park map  more info about this area  back to parks top

Big Cypress National Preserve

Ochopee, FL

The 729,000 acre Big Cypress National Preserve was set aside in 1974 to ensure the preservation, conservation, and protection of the natural scenic, floral and faunal, and recreational values of the Big Cypress Watershed. The importance of this watershed to the Everglades National Park was a major consideration for its establishment. The name Big Cypress refers to the large size of this area. Vast expanses of cypress strands span this unique landscape.

CONTACTS

Email - sandy_snell-dobert@nps.gov

Fax- 941-695-3007

Write to
HCR 61, Box 110
Ochopee, FL 33141

Phone
Headquarters - 941-695-2000
Visitor Information Recorded Message - 941-695-4111

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
Daily except December 25, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

Getting There
PLANE - Miami International Airport services the area from the east coast, Ft. Myers International Airport from the west coast.

CAR - I-75, state road 29, and U.S. 41 all travel through the preserve

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - There is no public transportation within the Preserve.

Weather & Climate
The climate is sub-tropical, with mild winters and hot, wet summers. Light weight clothing is suggested for hot temperatures. Long sleeves, pants, sturdy shoes, and bug repellent will make hiking more pleasant.

Accessibility
The visitor center's entrance is accessible with assistance pending installation of accessible doors. Inside the visitor center, restrooms, information desk, and preserve film are accessible. The film is also captioned for the hearing impaired.

Getting Around
The preserve includes 31 miles of the Florida Trail which can be very wet in the rainy season. The Tree Snail Hammock Nature Trail is a short, self-guided trail located on Loop Road. Two scenic drives through the preserve provide leisurely wildlife viewing. The Loop Road is a 26-mile, single-lane, unimproved road beginning and ending on highway 41. Turner River Road and Birdon Road form a u-shaped, 17-mile graded-dirt drive.

FEES/PERMITS

Entrance Fee
ENTRANCE FEE
Free!

Permits
O.R.V. PERMIT
$50.00 for Annual
Permits for O.R.V. use can be obtained through the visitor center.

CAMPING

Bear Island
Open All Year
Primitive camping with no water or rest room facilities

Midway
Primitive camping with no water or rest room facilities. Open as needed during main visitor use season. Call 941-695-4111 for information.

Mitchell's Landing
Open All Year
Primitive camping with no water or rest room facilities

Monument
Open All Year
Monument campground has flush toilets and water available. An outside, cold water shower is also available. The $14.00 per night fee includes use of the dump station at Dona Drive in Ochopee. NO HOOKUPS for electricity, sewer or water are available in any of the National Park Service campgrounds in the Preserve.

Pinecrest
Open All Year
Primitive camping with no water or rest room facilities

LODGING

Various small motels and campgrounds
Several small motels and private campgrounds can be found around the Everglades City and Ochopee areas.

FACILITIES

Visitor Centers
VISITOR CENTER
Open All Year 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone - 941-695-4111
Location - On Tamiami Trail (U.S.41) approximately half-way between Naples and Miami.
Closures - The visitor center is closed on December 25.
Exhibits - The visitor center offers a 15-minute movie about the preserve, a wildlife exhibit and book sales

RELATED BOOKS