Florida / Collier County / Big Cypress National Preserve

Gator Head Campground

Open — Open seasonally from August 15 through April 15. Sites are first-come, first-served with no advance reservations.

About

Gator Head Campground is located deep in the Bear Island Unit of Big Cypress National Preserve, accessible only by permitted off-road vehicle, bicycle, or foot along approximately 20 miles of backcountry trails from Turner River Road. This primitive campground offers 9 first-come, first-served sites designed for tent camping or pickup campers only. Trailers and RVs are not permitted. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. No water is available, so visitors must bring all drinking water and supplies. The remote location provides an authentic backcountry camping experience in one of Florida's most significant watersheds, where the freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp support the health of the neighboring Everglades and the marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Visitors can explore over 20 miles of backcountry trails in the Bear Island Unit, with opportunities for wildlife viewing including the endangered Florida panther, hunting (per FWC regulations), fishing, hiking, and biking. Cell phone service is limited or nonexistent. All visitors must obtain a backcountry permit, and those accessing the campground by ORV must have a valid ORV permit and gate combination code, issued at the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center Friday through Monday, 9am to 1:30pm.

Directions

From Naples, head east on US-41, turn left on Turner River Road, then travel approximately 20 miles on the dirt road until you reach a check station and turn left. An ORV permit and gate combination code are required for vehicle access. Once through the gate, turn right at the T intersection and follow the trail until the campground appears on the left.

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