Took my nephews on their first camp out. Perfect place for introduction.

This spot has limited access. Need an ORV permit or hike in.

Open field surrounding an older burrow pit has been transformed into a decent RV and tent camping spot. The facilities include a fire ring and picnic table. Flush toilets but no power or showers This is a good stopping point when crossing the glades or exploring the surrounding area. Private wilderness camping it is not. Watch for gators in and along the lake.

To the east is a big open prairie which lends itself to a steady breeze. That helps keep the bugs down but it got really buggy at dusk. Gators have been know to cross from the prairie through the campsites on their way back to the lake.

Good cell service from nearby tower.

Part of Big Cypress Preserve, Bear Island offers 40 sites including 13 year round in a field with some trees. The other 27 offer more privacy in wooded camp sites each with a fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets are available along with bear boxes for food storage. Bring everything you need because the drive in is over 20 miles of dirty/gravel roads. Plenty of wildlife. ORV trails if you obtain a permit. Trails also good for biking, hiking, and running. Only downside is the road noise from I-75 about a mile away. When wind isn’t rustling through the trees, road noise can be heard. A little buggy at dusk too.