Pink Jeep Campground
Closed for the season. The campground operates August 15 through April 15 and is closed during the wet season. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov. Both an ORV permit with gate code and a backcountry permit are required for access.
Kirby Storter - Partial Reopen
As of 11/4/2024, the Kirby Storter Boardwalk will reopen to the public. Note that the boardwalk is only open part of the way, as rebuilding has not yet begun.
Off Road Vehicle Inspections
ORV renewals & new permits will be issued at the Nathanial P. Reed Visitor Center Friday-Monday, 9am-1:30pm. No permits will be issued Tuesday-Thursday. Permits will be issued first-come first-served. Visit our ORV page for more information
Park Passes
Park passes, including: America the Beautiful, Veteran, Lifetime, etc., are UNAVAILABLE for purchase/pickup within Big Cypress. Shark Valley Visitor Center (Everglades) is the closest location to Big Cypress for purchase.
Big Cypress National Preserve issues temporary closure for Mullet Prescribed Fire
Big Cypress National Preserve has issued a temporary closure during prescribed fire activity beginning June 9, 2025. To learn more about what areas and activities the closure entails, click the link
About
Pink Jeep Campground provides an opportunity to camp in the remote backcountry of Big Cypress National Preserve within the Bear Island Unit. This primitive campground features 9 designated sites equipped with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground is accessible only by permitted off-road vehicle (ORV), foot, or bicycle. Visitors must obtain both a valid ORV permit from the Big Cypress ORV permit office and a backcountry camping permit before arrival. This is true backcountry camping with minimal amenities. No potable water is available on site, so campers must bring sufficient water supplies. Cell phone service is extremely limited, making advance reservations highly recommended. Only tent camping and pickup truck campers are permitted; trailers and RVs are not allowed in the backcountry. The campground operates seasonally from mid-August through mid-April, closing during the wet season when the area becomes flooded. Nearby activities include ORV trails, hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting. The freshwater swamps of Big Cypress support diverse wildlife including the Florida panther.
Directions
From Naples: Follow US HWY 41 east to Turner River Road. Follow Turner River Road approximately 20 miles and turn right towards Bear Island Campground. Take the next left to Perochi Grade (ORV permit and gate code required). Follow Perochi Grade approximately 3 miles and turn left onto Bear Island Grade. Campground is on the left.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| bicy_recreation@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (239) 631-9988 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| Big Cypress ORV Information |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!