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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Big Cypress National Preserve

217 Reviews

Monument Lake Campground within Big Cypress National Preserve offers designated pet-friendly camping with 36 sites open seasonally from August 15 to April 15. Dogs must be leashed at all times while in the campground area. Both tent and RV campers with pets have access to the lake views, though pets should be kept away from the water's edge due to alligator presence. The surrounding landscape provides opportunities for wildlife viewing with pets, but owners should remain vigilant. Clean facilities include flush toilets and even showers, despite the campground's relatively remote setting. Most pet owners report the staff as friendly and helpful regarding local pet-friendly activities.

Burns Lake Campground, another pet-friendly option in Big Cypress, features more primitive camping with vault toilets but no drinking water. Located slightly further back from US 41 than Monument Lake, this campground provides access to numerous backcountry trails where leashed pets are permitted. Wildlife encounters require keeping pets secure, with food boxes available to prevent attracting animals. Alligators frequent the nearby lake, so pets must remain leashed and supervised at all times near water. Temperature considerations are important when camping with pets in this region, as summer months bring intense heat and biting insects. Trail Lakes Campground offers additional pet-friendly options with more amenities including electric hookups, showers, and water access, making it suitable for longer stays with pets.

Map showing campgrounds near Big Cypress National Preserve, FloridaExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Big Cypress National Preserve (45)

    1. Monument Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    23 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

    13 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

    17 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 simple campground but location makes for a good base when exploring the Preserve."

    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. Collier–Seminole State Park Campground

    32 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."

    "The lake was so beautiful. The cat walk trail was nice and maintained well. Loved the walking dredge history. The staff was really nice."

    6. 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."

    7. 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."

    8. Mitchell Landing Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    4 Reviews
    Ochopee, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 695-1117

    $24 / night

    "The best fresh water fishing around is close to this campground. No water. Clean vault. Great hosts, very knowledgeable about the area, Brent and Tim. Beautiful country."

    "Overall Rating: 4 Price 2023: $ w interagency pass Security: No - Remote Usage during visit: Light Site Privacy: about half the sites are spread out in an open park lake area. Are very nice."

    9. Chokoloskee RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Everglades City, FL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 695-2414

    10. Outdoor Resorts-Chokoloskee Island

    1 Review
    Everglades City, FL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (239) 695-2881
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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Big Cypress National Preserve

43 Photos of 45 Big Cypress National Preserve Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Big Cypress National Preserve

217 Reviews of 45 Big Cypress National Preserve Campgrounds

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2019

    Burns Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    National Park Service Campground in Big Cypress

    This is campground in Big Cypress National Preserve is the same campground that is managed by that National Park Service. See more reviews and images here ->Burns Lake Campground

  • J
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Monument Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    Big Cypress park

    Nice simple campground right in the middle of the huge wilderness of Big Cypress National Preserve and not far from Everglades National Park. Pros: right off the main road through the Everglades & Big Cypress, RV sites are all around a pond, boardwalk hikes nearby (short drive), visitor center and Native American museum nearby (short drive), ranger programs (short drive to visitor center), clean, level & grassy campsites, surrounded by trees, some of the best stargazing in all of Florida, great wildlife around camp and on the trails nearby. Cons: tent-only area is next to the RV dump station, very open and very little shade at most sites. FYI: bring all the food & supplies you need into the park, though they do have water at the campground.

  • Kelly L.
    Feb. 25, 2019

    Monument Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    Go in the winter time

    My husband and I lucked out to get an absolutely gorgeous day to tent camp at this campground. 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. No electric sites. We went on a Sunday and the whole campground was full, it’s a popular spot, would recommend making reservations in advance. There are vault toilets over on the rv sites and flush toilets by the tent sites. There are campground hosts, fire pits in the tent area, and a lake that does have alligators, because this is Florida. The nite sky was perfect so many stars to see. Little to no noise pollution. Make sure to bring your insect repellent, I got eaten alive once the sun started setting. No trails at the campground but there are trails within big cypress. Tent campsites were level and not right on top of one another. There were a few trees for shade as well.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 28, 2020

    Mitchell Landing Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    Primitive Campground in a National Preserve

    This is a primitive campground off the loop road south of Tamiami trail through Big Cypress National Preserve. The first couple of sites have large parking pads for campgrounds hosts that were unoccupied when I was there.  Sites are first-come, first served and you'll have a choice of sites that are tucked away behind brush and trees or large, more open sites. There's no drinking water available. There are vault toilets available that were clean. Few of the sites were occupied in late January. At the back of the campground there is airboat access to backcountry trails in the Stairsteps section of the Big Cypress Preservel elsewhere along the loop road you may be able to use swamp buggies and ATVs. There are extensive rules and permitting to take your vehicle on these trails as well as online training requirements, so check them out on the Big Cypress website. 

    Sites are $24/night, half price if you have a Senior pass or Access pass, though to be honest I didn't see any envelopes for payments and the campers I spoke with indicated they weren't paying anything. You can stay 10 nights during peak season (Jan-Apr), 14 consecutive nights the rest of the year. They  have picnic tables (look at the end of the table for the site number), fire rings, and lantern poles. Bearboxes provide food protection if you don't have a hardsided vehicle. You're in a panther habitat.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2023

    Naples/Marco Island KOA Holiday

    Still in recovery mode

    This is a nice camping location…or will be when they complete renovations. They are still recovering from hurricane damage, so there was some construction and noise. The spaces are pretty tight, but not as bad as other places. And they are staggered so it feels roomier. we had a nice site with a shaded patio. Also a misquote problem! Lots of misquotes and no see-ums. But the pool, boat ramp, playground, and dog park are all open. 2 dog parks! The laundry, hot tub, and camp store are still closed. It’s close to the Big Cypress Wildlife area, and an easy drive to Everglades National Park.

  • R
    Apr. 13, 2024

    Collier–Seminole State Park Campground

    Nice facility- Horrible mosquitoes

    It is a well laid out Florida State Park campground In a mangrove swamp, making the mosquitoes horrible. There is access to a channel that you can rent a kayak or “Go Cat” to go all the way to the gulf, or use your own boat. The go cats are very cool and the guide you out in groups for around $150.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2025

    Monument Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve

    Not much but parking

    Wide-open spaces surround the lake. Nothing to block the wind! The bathhouse was very clean, and the camp host was nice. Tent sites are just off the main road. This campground is a convenient location to many attractions in the Everglades. Dump Stations are available and conveniently located. NO SWIMMING! There are gators in the lake, and they can be large. Do not leave small pets unattended. All food must be secured at all times due to the proximity of wildlife.

  • Deborah M.
    Mar. 6, 2021

    Collier–Seminole State Park Campground

    Loved it

    What a beautiful park. The lake was so beautiful. The cat walk trail was nice and maintained well. Loved the walking dredge history. The staff was really nice.

  • Pavel T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2018

    Sawgrass Recreation Park

    This place saved my life!

    Sawgrass Recreation area primary businesses are airboat tours and petting zoo, however they have a small primitive campsite at the back as well. I was trying to ride my bicycle from Ft. Laudardale to South Bay, but the head wind was so strong that I was moving at a snail's pace. Luckily, this place is conviniently located just off the state route 27, an oasis of civilization on a 30 mile strech of nothingness. the camground is only open during dry season, which is late winter.

Guide to Big Cypress National Preserve

Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida, where several campgrounds welcome pets and offer a range of amenities and activities.

Tips for camping with dogs near Big Cypress National Preserve

  • Ensure your pet is comfortable with the outdoors, as campgrounds like Monument Lake Campground provide a scenic environment with plenty of space to explore.
  • Bring plenty of water and food for your pet, as facilities like Midway Campground do not have drinking water available at each site.
  • Keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them to maintain the natural beauty of places like Burns Lake Campground.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Big Cypress National Preserve

  • Explore the scenic trails around Mitchell Landing Campground where you can enjoy nature walks with your dog.
  • Take your pet along for a fishing trip at Bear Island Campground, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the water.
  • Participate in ranger-led activities at Monument Lake Campground that allow pets, ensuring a fun and educational experience for both you and your furry companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Big Cypress National Preserve?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Big Cypress National Preserve is Monument Lake Campground — Big Cypress National Preserve with a 4.4-star rating from 23 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Big Cypress National Preserve?

TheDyrt.com has all 45 dog-friendly camping locations near Big Cypress National Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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