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 (71)

    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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Showing results 1-10 of 71 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Big Cypress National Preserve

211 Reviews of 71 Big Cypress National Preserve Campgrounds



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 71 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?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Big Cypress National Preserve.

What parks are near Big Cypress National Preserve?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Big Cypress National Preserve that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.