Best Campgrounds near Ochopee, FL
Camping within Big Cypress National Preserve dominates the landscape around Ochopee, Florida, with several established campgrounds offering varying levels of amenities. Monument Lake, Burns Lake, and Midway campgrounds provide primitive to semi-developed sites for tent and RV campers throughout the preserve. Trail Lakes Campground stands out with more extensive facilities including electric hookups, tent sites, cabins, and unique chickee huts. The region serves as a strategic base for exploring both Big Cypress and nearby Everglades National Park, with most campgrounds positioned along or near the Tamiami Trail (US-41).
Seasonal considerations dramatically impact camping in the Ochopee area, with most Big Cypress campgrounds only open for overnight stays from August to April. Summer months bring extreme heat, humidity, and intense mosquito activity that make camping challenging. Campgrounds like Burns Lake offer primitive experiences with vault toilets and no potable water, while others like Trail Lakes provide showers and electrical hookups year-round. Reservations are essential during winter months when the area fills with visitors escaping northern climates. Cell service remains limited throughout the region, with most campgrounds receiving only 1-2 bars of coverage. As one visitor noted, "Burns Lake is about midway between Naples and Miami, making it a great location to explore either or both of Big Cypress or Everglades National Park."
Several campers highlight wildlife viewing as a significant draw to the area. Alligator sightings are common, particularly at dawn and dusk when they sun themselves near water bodies adjacent to campgrounds. The region offers excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, with several reviewers mentioning spectacular night skies. Campers consistently recommend bringing adequate bug spray, especially for no-see-ums and mosquitoes that can be problematic even during cooler months. A camper shared that "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." Sites with water access tend to be most sought-after, though visitors should remain vigilant about wildlife safety near shorelines and follow posted warnings about alligator activity.
