Bear Island Campground - Big Cypress National Preserve

Bear Island Campground is a primitive destination located at the end of a 20-mile secondary gravel road within Big Cypress National Preserve. This remote site offers an authentic wilderness experience for those willing to traverse the dusty limestone surface of Turner River Road to reach the northern backcountry unit. The facility provides 40 designated campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and shared bear-resistant food storage boxes. While vault toilets are available on-site, there is no potable water, electricity, or dump station, requiring visitors to arrive fully self-sufficient with all necessary supplies for their stay. Positioned approximately 30 miles north of Everglades City, the campground serves as a primary access point for over 20 miles of backcountry trails. Visitors can explore a landscape of cypress sloughs and prairies that are home to diverse wildlife, including alligators, various bird species, and the elusive Florida panther.