Kirkland Hammock Primitive Campsite Picayune Strand State Forest

Open — The campground is currently open and operates year-round. Reservations are available online up to 11 months in advance. Access trails may be under water during the wet season, limiting vehicle access. No potable water is available on-site.

About

Kirkland Hammock Primitive Campsite offers a true backcountry camping experience within the 74,168-acre Picayune Strand State Forest. Located on the Belle Meade Tract in the heart of the Big Cypress Basin, this remote campsite features 2 tent-only sites accommodating up to 8 people each. The campsite is accessible via a 2-mile trail from the forest office area, reachable by foot, horseback, or off-road bicycle. Vehicle access requires 4-wheel drive and is not possible during the wet season when trails are submerged. The forest is a diverse mosaic of cypress strands, wet prairies, pine flatwoods, and subtropical hardwood hammocks. The northern section contains second-growth South Florida slash pine with some remnant trees over 100 years old. Wildlife viewing opportunities include Florida panthers, black bears, bald eagles, and numerous bird species. The Belle Meade Tract features a 22-mile equestrian trail system included in the Florida Forest Service Trailtrotter Program. Recreational activities include horseback riding, hiking, off-road biking, bird watching, and wildlife photography.

Directions

From Naples/Fort Myers: Take I-75 exit 111, head east on Immokalee Blvd for 8 miles, turn right on Randall Blvd for 3.4 miles, turn right on Everglades Blvd for 9.4 miles, turn right on 52nd Ave for 1 mile to forest office, continue 0.5 miles to Miller Blvd, turn left for 0.25 miles, turn right on 54th Ave SE for 0.33 miles to blue trail, follow blue trail 2 miles to campsite. From Miami: Take I-75 North exit 80 to SR-29 North for 10 miles, turn left on Oil Well Road for 12.7 miles, turn left on Everglades Blvd for 10.5 miles, turn right on 52nd Ave for 1 mile past forest office.

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