Burns Lake Campground map (click to enlarge)

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See the Campgrounds web page for an interactive location map.

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CAMPING SEASON

Burns Lake Campground is typically open from mid-August until mid-April. Opening and closing dates can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to visit Big Cypress National Preserve’s Campgrounds web page for the latest schedule.

TYPE OF CAMPING

Burns Lake Campground can accommodate tent campers and RVs and other self-contained sleeping vehicles up to 50 feet long. Each campsite has a limit of six people and two vehicles, one of which can be an RV. For a complete list of camping regulations, see Big Cypress National Preserve’s Campground Rules and Regulations web page.

TERRAIN

Burns Lake Campground is completely flat, and there is no shade or privacy between the campsites.

RV sites at Burns Lake Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

There is an actual lake at Burns Lake Campground called, as you might have guessed, Burns Lake. RV sites are on the east side and tent sites are on the west side. Fishing is allowed with the proper Florida fishing license. However, no swimming is allowed due to the presence of alligators. A warning sign states “Fish at your own risk,” so even fishermen are subject to being eaten.

Burns Lake at Big Cypress National Preserve

NUMBER OF CAMPSITES

On the east side of Burns Lake are eight pull-through RV sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring / grill. All are considered handicap accessible. Two additional sites are reserved for park volunteers.

RV camping at Burns Lake Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

On the west side of the lake are six campsites reserved for tents only. These are located in shallow alcoves along the road. Campsites 1 and 2 are next to each other; campsites 3 and 4 are off by themselves; and campsites 5 and 6 are also next to each other. Like the RV sites, there is no shade. A picnic table and fire ring / grill are standards at the tent sites as well.

Tent site at Burns Lake Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

AMENITIES

There are no electric or water hookups at Burns Lake, and no bathrooms with running water for showers or toilets. There are, however, fancy outhouses on either side of the lake. These are what I call pit toilets located in permanent buildings versus the plastic, portable toilets common at construction sites. Because of this, Burns Lake is the least popular of the three campgrounds along the Tamiami Trail. Midway and Monument Lake campgrounds both have modern restrooms, and Monument Lake even has electric hook-ups at some sites.

Restroom facility at Burns Lake Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

In addition to campsites, there is an off-road vehicle trailer parking lot (far end of the campground) and a small picnic area with two tables and two grills (near the tent sites). Both are open year-round and to all visitors to Big Cypress National Preserve, not just those staying at Burns Lake Campground.

Picnic area at Burns Lake Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

There is no cell phone service at the campground. The campground host told me that he has a booster, and even then he can only get service if the wind is blowing in the right direction.

RESERVATIONS

Reservations are required for all campsites at Burns Lake. You can make a reservation online at Recreation.gov from one day to six months in advance. Despite Burns Lake being the least popular of the Big Cypress campgrounds along the Tamiami Trail, because it is small it can still fill up during the peak season, January through April, particularly on weekends. It is also popular during any of the hunting seasons, and it may be full even during the week at these times.

During the peak season, January through the end of April, there is a 10-day maximum stay at any one campground. During the rest of the year the maximum stay is 14 days. If you want to camp beyond the maximum number of days allowed, you must do so in the backcountry, where you can camp up to 180 days a year.

FEES

The current camping fee at Burns Lake is $24 / night. Those with a Senior or Access pass get half off. Keep in mind that prices can always change, so be sure to get the latest fee at the National Park Service’s official Campgrounds web page for Big Cypress National Preserve.

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