Best Dispersed Camping near Naples, FL

Dispersed camping near Naples, Florida concentrates primarily within the Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park, offering primitive camping experiences in unique subtropical wilderness. These protected areas provide several free primitive campsites accessible by hiking trails or waterways. Big Cypress National Preserve contains multiple backcountry sites including Panther Camp, Nobles Camp, Carpenter Camp, and Ivy Camp, while Everglades National Park features chickee platforms like Crooked Creek for paddlers traversing water trails.

Access to primitive sites in Big Cypress requires hiking, with trails that can be muddy depending on seasonal conditions. Most sites lack facilities, with no drinking water, restrooms, or developed infrastructure. Several camps require permits, which campers should secure before arrival. Fire regulations vary by location, with some sites permitting campfires while others prohibit them entirely. Crooked Creek Chickee is accessible only by boat, making it essential to plan according to tidal schedules. The platform accommodates tent camping but prohibits pets, and alcohol is not permitted at most primitive sites in the preserve.

The subtropical wilderness setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and immersion in natural ecosystems unique to South Florida. Sites range from forested hammocks to marsh-adjacent locations, each offering distinctive natural surroundings. Primitive camps in Big Cypress feature picnic tables at some locations, though amenities remain minimal. Panther Camp, located 5 miles from the entrance on the Blue trail, includes space for multiple tents and hammocks. "Great remote drive out to the primitive site 'old florida' the paved road turns to dirt/gravel. One way in one way out," notes a review about Nobles Camp. For paddlers, Crooked Creek Chickee provides a unique overnight option, with one camper reporting "fishing is epic, even from the chickee. Stay quiet and look under the platform, tarpon, snook and drum were always around."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Naples, Florida (5)

Show More
Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Naples, FL

3 Reviews of 5 Naples Campgrounds


  • Trevor G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 19, 2025

    Nobles Primitive Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve

    Primitive

    Great remote drive out to the primitive site “old florida” the paved road turns to dirt/gravel. One way in one way out. It is located next to marsh land. Luckily the access road was drivable with two wheel drive.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2025

    Panther Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve

    Great spot to disconnect. Primitive. Free.

    I have hammock camped twice at this location. There is no cost to stay, no reservations needed. You can fill out a permit from the website. However I have never been asked for it. The trail in can be muddy depending on the time of year. 5 miles from the entrance on the Blue trail, it is a tree grove with a picnic table and firepit. Large and maintained by the FTA, space for 10+ tents and hammocks. There is a water hole in the back of the camp which can be filtered. However a gator generally lives there. Better to pack your water in. Strong cell signal due to cell towers at the rest stop.

  • paul W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2023

    Backcountry Crooked Creek Chickee — Everglades National Park

    Platform

    This chickee was just as described. I will warn all that this can be a tough adventure if paddling. Make sure you go with the tide, it was moving 3-4 during my paddle. Fishing is epic, even from the chickee. Stay quiet and look under the platform, tarpon, snook and drum were always around. Bugs were tough sunset and sunrise. Perfect overnight if you’re doing the water trail. Also, this is actually 2 bookable sites. Both nights I stayed, another group showed up late afternoon.


Guide to Naples

Dispersed camping options near Naples, Florida concentrate in the subtropical wilderness areas of South Florida. Seasonal water levels significantly impact trail conditions, particularly during Florida's wet season from May through October when hiking trails in Big Cypress can become submerged under ankle to knee-deep water. Winter months (November-April) provide drier trail conditions but require advance planning for permits at most primitive sites.

What to do

Paddling adventures: The Everglades water trails provide unique backcountry access to sites like Backcountry Crooked Creek Chickee. One camper notes, "This chickee was just as described. I will warn all that this can be a tough adventure if paddling. Make sure you go with the tide, it was moving 3-4 during my paddle." Tidal schedules dictate access timing, with stronger currents during full and new moons.

Hiking explorations: The Florida National Scenic Trail runs through Big Cypress, connecting multiple primitive campsites including Panther Camp. "The trail in can be muddy depending on the time of year. 5 miles from the entrance on the Blue trail, it is a tree grove with a picnic table and firepit," explains one regular visitor. Trail markers are blue blazes on trees, with some sections requiring navigation across open prairie.

Wildlife observation: Free camping near Naples provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at dawn and dusk. Alligators, wading birds, and occasionally the elusive Florida panther can be spotted. Primitive sites often have resident wildlife nearby, as one Panther Camp reviewer noted, "There is a water hole in the back of the camp which can be filtered. However a gator generally lives there."

What campers like

Seclusion: Nobles Primitive Camp offers true wilderness immersion away from development. "Great remote drive out to the primitive site 'old florida' the paved road turns to dirt/gravel. One way in one way out," shares one camper. Most primitive sites in Big Cypress see minimal visitor traffic, particularly on weekdays.

Cost-free camping: Most primitive sites in Big Cypress National Preserve offer free camping near Naples, Florida, requiring only a backcountry permit which can be obtained at no cost. This makes wilderness camping accessible for budget-conscious travelers seeking to explore South Florida ecosystems without lodging expenses.

Fishing opportunities: The chickee platforms in Everglades National Park provide excellent fishing access. At Crooked Creek Chickee, one visitor reports "Fishing is epic, even from the chickee. Stay quiet and look under the platform, tarpon, snook and drum were always around." The brackish waterways surrounding chickees support diverse fish species year-round.

What you should know

Permit requirements: Free dispersed camping near Naples requires permits for most sites. Carpenter Primitive Camp and other Big Cypress sites need backcountry permits obtainable online or at visitor centers. Permits help rangers track usage and provide emergency services if needed.

Weather considerations: Summer months bring intense heat, humidity, and daily afternoon thunderstorms to South Florida primitive campsites. Winter provides more comfortable temperatures but can occasionally drop below 50°F at night. Hurricane season (June-November) may cause temporary site closures with little notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Naples, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Naples, FL is Backcountry Crooked Creek Chickee — Everglades National Park with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Naples, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Naples, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.