Florida / Collier County / Big Cypress National Preserve

Bear Island Campground

Open — The campground is currently open. Sites 1-12 are available year-round. Sites 13-40 operate seasonally from August 15 through April 15. Reservations available through Recreation.gov or first-come, first-served.

About

Bear Island Campground offers a true backcountry camping experience in Big Cypress National Preserve. Located at the end of a 20-mile secondary gravel road off Turner River Road, this primitive campground features 40 designated sites with gravel or grass pads. Sites 1-12 are open year-round, while sites 13-40 operate seasonally from August 15 through April 15. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets and shared food storage available. No water is provided, so campers must bring an adequate supply. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the Bear Island Unit's extensive trail system. Visitors with permitted off-road vehicles can access over 20 miles of backcountry ORV trails. The preserve also offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and hunting in season. The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp support diverse wildlife, including the elusive Florida panther, and contain a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities. Access to Bear Island requires navigating the lengthy gravel road, and cell phone service is limited throughout the area. The campground is located approximately 30 miles north of Everglades City, which offers dining and historical sites. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made through Recreation.gov, though unreserved sites are available first-come, first-served. The nightly camping fee is $10 per site.

Directions

From Naples, follow US Highway 41 east to Turner River Road. Follow Turner River Road approximately 20 miles and turn right into Bear Island Campground. From Miami, follow US Highway 41 west to Turner River Road, then approximately 20 miles to the campground entrance on the right.

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