Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve is located in southern Florida, spread across parts of Collier, Monroe, and Miami-Dade counties. This expansive area spans over 720,000 acres and is home to a diverse array of natural ecosystems.

Established in 1974, Big Cypress National Preserve was created to prevent the construction of a Jetport in the area, which would have significantly impacted the surrounding wetlands. The preserve was designed to protect the Big Cypress Swamp, a vital water source for the nearby Everglades.

The preserve is characterized by its unique blend of wetlands and uplands, encompassing a wide range of habitats including cypress swamps, freshwater marshes, prairies, and hardwood hammocks. It provides crucial habitat for a variety of wildlife, such as the endangered Florida panther, American alligator, black bear, and numerous species of birds.

Visitors to Big Cypress National Preserve can explore the vast wilderness through various recreational activities. Canoeing and kayaking are popular ways to traverse the preserve's waterways, offering opportunities to observe wildlife and explore its scenic beauty. Hiking and camping are also available, with a selection of trails ranging in difficulty and length.

The preserve is also known for its exceptional off-road vehicle (ORV) trails, which attract adventure enthusiasts from near and far. These trails offer a thrilling way to navigate the rugged terrain and experience the preserve's unique landscapes.

Located nearby is Everglades National Park, allowing visitors to extend their exploration of Florida's natural wonders. This iconic national park offers diverse experiences such as boat tours, bike trails, and guided walks through its distinct ecosystems.

The Big Cypress National Preserve Visitor Center is an excellent starting point for visitors, providing information on the preserve's history, habitats, and recreational opportunities. Interpretive exhibits educate visitors on the importance of preserving and protecting this remarkable ecosystem.

Overall, Big Cypress National Preserve offers an immersive experience in the heart of southern Florida's wilderness. Its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and proximity to Everglades National Park make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Big Cypress National Preserve is located in the southern part of the state of Florida. Its expansive wilderness stretches across Collier, Monroe, and Miami-Dade counties, covering both the western and eastern sides of the Florida Peninsula. Situated between the bustling urban areas of Miami and Naples, this preserved area encompasses 729,000 acres of diverse ecosystems. The preserve is nestled within the larger region known as the Florida Everglades, and it serves as a vital part of this unique subtropical wetland ecosystem. Big Cypress National Preserve is characterized by its varied topography, including wet prairies, cypress domes, hardwood hammocks, and pine forests. With its proximity to major cities and its remarkable natural beauty, this location offers visitors a chance to explore a truly remarkable and ecologically significant part of Florida.

Address & Contact

33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, FL 34141
Driving Directions
Phone: 2396952000
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Big Cypress National Preserve would be from January to April. During this time, the average maximum temperatures range from 78°F to 88°F, with average minimum temperatures between 54°F and 62°F. The average monthly precipitation is relatively low, fluctuating between 1.3 in to 2.7 in. These months offer pleasant weather conditions for outdoor activities while avoiding the large crowds that occur during the peak visitor months of May to September.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Big Cypress National Preserve are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Backcountry Hiking Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Boat Tour Group Camping RV Camping ATV Off-Roading

Topics

Learn about these topics at Big Cypress National Preserve: Animals Birds Groundwater Night Sky Archeology Arts Industry Logging and Timber Cutting Native American Heritage Cats (wild) Fire River and Riparian Unique Species Explorers and Expeditions Watersheds Photography Forests and Woodlands Grasslands Wetlands Deciduous Forests Swamps Coniferous Forests Endangered Alligators or Crocodiles Estuaries and Mangroves

Visitor Centers

Oasis Visitor Center

Built in the 1960s, this building was once a private airport with a hanger and restaurant. It was rather eye-catching from the road due to the passenger plane mounted to its roof as decoration. Later it was a service station. The building was eventually purchased by the National Park Service in the 1980s to be used as a visitor center. Outside, you can find an accessible boardwalk that takes you along a canal that is a perfect place to spot an alligator or two!

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Oasis Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Big Cypress National Preserve

Bear Island Campground

Primitive campground with no water. Vault toilets available. Forty designated sites. Access to the Bear Island Campground is at the end of a 20-mile secondary gravel road
Fees (US$): 10.00 (All Sites)
Total Campsites: 40
Toilets: NULL
Showers: NULL
Potable Water: NULL

Burns Lake

Primitive camping with no water. Vault toilets available. This site provides day use picnic area and backcountry access parking. The campground accommodates 15 designated RV/tent sites.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (all sites)
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Gator Head

This is a primitive campground, which contains nine campsites. No water. Vault toilets are available. This campground is accessible only by permitted off-road vehicles, biking or hiking.
Fees (US$): 10.00 (Tent Fee)
Total Campsites: 9
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Midway Campground

This campground offers electric hookups for RV sites, dump station, flush toilets, and water. Each RV campsite has its own picnic table and hibachi style grill. Covered picnic areas are located around the lake for day use.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (RV site), 24.00 (tent site)
Total Campsites: 36
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Mitchell's Landing

Primitive camping with no water. Vault toilets are available. Eleven sites available. Access to the Mitchell Landing Campground is along a secondary gravel road.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (camping fee)
Total Campsites: 11
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Monument Lake

Monument Lake campground offers restrooms, drinking water and designated 26 RV and 10 tent sites. NO HOOKUPS for electricity, sewer or water are available at this campground.
Fees (US$): 28.00 (fee for RV site), 24.00 (Tent Site at Monument Lake Campground)
Total Campsites: 36
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Pinecrest

This campground is for group camping only. Four sites available to accommodate eight tents at 15 people each.There is no water or restroom facilities. Access to the Pinecrest Campground is along a secondary gravel road.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (fee for Pinecrest)
Total Campsites: 4
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Pink Jeep

This is a primitive campground, containing nine campsites. No water. Vault toilets are available. Pink Jeep can be accessed by off-road vehicle, hiking or biking. Backcountry permits are required for all, off-road vehicle permits are required for off-road vehicles.
Fees (US$): 10.00 (tent site fee)
Total Campsites: 9
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hotels within or near Big Cypress National Preserve

Port of the Islands Everglades Adventure Resort

When you stay at Port of the Islands Everglades Adventure Resort in Naples, you'll be near the bay and 11 minutes by car from Eagle Lakes Golf Club. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, laundry facilities, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 25000 Tamiami Trail East, Copeland, Florida 34114
Web: Link

Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel

A stay at Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel places you in the heart of Everglades City, within a 15-minute walk of Everglades City Hall and Museum of the Everglades. Featured amenities include luggage storage and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 605 Buckner Ave N, Everglades City, Florida 34139
Web: Link

Glades Haven Cozy Cabins

With a stay at Glades Haven Cozy Cabins in Everglades City, you'll be on the waterfront, just steps from Gulf Coast Visitor Center and a 2-minute drive from Everglades City Hall. Featured amenities include multilingual staff, ATM/banking services, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 801 South Copeland Ave, Everglades City, Florida 34139
Web: Link

Outdoor Resorts of Chokoloskee

With a stay at Outdoor Resorts of Chokoloskee in Chokoloskee, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Everglades National Park and Gulf Coast Visitor Center. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 150 Smallwood Drive, Chokoloskee, Florida 34138
Web: Link

River Wilderness Waterfront Cabins

With a stay at River Wilderness Waterfront Cabins in Everglades City, you'll be on the waterfront, just a 3-minute walk from Everglades City Hall and 5 minutes by foot from Museum of the Everglades. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 210 Collier Blvd, Everglades City, Florida 34139
Web: Link

Everglades Chickee Cottages - Ochopee

With a stay at Everglades Chickee Cottages - Ochopee in Ochopee (Big Cypress), you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Everglades Area Chamber of Commerce and Everglades City Hall. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 40904 Tamiami Trail US 41, Ochopee, Florida 40904
Web: Link

Everglades City Motel - Everglades Adventures Inn

With a stay at Everglades City Motel - Everglades Adventures Inn in Everglades City, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Everglades City Hall and Museum of the Everglades. Featured amenities include luggage storage and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 309 Collier Ave, Everglades City, Florida 34139
Web: Link

Rod And Gun Club

Located in Everglades City, Rod And Gun Club is by the ocean, within a 15-minute walk of Museum of the Everglades and Everglades City Hall. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 200 Riverside Drive, Everglades City, Florida 34139
Web: Link

Chokoloskee Island Park and Marina

Located in Chokoloskee, Chokoloskee Island Park and Marina is by the ocean, a 4-minute drive from Everglades National Park and 6 minutes from Gulf Coast Visitor Center. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and a water dispenser. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1150 Hamilton Ln, Chokoloskee, Florida 34138
Web: Link

Everglades Adventures Hotel Suites by Ivey House

Located in Everglades City, Everglades Adventures Hotel Suites by Ivey House is within a 15-minute walk of Everglades City Hall and Museum of the Everglades. Featured amenities include luggage storage and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 107 Camellia St E, Everglades City, Florida 34139
Web: Link