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Bear Island Campground
NPSNational Park Service — Ochopee · Florida · Big Cypress National Preserve
| Agency | NPSNational Park Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Big Cypress National Preserve |
| Location | Ochopee · Florida · Big Cypress National Preserve |
| Sites | 40 public sites counted from the federal listing — 40 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 40 sites Water hookups at 0 of 40 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 40 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 40 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Campsites are $10.00 a night. |
| Check-in / out | In 02:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 40 sites, as reported |
| Amenities, as reported | Vault toilets |
| Phone | 239-695-1117 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
Overview Bear Island Campground is a primitive campground located in Big Cypress National Preserve. Access to the campground is at the end of a 20-mile secondary gravel road. Located nearby are Gator Head and Pink Jeep campgrounds. Cell phone service is limited and it is highly encouraged that reservations be made in advance.
Bear Island campground has 40 campsites. Campsites 1-12 are open year round. Campsites 13-40 are open August 15- April 15. The campground offers tent and RV camping. Amenities include vault toilets, fire rings, shared food storage, and picnic tables. Visitors may enjoy nearby activities such as off-road vehicle trail access, hiking, and hunting.
Recreation Bear Island Campground is the perfect location to enjoy much of what Big Cypress National Preserve has to offer. Visitors can enjoy nearby hiking, hunting, fishing, and off-road vehicle (ORV) trails with a permitted off-road vehicle. For information on ORV use please call 239-631-9988.Hunting and fishing regulations can be found at myfwc.com.
Facilities Bear Island Campground is a primitive campground only accessible down a 20-mile secondary gravel road. Campsites have gravel or grass pads. It offers vault toilets, picnic tables, shared food storage, and fire rings. There is no water available.
Natural Features The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida’s southwest coast. Protecting over 720,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida Panther.
Nearby Attractions The Bear Island Unit offers 20 plus miles of backcountry trails. Everglades City is located 30 miles south and provides dining, sight-seeing, and historical sites. Everglades National Park can also be accessed via Everglades City. Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center is also located 30 miles to the south.
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (239) 631-9988.
Directions, from the listing
From Naples follow US HWY 41 east to Turner River Road. Follow Turner River Road approximately 20 miles and turn right into Bear Island Campground.
From Miami follow US HWY 41 west to Turner River Road. Follow Turner River Road approximately 20 miles and turn right into Bear Island Campground.
Trip Card — Bear Island Campground
Ochopee · Florida · Big Cypress National Preserve
| Agency | NPS · National Park Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Ochopee · Florida · Big Cypress National Preserve |
| Fees | Campsites are $10.00 a night. |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 40 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10214632 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.