Best Dispersed Camping near Ochopee, FL

Dispersed camping in Ochopee, Florida is primarily situated within Big Cypress National Preserve, where several primitive backcountry sites provide true wilderness experiences. The preserve maintains multiple designated primitive camping areas including Panther Camp, Nobles Camp, Carpenter Primitive Camp, and Ivy Primitive Camp. Additionally, the Everglades National Park offers backcountry options such as Crooked Creek Chickee, which requires boat access. These sites represent true primitive camping with minimal or no facilities.

Most primitive camps in Big Cypress National Preserve require hiking in, with trails that can become muddy depending on the season. Permits are required for most sites, with many available at no cost. Fire regulations vary by location—fires are permitted at Panther, Nobles, and Carpenter camps but prohibited at Crooked Creek Chickee. According to a visitor, "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." No drinking water is available at any of these sites, so campers must pack in all water supplies. Vehicle access is extremely limited, with most sites requiring foot access.

These backcountry areas offer authentic Florida wilderness experiences with opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing. The chickee platform in Everglades National Park provides a distinctive camping option for paddlers. "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," notes one camper review. Fishing is reportedly excellent directly from the platform. The primitive camps within Big Cypress National Preserve can accommodate multiple tents and hammocks in natural settings. Cell service varies by location, with some sites maintaining surprisingly strong signals due to proximity to nearby infrastructure. Insects can be problematic, particularly at dawn and dusk near water features.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ochopee, 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 Ochopee, FL

3 Reviews of 5 Ochopee 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 Ochopee

Dispersed camping near Ochopee, Florida centers on the primitive backcountry sites within Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. During winter dry season (November-April), access to many sites improves significantly as seasonal flooding recedes. Summer temperatures routinely exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter brings milder conditions with temperatures ranging from 50-75°F and reduced precipitation.

What to do

Wildlife observation opportunities: Backcountry camps provide excellent wildlife viewing platforms. At Nobles Primitive Camp, visitors can experience "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," according to Trevor G., highlighting the wetland habitat access.

Fishing from camp platforms: The Backcountry Crooked Creek Chickee offers exceptional fishing directly from the platform. Paul W. notes, "Fishing is epic, even from the chickee. Stay quiet and look under the platform, tarpon, snook and drum were always around."

Photography at sunrise/sunset: Morning and evening hours provide optimal lighting for nature photography, though insect protection becomes essential during these times. Marshlands and cypress strands create distinctive silhouettes against Florida skies during these golden hours.

What campers like

Complete solitude: Panther Camp provides true wilderness disconnection. J R. describes it as a "Great spot to disconnect. Primitive. Free." The camp offers ample space "for 10+ tents and hammocks" in a natural setting maintained by the Florida Trail Association.

Access to paddling routes: Many primitive sites connect to water trails throughout the region. Paddlers can access multiple destinations, though tidal considerations impact travel times and difficulty. Seasonal water levels affect navigability throughout the year.

Night sky viewing: Low light pollution in backcountry areas creates exceptional stargazing conditions. The absence of facilities means unobstructed views of constellations and occasional meteor showers over the Florida Everglades ecosystem.

What you should know

Water management essential: No drinking water exists at primitive sites. Campers must bring all necessary water. J R. mentions 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."

Seasonal access variations: Accessibility changes dramatically between wet and dry seasons. At Nobles Primitive Camp, Trevor G. notes, "Luckily the access road was drivable with two wheel drive," suggesting this condition varies seasonally with water levels.

Permit requirements: Most backcountry sites require permits, though enforcement varies. Some permits can be obtained through the preserve website while others require in-person acquisition. Regulations change periodically, so contacting rangers before trips remains advisable.

Tips for camping with families

Chickee platform introduction: Carpenter Primitive Camp provides more stable ground than some wetter sites, making it more suitable for families with children. The picnic table and fire ring create a central gathering area for meals and activities.

Wildlife education preparation: Prepare children for wildlife encounters before arrival, teaching proper distance maintenance and observation techniques. The abundance of birds, reptiles, and occasional mammals provides natural learning opportunities.

Supply calculations: Families require significantly more water than solo travelers. Calculate 1-2 gallons per person per day minimum, with additional supplies for cooking and cleaning. Pack additional insect protection for children, who often experience more severe reactions to bites.

Tips from RVers

Parking limitations: Traditional RVs cannot access most primitive sites. Limited parking exists at trailheads, but overnight vehicle camping remains prohibited in most areas. Campers must plan accordingly for equipment transport from parking areas.

Alternative base camping: Use developed campgrounds at Ivy Primitive Camp as a basecamp for day explorations into backcountry areas. This allows access to the region's natural features while maintaining access to more substantial amenities and vehicle accessibility.

Road condition verification: Before travel, verify current road conditions through ranger stations or visitor centers. Seasonal flooding can render access roads impassable even for high-clearance vehicles, particularly during summer rainy season.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ochopee, 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 Ochopee, FL?

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