Carpenter Camp along the Florida Trail north of I-75, Big Cypress National Preserve

With two exceptions, free primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the backcountry of Big Cypress National Preserve as long as tents are pitched at least a half mile from any developed areas such as roads, private residences, or officially designated campgrounds. If you are driving into the backcountry in a swamp buggy, ATV, or 4-Wheel Drive (Off-Road Driving permit required) you can camp near the trails as long as you pull completely off the trail so that others can pass, then carry your equipment to the campsite. No pets other than hunting dogs during hunting season are allowed in the backcountry.

Exceptions to the “camp anywhere” rule are for those camping in the Bear Island Backcountry Unit and for those using airboats in Zone 4 of the Stairsteps Backcountry Unit. Those camping at Bear Island must stay in one of the three developed campgrounds (fees apply, see the Campgrounds web page for details) and airboaters who want to camp in Zone 4 must stay at one of the seventeen designated primitive campsites (free). Those entering Zone 4 on foot or in a canoe or kayak can camp anywhere as long as they don’t violate the “half-mile from developed areas” rule, and they must be at least a quarter mile from the designated campsites (unless actually staying at one). All sites are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis.

There are designated backcountry campsites along the Florida Trail, though hikers are free to camp anywhere per the above developed-area rule while within the preserve’s boundary. The benefit of the designated sites is that these have cleared areas that make pitching a tent much easier than hiking around trying to find a suitable campsite each night.

Each person is limited to 30 days of backcountry camping per year. No camping gear can be left in the backcountry when a person is not actively camping except for hunters, who may leave equipment for the duration of the hunting season (Archery Season/Muzzle Loading Season, General Gun Season, and Spring Turkey Season), except for in Zone 4. If leaving gear at one of the Bear Island campsites, the daily camping fee must be paid even for the days that you are not physically present.

Except within the Bear Island Backcountry Unit, permits are no longer required to camp in the backcountry of Big Cypress National Preserve. However, be sure to let somebody know of your plans and who to notify (a Park Ranger) should you not return as scheduled.

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