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Map showing campground location near Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida
Camper submitted image from Panther Camp — Big Cypress National PreserveView 1 Photo
Map showing campground location near Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida

Panther Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve

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Hammock campers and hikers heading into Big Cypress National Preserve will find a maintained tree grove five miles along the Blue Trail, with a picnic table, firepit, and space for ten or more tents. No reservations are required. The trail in can be muddy depending on season, so timing matters. A water hole sits at the back of the camp, but pack your own water in since a resident alligator typically occupies it. Cell signal is strong, fed by towers at a nearby rest stop. Campers exploring the area can also find campsites near Big Cypress National Preserve Addition along nearby routes, including Carpenter Primitive Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve about two miles to the southwest.

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Map & DirectionsPanther Camp is located in Florida near Big Cypress National Preserve

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

26.2096478 N
81.0279696 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/14/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/14/26

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Panther Camp

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5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed May. 20, 2025

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.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Panther Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve by J R., May 20, 2025
Showing results 1-1 of 1 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping in Big Cypress?

Panther Camp is a free, primitive camping option in Big Cypress National Preserve. It's located 5 miles from the entrance on the Blue trail. No reservations are required, though you should download and complete a backcountry permit from the official Big Cypress website before your trip. The preserve offers several other designated camping areas, including Monument Lake, Midway, and Burns Lake campgrounds, which provide varying levels of amenities. For more developed camping with facilities, check the official Big Cypress National Preserve website or visitor center for the complete list of camping options throughout the preserve.

How can I become a local guide for Big Cypress camping areas?

To become a local guide for Big Cypress camping areas, contact the Big Cypress National Preserve visitor center about volunteer opportunities or their Volunteer-In-Parks program. You might consider getting certified in wilderness first aid and becoming familiar with the preserve's various trails and camping areas like Panther Camp. Local guiding may also require permits or certifications from the National Park Service. The preserve's website should have information about commercial use authorizations if you're interested in providing guided services professionally.

Are fires allowed at Panther Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Panther Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Panther Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Panther Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Panther Camp — Big Cypress National Preserve?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is good coverage for AT&T, good coverage for T-Mobile, and good coverage for Verizon.

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