Panther Pond Primitive Campground Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest

About

Panther Pond Primitive Campground sits within Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, a 32,039-acre preserve in Hendry County that serves as the northernmost watershed filtering into Big Cypress Swamp. Known locally as OK Slough, this forest provides critical habitat for the Florida panther, Florida black bear, sandhill crane, wood stork, and gopher tortoise. The campground offers 16 primitive sites, with 15 designated tent-only and one accommodating either tents or RVs up to 50 feet. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. The campground has portable restrooms arranged along the loop and a dumpster at the south end, but no potable water, electric hookups, or showers. Campers must bring their own water supply and be bear-aware, keeping all food in approved containers. Recreational opportunities include hiking trails and boardwalks, bicycling on forest roads, fishing in numerous canals and ponds, horseback riding, and wildlife photography. The forest hosts small-game hunts on select weekends in late summer and fall, with turkey hunts in spring. Visitors during hunt days should wear daylight fluorescent orange. Late fall through spring offers optimal conditions for hiking, biking, and migratory bird viewing.

Directions

From I-75, take exit 138 for FL-82 east toward Fort Myers. Follow FL-82 for 20 miles and turn left onto S Church Road. Continue on Church Road/Felda Church Road for 6 miles, then turn left on FL-29 N. Follow FL-29 N for 2.5 miles and turn right onto Keri Road. Follow Keri Road for 6.4 miles until you see the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest sign.