Trail Lakes Campground sits just off Tamiami Trail in Ochopee, providing direct access to Big Cypress wetlands without being in Everglades City proper. The surrounding area features elevated boardwalks through cypress swamps and marl prairies where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Camping sites near Everglades City, Florida range from primitive chickees accessible only by boat to full-service RV resorts with swimming pools.
What to do
Wildlife viewing tours and walks: The Big Cypress area offers ranger-led excursions into the swamp. At Monument Lake Campground, you can arrange for guided experiences. As one camper noted, "Do a Ranger led wet walk. It is out of this world."
Boating and fishing: The Ten Thousand Islands region provides excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. "You can rent boat slips or launch a kayak; rent one if you don't have your own. Pick up your fishing supplies at the office," reports a visitor to Chokoloskee RV Park.
Bicycling and exploration: Many campgrounds offer bike rentals or proximity to cycling routes. "The campground was beautiful and the sites were somewhat spread out or had vegetation separating the sites. The guys in the shop were great to work with and very friendly," mentions a camper at Trail Lakes Campground.
Historical sites: Visit local historical attractions such as the Smallwood Store on Chokoloskee Island. A camper at Chokoloskee RV Park recommended: "The historic Smallwood store is just a little farther down the road."
What campers like
Night sky views: Remote camping areas offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. A visitor to Burns Lake Campground observed, "Stars are great. Bathrooms are clean. Bring your own firewood. We didn't see any hikers or OHVers. There was an alligator swimming in the lake at dusk."
Proximity to water: Many campsites are situated near lakes, canals, or the Gulf. One camper at Backcountry Crooked Creek Chickee shared, "Fishing is epic, even from the chickee. Stay quiet and look under the platform, tarpon, snook and drum were always around."
Wildlife encounters: Alligators, birds, and other wildlife often visit camping areas. "The campground was well maintained, showers were clean with plenty of hot water. We camped at site 87 and it was next to a busy road. It felt private and isolated," noted a visitor to Collier-Seminole State Park.
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer good separation between camping spots. "My girlfriend and I wanted to do the spur of the moment camping trip... The camping cite has a grill and electricity but we couldn't find any water pump. But we brought water so we were fine," reported a Monument Lake Campground visitor.
What you should know
Insects and bugs: Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be extremely abundant, especially after rain or during warmer months. "I would go in the cooler months for sure! So many mosquitoes and yellow biting flies," warned a visitor to Collier-Seminole State Park Campground.
Limited services: Most camping areas have minimal facilities and services. A Trail Lakes camper advised, "Remote location, but not in a bad way easy to get to and from other large cities. Great scenery in the campground clean awesome sites big! $65 a night. Have wood and fire rings available."
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense while winter offers more comfortable temperatures. "We are in November now and the weather is in the 70s during the day and 60s at night so the mosquitoes are not bad, but they are still present," shared a Monument Lake visitor.
Water safety: Alligators are present in virtually all water bodies. "This is a small, primitive campground offering access to a number of backcountry trails. There were a few swamp buggies heading to the trail when i was there," noted a Burns Lake camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. "The park has bathrooms, a small playground, chickee for lounging outdoors, with a fire pit nearby, and a pavilion for gathering with friends and family," mentioned a Chokoloskee RV Park visitor.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of visitor centers and ranger programs. "This place was nicely maintained. We camped on the tent only loop. Most of the sites are pretty private with water, a fire ring and picnic table at each spot," shared a Collier-Seminole camper.
Safety rules: Enforce strict wildlife safety protocols with children. "The campground is built in several loops around a couple of lakes and has space for RV's and tents. If also offers cabins and some screened in open air huts (which I didn't stay in but they looked really cool)," a Trail Lakes camper noted.
Cabin options: For families wanting more comfort, cabins are available at some sites. "Slept in my hammock for 2 days while my buddy was in the cabin. Quiet area. Beautiful stars at night. Very friendly hosts and on-site services such as wood delivery at all times!" shared another Trail Lakes visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Some campgrounds have tight turns or limited space. "Something else to note for Big RVers. I didn't have this problem at my site BUT I did see some coaches have issues with enough space to back in," cautioned a Collier-Seminole visitor.
Water and electricity: Not all sites offer hookups. "The sites include water and electric. You are not able to pick up antennae TV unless you have high quality tall antennae. Radio stations came in just fine," reported a Trail Lakes visitor.
Generator restrictions: Rules for generator use vary by campground. "Generators must be off at 10:00 pm. Fishing allowed in lake. Campsites are quite level," noted a visitor to Watson's Place Wilderness Campground.
Weather protection: Prepare for both intense sun and sudden storms. "Everyone here is very friendly and helpful. Lots are privately owned, some with docks. Great place for fishing and boating. Very clean, well maintained including the hot tub and heated pool," shared an Outdoor Resorts-Chokoloskee Island camper.
