Panther Pond Primitive Campground Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest

Open — Currently open and accepting reservations through November 30, 2026. Reservations available up to 11 months in advance via Reserve America. Peak season runs December 1 through April 15.

About

Panther Pond Primitive Campground is located in Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, a pristine 32,370-acre state forest in Hendry County. The forest was purchased under the Conservation and Recreation Lands program and is managed for multiple uses including ecosystem restoration, watershed management, recreation, and wildlife management. The Okaloacoochee Slough is one of the few places in South Florida north of the Everglades or Big Cypress National Preserve where the pre-Columbian landscape can still be observed. The campground features 15 tent-only sites and 1 RV site, all arranged in a loop configuration. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Portable restrooms and a dumpster are located at the south end of the loop. The single RV site can accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet. The forest offers extensive recreational opportunities beyond camping. Miles of open forest roads provide access for hiking and bicycling. Fishing is plentiful in numerous canals, ponds, and ditches, with many spots accessible by vehicle or via a short hike. The wetlands provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in this pristine slough ecosystem that supplies water to the Fakahatchee Strand and Big Cypress Preserve.

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. Turn right onto Church Road/Felda Church Road and follow for 6 miles. Turn left on FL-29 N and follow for 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Keri Road and follow for 6.4 miles until you see the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest sign.

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