Pet friendly camping near Ochopee, Florida offers access to diverse landscapes within the western Everglades ecosystem. The area sits just 3 feet above sea level, creating unique hydrological conditions that support rare wildlife viewing opportunities. Winter temperatures typically range from 50-75°F with significantly lower humidity than summer months when temperatures consistently exceed 90°F.
What to Do
**Wildlife viewing opportunities: Along Loop Road, visitors can spot diverse wildlife while minimizing pet disturbance. At Monument Lake Campground, one camper observed: "Amazing thing while I was there is there were Thousands of Green Grasshoppers all on the Trees, Ground and the camper wheels, not eating, just like they were waiting for something!"
**Ranger-led activities: Join educational programs in Big Cypress when traveling with pets. "Do a Ranger led wet walk. It is out of this world," notes a camper from Burns Lake Campground.
**Photography excursions: Early morning opportunities abound for pet owners. A visitor at Monument Lake Campground shared: "We were at site 26 which overlooked the field of sawgrass in Big Cypress with nice afternoon shade."
What Campers Like
**Stargazing: The dark skies provide exceptional viewing conditions away from city lights. At Trail Lakes Campground, campers appreciate that "There are no towns close by so the light pollution is low. Another great aspect of this location is your ability to see all of the stars."
**Quiet camping atmosphere: Many campsites offer peaceful retreats. "We were guided to a pull thru site. This was a first for us and we were thrilled. Our site was directly across from the bath house. We had no trouble leveling our trailer and getting set up," reported a Trail Lakes visitor.
**Wildlife encounters: Safe observation points exist throughout the region. A camper at Midway Campground noted: "All sites face a pond which does have a resident alligator," highlighting the importance of keeping pets leashed and supervised.
What You Should Know
**Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate limited schedules. "Monument lake is only open during the Florida winter. For alternative options, Midway Campground was the closest option open in Miami direction, and Trail Lakes Campground was the closest option open in Naples Direction," advises a camper.
**Insect preparation: Bug management requires multiple approaches. "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. Having a bottle of bug spray and maybe a fogger will do just fine in this weather," shared a Trail Lakes visitor.
**Limited amenities: Many campgrounds have basic facilities only. At Bear Island Campground, "Bring everything you need because the drive in is over 20 miles of dirty/gravel roads... Vault toilets are available along with bear boxes for food storage."
Tips for Camping with Families
**Pet exercise options: Some campgrounds offer designated areas. "Can't beat the pricing...$10 a night," noted a visitor at Horseshoe Primitive Campground, which provides ample room for pets to walk on leash.
**Wildlife education: Use camping trips as learning opportunities about keeping pets safe. "If you stay here make sure you take a walk around at night that is where we ended up seeing a lot of critters which was really cool. Also make sure you take a flashlight and look in many of the waterways."
**Heat management: Prepare for high temperatures when camping with pets. "Just hit this equestrian campground for a single night and I had the place to myself... Super affordable, but it does require a little extra time to get there as there isn't a quick exit off the main highway."
Tips from RVers
**Site selection considerations: Choose locations carefully when traveling with pets. A visitor at Chokoloskee RV Park shared: "There won't be much space between you and your neighbors, but let's be honest: if you're staying at this small island park, you're probably spending most of your time on the water."
**Generator noise awareness: Be mindful of sound levels that may disturb wildlife. "The generator of one of the campers was annoying because we were in the wilderness. I guess they needed their heat, as it did get down to 30 degrees in Feb."
**Water management: Plan for limited fresh water access. "There is a water spigot here, but water is not potable, so bring your own," advises a Horseshoe Primitive Campground visitor. This is especially important when camping with pets that need regular hydration.
