Camping in the Big Cypress National Preserve offers varied terrain beyond the flat areas, with some sites situated on slightly elevated limestone outcroppings. The preserve receives approximately 55 inches of rainfall annually, with a distinct wet season from May through October. During winter months, temperatures typically range from 50°F to 77°F, creating comfortable camping conditions when mosquito populations are lowest.
What to do
Airboat tours and rentals: Located near Chokoloskee RV Park, visitors can experience the mangrove ecosystem. "Great place. Extremely friendly staff. Short, awesome bicycle ride to Everglades City. The view of the sunset on the bay is absolutely stunning. They offer fishing guide services and boat rentals," notes camper Randy R.
Night sky viewing: The remote location of Monument Lake Campground provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The stars were absolutely incredible being so far from major cities," shares one camper, while another notes, "When not cloudy, the night star skies were incredible."
Explore Loop Road: This 26-mile scenic drive near Midway Campground offers wildlife viewing from your vehicle. "The 26 mile loop road is very close and a great way to experience Florida & Big Cypress backcountry and wildlife from your car or bike. Plenty of hiking trails in the area as well," states Kevin A.
What campers like
Quiet winter camping: During winter months, some campgrounds have fewer visitors. "Arrived at this campground with 2 other RVs already camping. One we never saw the people at all, the other one drove by but really never saw them either! Nice, quiet place to stay the night," reports Laura M. about Midway Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The wetlands support diverse wildlife, particularly alligators. A camper at Monument Lake Campground notes, "Lake had Alligators in it," while another mentions, "The first time I went me impactó muchísimo because from the entrance you could see alligators at the edge of the street outside the water and quite close to the camping tents."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities despite remote locations. At Crystal Lake RV Resort, campers appreciate the "Incredibly clean amenities" and note that "Everything is very well kept (laundry, gym, clubhouse etc.)."
What you should know
Summer closures affect availability: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. One camper reports, "I was looking to stay in Monument Lake but was surprised to find the campground closed for the season upon arrival. Monument lake is only open during the Florida winter."
Bug activity varies by time and location: Insect populations can be intense, particularly at dusk. "Every night at 7pm the tent sites were swarmed with a fly hatch (may flies, I'm guessing). We couldn't breathe without inhaling them. All campers were forced inside their tents at that time and for the rest of the night," reports a tent camper.
Fire ant awareness: These biting insects create mounds throughout campgrounds. A visitor to Big Cypress RV Resort recommends bringing "fire ant granules to apply to any active sand mounds (kills the colony quickly)...fire ant bites smart, well...burn and on most leave a nasty blister."
Tips for camping with families
Consider tent placement carefully: Tent sites vary significantly in bug activity. "Sites 8-10 were the worst" for bug hatches at one campground, while selecting sites "as far from Hwy 41 as possible" can reduce road noise for light sleepers.
Check for amenities before booking: Family-friendly facilities differ between campgrounds. At Endless Summer RV Park, a camper notes it's "Great for the price. Beautiful area all around but nothing fancy. Its a short drive to downtown Naples and Naples Pier/Beach which I highly recommend."
Plan activities for different age groups: Some campgrounds offer family-oriented amenities. "The park has bathrooms, a small playground, chickee for lounging outdoors, with a fire pit nearby, and a pavilion for gathering with friends and family," reports a visitor to Chokoloskee RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and limitations: Many RV sites have specific constraints. At Marco Naples RV Resort, a camper mentions, "The roads are tight for bigger rigs. Don't let that deter you. We truly enjoyed our stay and we will definitely return to this campground!" Another notes, "Tight spaces but I had no issues maneuvering my 28' RV."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "This RV resort is delightful. The roads are tight for bigger rigs," shares one RVer, while others recommend careful planning for larger vehicles.
Seasonal booking requirements: Winter months demand advance planning. At Crystal Lake RV Resort, "Campsites are normally booked out a year in advance and only available to stay 10 months max," while other campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis during off-peak times.
