Best Dispersed Camping near Miramar, FL

Dispersed camping near Miramar, Florida centers primarily around Big Cypress National Preserve, located approximately 60 miles west of the city. The preserve offers several primitive backcountry camping sites accessible by hiking trails, including Panther Camp, Nobles Primitive Camp, Carpenter Primitive Camp, and Ivy Primitive Camp. These areas provide basic, undeveloped camping opportunities for those seeking a wilderness experience. Additionally, the L-31 Boat Ramp area closer to Miramar serves primarily as an access point rather than a designated camping location.

Access to primitive camps in Big Cypress National Preserve varies considerably by site. Most locations require hiking in, with trails that can become muddy depending on seasonal conditions. Panther Camp sits approximately 5 miles from the entrance on the Blue trail. Camping at most Big Cypress sites is free, though permits are required for overnight stays at several locations including Panther, Nobles, and Carpenter camps. These sites permit campfires and some provide basic amenities like picnic tables. Most primitive camps lack facilities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

The dispersed camping experience in this region features authentic Florida backcountry environments. The primitive nature of these sites attracts visitors seeking to disconnect from urban settings. One camper described Panther Camp as "a great spot to disconnect. Primitive. Free," noting the site includes "a tree grove with a picnic table and firepit. Large and maintained by the FTA, space for 10+ tents and hammocks." Wildlife encounters are common, with alligators frequently spotted near water sources. Access to Nobles Camp provides what another visitor called an "old Florida" experience, with "remote drive out to the primitive site" where "the paved road turns to dirt/gravel." Cell phone coverage varies by location, with some camps maintaining surprisingly strong signals due to nearby infrastructure. L-31 Boat Ramp, primarily functioning as a fishing access point, receives mixed reviews for overnight stays due to light pollution from nearby facilities.