Bear Island Campground
Sites 1-12 are open year-round. Sites 13-40 are closed for the season and reopen August 15. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Cell service is limited; reservations encouraged in advance. Maximum stay is 180 days within any 12-month period.
Special Weather Statement issued August 12 at 4:24PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
At 424 PM EDT, National Weather Service meteorologists were tracking a strong thunderstorm near West Toll Gate On Alligator Alley, or near Golden Gate Estates, moving south at 10 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts of 45 to 50 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... Golden Gate Estates, Belle Meade, Marco Island Airport, Orangetree, Naples Manor, Lely Resort, West Toll Gate On Alligator Alley, Royal Palm Hammock, Golden Gate, South Blocks Golde, Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve, Picayune Strand State Forest, Intersection I-75 And Everglades Blvd, Fiddlers Creek, and Lely.
Heat Advisory issued August 12 at 12:57AM EDT until August 12 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Miami FL
* WHAT...Heat index values 105 to 110 expected. * WHERE...All of South Florida. * WHEN...From noon today to 7 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
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.
About
Bear Island Campground provides a remote camping experience in the heart of Big Cypress National Preserve. Reaching the campground requires traversing a 20-mile secondary gravel road via Turner River Road from US Highway 41. The 40 designated campsites accommodate both tent and RV camping on gravel or grass pads, though the primitive nature of the site means no hookups, dump stations, or potable water are available. The campground serves as a base for exploring the Bear Island Unit, which features over 20 miles of backcountry trails accessible by permitted off-road vehicles. Hunting and fishing are popular activities, with regulations governed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Everglades City lies 30 miles south, offering dining and access to Everglades National Park. Big Cypress National Preserve protects over 720,000 acres of the vast freshwater swamp that feeds the Everglades and Gulf Coast estuaries. The preserve's mix of tropical and temperate plant communities supports diverse wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther.
Directions
From Naples, follow US HWY 41 east to Turner River Road. Follow Turner River Road approximately 20 miles and turn right into Bear Island Campground. From Miami, follow US HWY 41 west to Turner River Road and continue 20 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 | |
| Reservations | |
| NPS Bear Island Campground |
Availability
Photos
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