Last Updated on 19 July, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf
Big Cypress National Preserve was established in 1974 and preserves a whopping 729,000 acres of cypress and mangrove swamp. If you’re one of the million people who visit this Preserve each year, you may be wondering where to stay while you explore the area!
Big Cypress National Preserve Camping can be done at any of the seven established camping locations in the Preserve. There are five front-country campgrounds and two formal backcountry campgrounds.
This article will go over each campground in turn, offering details about the price, location, and what to expect at each site. We’ll also review essential things to know about camping at Big Cypress National Preserve!
Let’s kick things off with the five front-country campgrounds.
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Big Cypress National Preserve Camping Map
1. Burns Lake Campground
The title of this article may hint at wild and untamed places, but the front country is definitely more tame than the backcountry! It’s a great spot for families with kiddos or those that require (or prefer) amenities like electrical hookups and drinking water.
The Burns Lake Campground is a short drive from the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center off Highway 41. Each of the 14 campsites has a view of Burns Lake, and it’s a great launching point if you plan to do backcountry hiking or have an off-road vehicle.
Big Cypress National Preserve camping at Burns Lake is best for hunters and those with off-road vehicles. There aren’t as many amenities here as in other campgrounds, so if you’re planning a family trip, it may not be the best option.
- Location: 25°53’29.0″N 81°13’48.0″W
What To Expect
Regarding amenities, there are fewer at the Burns Lake Campground than at other front-country campgrounds at Big Cypress. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill.
Here’s what to expect while camping at Burns Lake:
- Total Sites: 14
- Price: $24/night (2026)
- Electric Hookup: No
- Drinking Water: No
- Bathroom: Vault Toilet
- Max RV Length: 50 feet
- Season: August 15th through April 15th (closed April 16th through August 14th).
RV camping is permitted on the eastern side (right side) of the lake, while the left side is tent-only camping.
Swimming is not permitted in the lake due to the presence of alligators. If you come across an alligator, know what to do by checking out our guide on what to do if you see an alligator.
How To Reserve
Reservations are required for the Burns Lake Campground. They can be made at recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.
2. Monument Lake Campground
A bit further east on Highway 41 is the Monument Lake Campground. It’s located centrally in the park, offering campers an excellent starting point to a variety of activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and scenic drives.
Speaking of scenic drives, the beautiful Big Cypress National Preserve Loop Road is less than a mile down the road. It’s a fantastic way to spot wildlife! Check out our guide on the Big Cypress Loop Road for more information!
- Location: 25°52’01.2″N 81°06’49.7″W
- Physical Address: 50215 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141
What To Expect
As the name suggests, Monument Lake Campground surrounds Monument Lake, with each site offering a lakeside view. It’s a fantastic campground for those who enjoy fishing, biking, and hiking.
Camping sites have limited shade, and only the tent sites have fire rings and grills. Each site has a picnic table.
- Total Sites: 38
- Price (2026):
- Tent-Only: $24/night
- RV: $28/night
- Electric Hookup: No
- Drinking Water: Yes
- Bathroom: Flush Toilet & Showers
- Max RV Length: 45 feet
- Season: August 15th through April 15th (closed April 16th through August 14th).
The western side of the lake is tent-only camping, while the northern, eastern, and southern sides are open to tent or RV camping. As with Burns Lake, swimming is not permitted in Monument Lake due to alligators.
Snakes are another possibility near water sources like Monument Lake. Our guide on what to do if you see a snake offers steps to take if you see a slithery guest near your campsite.
How to Reserve
Like most Big Cypress National Preserve Camping areas, Monument Lake requires a reservation that can be made at the Monument Lake recreation.gov website.
3. Midway Campground
Further east along Highway 41 is the Midway Campground. It’s located on the south side of the highway and, like Burns and Monument, surrounds a beautiful lake. Like all campgrounds in Big Cypress, it is managed by the National Park Service.
Camping at Midway is a great spot for RVs that require electric hookups and those traveling with families.
- Location: 25°51’06.9″N 80°59’21.3″W
What To Expect
Midway Campground offers sites on the east and west sides of a gorgeous lake in the heart of Big Cypress. It’s located close to the Oasis Visitor Center and Shark Valley, one of the coolest places in nearby Everglades National Park to see alligators!
Many of the sites have limited shade, but covered picnic areas are spread around the lake for day use. Each site comes with a picnic table and hibachi-style grill. The sites on the northeastern side of the lake are tent-only; all others are RV-capable with electric hook-ups.
- Total Sites: 36 (10 tent-only)
- Price (2026):
- Tent-Only: $24/night
- RV Electric: $30/night
- Electric Hookup: Yes, 30-amp
- Drinking Water: Yes
- Bathroom: Flush Toilets
- Max RV Length: 45 feet
- Season: Open year-round
If you’re planning a Big Cypress National Preserve camping trip with a family, Midway is your best bet. It has the most amenities, and RVers will be happy to know there is a dump station on site as well!
Like the other lakeside campgrounds, swimming in the lake is not permitted. Keep an eye out for alligators and snakes near the water.
Unlike Burns and Monument, Midway is open year-round. Mosquitoes are a problem in the summer, so be sure to pack some bug spray! We always recommend natural sprays like Murphy’s Natural Mosquito and Tick Repellent. It uses the power of essential oils instead of harsh chemicals to keep the bugs away!
How To Reserve
Reservations for the Midway Campground are required and can be made at the Midway Campground recreation.gov site.
4. Bear Island Campground
The Bear Island Campground is an excellent choice for those looking for a little more seclusion, yet still have the amenities that come with front-country camping. It’s located in the northern section of the preserve and is more primitive than other front-country campgrounds.
Getting to Bear Island Campground is an adventure all on its own. You’ll find it at the end of a 20-mile gravel road, so be prepared for some bumpy driving before arrival.
- Location: 26°10’57.4″N 81°14’52.0″W
What To Expect
As a primitive campground, amenities are limited at Bear Island. Sites are a mixture of gravel and grass with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. A vault toilet and shared food storage lockers are available in the campground.
Bear Island is close to hiking trails as well as off-road vehicle trails, making it a fantastic choice for those wanting to explore the more secluded areas of Big Cypress National Preserve.
- Total Sites: 40
- Price (2026): $10/night
- Electric Hookup: No
- Drinking Water: No
- Bathroom: Vault Toilets
- Max RV Length: N/A
- Season: Open year-round
If you’re planning a Big Cypress National Preserve camping trip to Bear Island with an off-road vehicle (ORV), be aware that a permit is required to use ORVs in the preserve.
Remote campgrounds like this are more prone to wildlife encounters. Black bears are possible in the campground if food is improperly stored. A bear-proof container like the Bear Vault BV500 Journey keeps food and other scented items stored safely away from wildlife.
How To Reserve
All campgrounds in Big Cypress National Preserve require a reservation. Reservations for Bear Island Campground can be made on the recreation.gov website.
5. Mitchell’s Landing Campground
Similar to Bear Island, Mitchell’s Landing is a primitive campground with limited amenities but beautiful scenery! It’s found in the southeastern section of the Preserve and is open to tent camping, RV, and travel trailers.
Camping at Mitchell Landing campground offers easy access to the Loop Road scenic drive, and in fact, you’ll have to drive about 7 miles down the Loop Road just to access the campground!
- Location: 25°45’16.3″N 80°55’36.0″W
What To Expect
Mitchell’s Landing is more secluded than the campgrounds located right off the highway, so expect quiet conditions and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. It’s a great spot for those seeking solitude while camping.
Sites are a mixture of gravel and grass. Picnic tables and fire rings can be found at each site, and shared food storage lockers are spaced throughout the campground. The campground has vault toilets for convenience.
A Big Cypress National Preserve Camping trip to Mitchell’s Landing is perfect for those with airboats or an off-road vehicle. The campground is part of the Stairstep backcountry unit, which is the only place open to airboats in the park.
- Total Sites: 12
- Price (2026): $24/night
- Electric Hookup: No
- Drinking Water: No
- Bathroom: Vault Toilets
- Max RV Length: Not Specified
- Season: August 15th through April 15th (closed April 16th through August 14th).
The Tree Snail Hammock Trail is fairly close to the campground, offering a chance to glimpse the beautiful Florida Tree Snail. Due to limited amenities, be sure to pack everything you need (including drinking water) before heading to Mitchell’s Landing.
If you plan to hike in Big Cypress, check out our day hiking gear list to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your adventure!
How To Reserve
Reservations are required for Mitchell’s Landing. They can be made online at recreation.gov.
Now, let’s move on to camping in the backcountry at Big Cypress National Preserve!
6. Gator Head Campground
Now we’re getting into the truly untamed Big Cypress National Preserve camping! Gator Head is located north of the Bear Island Campground in the northern section of the Preserve. It can only be accessed by foot, bicycle, or ORV (ORV permit required).
The amenities at this primitive campground are limited. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, and there are shared food storage lockers available. A vault toilet is available on site.
Camping in Big Cypress National Preserve at Gator Head is best for experienced campers, hunters, fishers, and those with ORVs. Everything must be carried in and carried back out.
- Location: 26°13’25.5″N 81°16’03.4″W
What To Expect
If you’re planning a Big Cypress National Preserve camping trip to Gator Head with an ORV, it’s important to note that there is a gate at the beginning of the campground. The gate’s combination will only be given once a proper ORV permit is obtained at the permitting office.
While camping at Gator Head, expect to be immersed in nature and solitude. This campground is far less busy than others, so you may find you are the only one there on some occasions. The campground surrounds a lake, so be aware of alligators and snakes.
- Total Sites: 9
- Price (2026): $10/night
- Electric Hookup: No
- Drinking Water: No
- Bathroom: Vault Toilets
- Max RV Length: N/A – No vehicles except ORV
- Season: August 15th through April 15th (closed April 16th through August 14th).
Backcountry trails are aplenty near Gator Head. Most of the trails are wet year-round, so bring proper equipment to hike in water around alligators.
How To Reserve
Despite being a backcountry campground, reservations are still required and can be made online at recreation.gov.
7. Pink Jeep Campground
The final established campground on our list is another backcountry campground located just west of Gator Head. Pink Jeep Campgrounds are also primitive and only accessible by foot, bicycle, or ORV.
Big Cypress National Preserve camping at Pink Jeep is a fantastic opportunity to explore the many nearby ORV trails in the Bear Island Unit. ORVs must stay on designated trails and obtain a permit beforehand.
- Location: 26°13’00.9″N 81°17’44.6″W
What To Expect
While camping at Pink Jeep, expect solitude, wildlife sightings, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the swamps of Big Cypress. Like Gator Head, this campground sees far less traffic and is an amazing way to experience Big Cypress from a perspective not many others get to see.
Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring, and a vault toilet is on site for convenience. Because Pink Jeep (and Gator Head) are located in remote areas, expect to see and hear wildlife during your stay.
Keep food and toiletry items in sealed containers to avoid enticing bears and other critters from entering your campsite.
- Total Sites: 9
- Price (2026): $10/night
- Electric Hookup: No
- Drinking Water: No
- Bathroom: Vault Toilets
- Max RV Length: N/A – No vehicles except ORV
- Season: August 1st – December 31st
Cell phone service is limited in the backcountry. Be prepared with everything you need to camp, including drinking water. Like Gator Head, you will have to obtain an ORV permit before gaining access to the gate code combination (not required for those traveling on foot).
How To Reserve
Reservations at Pink Jeep Campground are required and can be made at recreation.gov.
8. Backcountry Wild Camping
The last option for untamed Big Cypress National Preserve camping is to backcountry camp in undesignated (dispersed) camp spots. This should only be done by experienced campers who understand how to navigate in and out of the wilderness safely.
Camping in the backcountry is the ultimate way to experience nature and wildlife in the Preserve. It’s just you, your gear, and the untamed land around you!
Here are the important rules regarding finding a backcountry campsite within Big Cypress National Preserve:
- Prohibitions: Backcountry camping is prohibited within a half-mile of any:
- Developed areas.
- Campgrounds.
- Trails (hiking, biking, ORV, or airboat).
- Established county or state roads.
- Anywhere inside the Cape Sable seaside sparrow closure area.
- Maximum Stay: Camping in the backcountry is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period.
- Fires: Fires are permitted when dispersed backcountry camping, but must be no larger than 2.6 feet in diameter.
- Pets: No pets allowed in the backcountry.
Big Cypress National Preserve Camping with Pets
If you’re anything like us, you love bringing your adventurous furballs with you when camping. Big Cypress National Preserve has some restrictions for pets due to the delicate nature of the Preserve and the presence of wildlife like alligators.
- Pets are allowed at all frontcountry campgrounds but must be on leash at all times and cannot be left unattended.
- Pets are not allowed in the backcountry.
Be extremely careful with pets near the water due to the presence of alligators. They see small dogs as a meal and larger dogs as competitors for food.
When camping with pets, be a responsible pet parent by cleaning up pet waste and being respectful of other campers and dogs around you. Remember, not all dogs and people feel comfortable around other dogs!
If you have a reactive doggo, consider camping in one of the less crowded campgrounds like Bear Island or Mitchell’s Landing. Our friendly guide on hiking with a reactive dog gives expert tips on adventuring with a dog who has all the feelings!
Big Cypress National Preserve Camping: Wrap-Up Session!
This article reviewed all the information you need to plan a Big Cypress National Preserve Camping trip. With 8 camping choices to choose from, there’s a camping style for everyone at Big Cypress!
To recap, the 8 Big Cypress National Preserve camping destinations include:
- Burns Lake: Best for hunters and ORV riders.
- Monument Lake: Centrally located. Good for hikers and bikers.
- Midway: Best for families. Includes electric hookups.
- Bear Island: Good for seclusion and hikers and bikers.
- Mitchell’s Landing: Close to the scenic Loop Road.
- Gator Head: Best for experienced campers and hunters.
- Pink Jeep: Best for experienced campers and hunters.
- Dispersed: Should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
Gator Head, Pink Jeep, and dispersed camping are located in the backcountry, while the rest are located in the front country. In general, front country campgrounds have more amenities and are located closer to highways, while backcountry campgrounds are remote with limited amenities.
Remember that reservations are required for all campgrounds (not required for dispersed camping). Pets are allowed in all front country campgrounds but not in the backcountry.
Until next time, give your furbags an extra pet from us and keep exploring this beautiful world! For more camping and travel articles, check out the Dirtbags with Furbags blog!
