Airboat launch at Mitchell Landing in Big Cypress National Preserve
See the Boat Launches web page for an interactive location map.
Mitchell Landing is located in the southeastern section of Big Cypress National Preserve on Loop Road and is part of the Stairsteps Backcountry Unit, Zone 4, the only area in the park that is open to airboats (an Off-Road Vehicle permit is needed for any vehicle, including boats, to enter the backcountry). An airboat launch is located at the very end of the road. Next to it is the Mitchell Landing Campground. A parking area is available for vehicles and trailers. There are over a dozen backcountry campsites in Zone 4 that are accessible to those with airboats.
Those is kayaks and canoes are welcome to launch here as well, but you really must be a hard-core adventurer to want to do so. I’ve read some forums about people paddling down to the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades from here, but it involves bushwhacking through mangrove thickets and dragging your boat through muck and tall grass, not to mention risking getting run over by airboats. Those who have done it recommend sticking to the airboat trails, of which there are 57 miles. I paddled in the Everglades through grass in very low water and found nothing really fun about it, especially knowing that if I bottomed out that I would have to get out and drag my kayak through knee deep mud.
Permits are no longer required to hike, bike, or paddle 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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Last updated on July 13, 2026
