Big Cypress

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Big Cypress 

National Preserve

Campgrounds

Enjoy the crackling of a campfire and sleep under the stars at Big Cypress National Preserve. With eight different 

campgrounds and approximately 200 sites to choose from, options are plentiful. And that’s not even mentioning 

backcountry camping. Below is a list of useful things to know when camping at Big Cypress.

Reservations & Fees

Reservations are required for all designated campgrounds 

within Big Cypress National Preserve. Campgrounds fill 

up fast during the winter months, so plan ahead by making 

your reservation early and have a back-up plan, just in case. 

Reservations for camping are made through 

www.recreation.gov. You may also call 877-444-6777 for 

assistance. Big Cypress charges a camping fee for all sites per 

night. Please view the table below for campground-specific 

fees. 

Pets

Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet. For their 

safety, use caution when walking pets around ponds. 

Please keep Big Cypress clean by picking up after your pet. 

Pets are not permitted in the backcountry, on trails, or on 

boardwalks. Car temperatures rise quickly in the sun, even 

on cool days. Your pet can easily die of heat exhaustion. 

If you are leaving a pet in a car, crack the windows as much 

as possible and leave water to drink. 

• A free permit is required and can be filled out online. They 

are also located at backcountry trailheads and at both 

visitor centers. Permits take only a few minutes to complete.

• Depending on when you camp water may not be available. 

Be prepared by bringing more than you need. Dehydration 

can occur quickly.

• Pack it in-pack it out. Keep YOUR national preserve cleaner 

than how you found it for others to enjoy.

• It is always a good idea to file an itinerary with family 

and friends. Let them know where you are traveling to, 

and when you will return. It is also a good idea to carry a 

Personal Locator Beacon, if possible. These can be activated 

in the event of an emergency.

• Visitors must be a minimum of 1/2 mile away from any 

roadway to camp in the backcountry. 

Do not leave pets in the car at all when temperatures are 

above 68 degrees, even with the windows cracked.

While at Your Campsite 

Camp only in designated sites. All vehicles (including trailers 

and motorcycles) must remain on pavement or designated 

areas, do not put any vehicle on grass or behind parking 

barriers, rock or otherwise. Do not move parking barriers. 

No digging or trenching is allowed at campsites. 

Campfires must be attended at all times. Small campfires 

are allowed at designated camping sites. All fires shall 

be completely extinguished prior to the user leaving the 

campsite. Only dead wood lying on the ground may be 

collected as fuel for campfires within the national preserve.

Be considerate of your fellow campers by observing quiet 

hours from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am. Generator use is permitted 

in designated areas between the hours of 6:00 am to 10:00 

pm. 

Idling vehicle engines are considered generators.

Considering Backcountry Camping? Things to Know Before You Go
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

Food Storage

Big Cypress is renowned for its wildlife, and wildlife 

viewing is a favorite of many visitors. Help protect them 

by not attracting wildlife, including black bears, to your 

campsite due to improperly stored food. Bears can visit any 

time of day. 

Never leave food items unsecured or unattended, day or 

night. Improperly stored or unattendedfood items will 

result in a violation notice. “Food items” include food, 

drinks, toiletries, cosmetics, pet food and bowls, and 

odoriferous attractants. Garbage, including empty cans 

and food wrappers, must be stored or disposed of in trash 

or recycling receptacles. 

If you have food at your campsite, ensure that it is either 

locked in your vehicle, kept in a sealed and durable 

container that cannot be easily opened. 

Length of Stay

No person, party, or organization shall be permitted to 

camp in designated areas for more than the total maximum 

number of days as follows:

- January 1 to April 30 10 days maximum

- May 1 to December 31 14 days maximum

The maximum length of stay for any camping activity 

within the national preserve is 180 days in a 12-month 

period. 

Once the daily limit has been reached for each time 

period, no person, party, or organization may use another 

designated area for the remainder of that season

Emergencies & Security

In case of emergency dial 9-1-1, or National Park Service 

Dispatch at: 800-788-0511. 

The nearest hospitals are:

NCH North Naples Hospital 11190 Health Park 

 Boulevard

 Naples, FL 34110

 239-552-7000

Metropolitan Hospital 5959 NW 7th Street

 Miami, FL 33126

 305-264-1000

For more information, please visit us online at 

www.nps.gov/bicy.

* Dump stations are located at Midway Campground and at Dona Drive (2.5 miles east of SR 29 on US 41). Dump stations may 

be used free of charge by campers paying for National Park Service campgrounds within the national preserve. 

There is a $10 fee for those campers not paying for national preserve campgrounds.

** Bear Island campsites 1-12 are open year-round. Sites 13-40 are open August 15 through April 15.

*** The Burns Lake area is open year round for day use and backcountry access parking.