Big Cypress National Preserve spans 720,000 acres of swampy wilderness along the western edge of the Everglades. With elevation barely above sea level and a subtropical climate, the preserve experiences distinct wet and dry seasons affecting camping conditions. Cell service throughout the preserve varies significantly, with T-Mobile users reporting 3-5 bars at some campgrounds while others have minimal connectivity.
What to Do
Wildlife viewing at Loop Road: Located near Monument Lake Campground, this 26-mile scenic drive offers excellent opportunities to spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife. "Loop Road in Big Cypress with lots of wildlife" is a highlight for visitors, according to one Monument Lake camper.
Stargazing after dark: The preserve's distance from major cities creates exceptional night sky viewing. As one camper noted, "The stars were absolutely incredible being so far from major cities," making this an ideal activity during winter months when insects are less active.
Visit Smallwood Store: This historic site is just down the road from Chokoloskee RV Park. "The historic Smallwood store is just a little farther down the road," notes a visitor who enjoyed exploring this piece of Florida history along with the park's central location for water activities.
What Campers Like
Clean bathhouse facilities: Though amenities vary between campgrounds, the bathhouses at Monument Lake receive specific praise. "The bathhouse was very clean, and the camp host was nice," notes one camper who appreciated the well-maintained facilities despite the campground's remote location.
Social atmosphere at small campgrounds: The open layout at many Big Cypress rv campgrounds creates natural opportunities for interaction. At Big Cypress RV Resort, campers note the "warm, peaceful and friendly place" atmosphere, particularly for winter visitors looking for community.
Central location for Everglades exploration: Midway Campground lives up to its name. "Midway Campground is half way between Naples and Miami and a great central point if you're planning to explore both Everglades National Park and Big Cypress Preserve," explains one reviewer who used the campground as a base for regional exploration.
What You Should Know
Limited shopping options: Pack all necessary supplies before arrival. "Be warned that you are one hour away from the closest town and major shopping (Walmart). In other words this campground is truly remote," cautions a visitor to Big Cypress RV Resort, echoing a common theme across all preserve campgrounds.
Seasonal closures affect planning: Several campgrounds in the preserve close during summer months. At Midway Campground, one camper notes it's "open all year round -- although you're likely to have it mostly to yourself in the summer," while Monument Lake closes entirely from mid-April through August.
Wildlife considerations: Alligators are present in all water bodies. "NO SWIMMING! There are gators in the lake, and they can be large. Do not leave small pets unattended," warns a Monument Lake camper, highlighting an important safety consideration throughout the preserve.
Tips for Camping with Families
Fire ant awareness: These insects can cause painful stings and are common in the region. One experienced camper recommends "picking up a container of fire ant granules to bring along to apply to any active sand mounds (kills the colony quickly)...fire ant bites smart, well...burn and on most leave a nasty blister."
Consider tent site location: Road noise can affect light sleepers at some campgrounds. A visitor to Midway Campground advised, "The further you are into the campground, less road noise," which is particularly important when camping with children who may be sensitive to nighttime disturbances.
Visit nearby educational centers: The Chokoloskee RV Park provides easy access to regional learning opportunities. "Explore the mangroves, take an airboat tour our of Everglades City, or explore other areas of the Everglades," suggests a camper who enjoyed the park's proximity to educational attractions.
Tips from RVers
Tight turns at some private resorts: Some rv campgrounds near Big Cypress National Preserve have challenging access. At Marco Naples RV Resort, a reviewer noted, "The roads are tight for bigger rigs. Don't let that deter you," adding they "had no issues maneuvering my 28' RV" despite the compact layout.
Site layout considerations: Many campgrounds feature circular arrangements around water features. "All sites face a pond which does have a resident alligator," reports a camper at Midway Campground, a layout that provides scenic views but requires vigilance with pets and children.
Reservation timing is critical: Popular rv campgrounds in Big Cypress fill quickly during winter months. At Crystal Lake RV Resort, "Campsites are normally booked out a year in advance and only available to stay 10 months max," according to a seasonal visitor who emphasized the importance of planning well ahead.
