spot to disconnect. Primitive. Free.

    I have hammock camped twice at this location. There is no cost to stay, no reservations needed. You can fill out a permit from the website. However I have never been asked for it. The trail in can be muddy depending on the time of year. 5 miles from the entrance on the Blue trail, it is a tree grove with a picnic table and firepit. Large and maintained by the FTA, space for 10+ tents and hammocks. There is a water hole in the back of the camp which can be filtered. However a gator generally lives there. Better to pack your water in. Strong cell signal due to cell towers at the rest stop.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Bear Island Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    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.

  • Paul Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Monument Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    A real gem!

    A real gem! Not a large CG with lots of amenities, but quiet and beautiful. No water and electricity at sites. Very clean bathroom with showers at entrance; with pit toilet on loop. We were at site 26 which overlooked the field of sawgrass in Big Cypress with nice afternoon shade. It does close for season in mid-April and we were there the last two nights, so very quiet! Good location to enjoy Loop Road in Big Cypress with lots of wildlife. Also good Basecamp for visits to Shark Valley Trail as wall as Ten Thousand Islands.

  • Eric R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 17, 2025

    Long Pine Key Campground — Everglades National Park

    No hook-ups

    Great campground, quite but yet close to Homestead. Bring our own generator. Camp sites have not been maintained like they should have, lots of overgrown brush in the campsites, which makes them harder to squeeze into. The campground needs to reclaim the sites from where there were 10-20 years ago. If the website says it fixs a 40-foot, then it might actually fit a 35 footer


Guide to Big Cypress National Preserve

Camping near Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, offers a unique experience filled with stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Whether you're a tent camper or an RV enthusiast, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own charm and challenges.

What to do:

  • Explore the Everglades: The nearby Everglades National Park is a must-visit. One camper mentioned, "Drive to Everglade City for a boat ride out to the bay. Fantastic experience." This is a great way to see alligators and other wildlife up close.
  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds, like Collier–Seminole State Park Campground, offer access to hiking trails. A visitor noted, "This was a great spot if you're camping in south Florida between spots and has great hiking."
  • Fishing: The waters around campgrounds like Monument Lake Campground are known for good fishing. One review stated, "Great fishing in the area. Fresh and salt."

What campers like:

  • Wildlife Viewing: Campers appreciate the chance to see wildlife. One camper at Mitchell Landing Campground shared, "I saw a bobcat and a billion alligators."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Midway Campground said, "The standout for us was the quick and helpful response of the staff."
  • Scenic Views: Campers enjoy the beautiful scenery. A review for Trail Lakes Campground mentioned, "The campground was beautiful and the sites were somewhat spread out or had vegetation separating the sites."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially mosquitoes. A camper at Collier–Seminole State Park Campground warned, "The mosquitoes were so aggressive we got tons of bites."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Burns Lake Campground, have very few amenities. One visitor noted, "There are no showers but the bathrooms are nice."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Monument Lake Campground advised, "Reservations are required."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer activities for kids. A family at Naples-Marco Island KOA enjoyed the "pool, boat ramp, playground, and dog park."
  • Pack Insect Repellent: Given the bug situation, it's smart to bring insect repellent. One camper at Trail Lakes Campground reminded others, "Bring insect repellant & enjoy the Everglades!"
  • Plan for Limited Facilities: Be ready for basic facilities. A visitor at Horseshoe Primitive Campground mentioned, "Porta potties available, but no drinkable water."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Everglades Isle Motorcoach Retreat noted, "This place will not take older motorhomes regardless of condition."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to airboats. A camper at Everglades Isle Motorcoach Retreat said, "It was very noisy all day long."
  • Use Dump Stations Wisely: Know where the nearest dump stations are. A visitor at Midway Campground mentioned, "Dump Station: At Midway."

Camping near Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Big Cypress National Preserve?

According to TheDyrt.com, Big Cypress National Preserve offers a wide range of camping options, with 74 campgrounds and RV parks near Big Cypress National Preserve and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Big Cypress National Preserve?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Big Cypress National Preserve is Monument Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Big Cypress National Preserve?