Big Cypress National Preserve | PINK JEEP CAMPGROUND

Pink Jeep Campsite 2 at Big Cypress National Preserve

Pink Jeep Campsite 2 at Big Cypress National Preserve


See the Campgrounds web page for an interactive location map.


GETTING THERE

Pink Jeep Campground is located in the Bear Island Backcountry Unit of Big Cypress National Preserve. It is one of three established campgrounds in the area, the other two being Bear Island Campground and Gator Head Campground. It can only be reached on foot, on a bike, or in an off-road vehicle (Off-Road Driving permit required). Bear Island allows street legal 4-Wheel Drives, swamp buggies, and ATVs to access the backcountry roads.

The Bear Island Backcountry Unit is a few feet higher in elevation than much of the rest of Big Cypress National Preserve. This doesn’t sound like much, but it could mean the difference between flooded and dry roads during the winter dry season. For off-road vehicles, a little mud never hurt, but for those traveling on foot or bike, be sure to ask a park Ranger about the road conditions. The road to Pink Jeep is usually passable in the winter, though there may be a few mud holes here and there.

Road to Pink Jeep Campground in January , Big Cypress National Preserve

Road to Pink Jeep Campground in January, Big Cypress National Preserve

For those driving to the campground, the only way to get to the Bear Island Backcountry Unit is by traveling 20 miles on the Turner River Road from near the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center on Highway 41. It passes under I-75, but there is no access to the Interstate. Like all dirt roads in the park, Turner River Road is extremely dusty if it has not recently rained. The surface is made of crushed limestone, which is essentially chalk. Dust can work its way into every poorly sealed seam on a soft-top vehicle, so make sure all seams are sealed tightly before attempting to drive this road.

To get to the actual campsite you must drive on the backcountry roads. Just before the end of Turner River Road is a right turn that leads to the Bear Island Campground. A backcountry road access point is located a tenth of a mile from the turn. There is another access point at the very end of the campground road, but that backcountry road tends to be very muddy even when the first road is dry, so use the first access point.

Backcountry access road at Bear Island Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

Backcountry access road at Bear Island Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

If you are hiking or biking, there are two options. One is to take Turner River Road and park at the end of the road in the designated parking area. From there, head over to the Bear Island Campground and walk or bike around the gate to get on the backcountry road. The gate is to prohibit unauthorized vehicles, not pedestrians and bikers.

Once on the road, proceed approximately 3.5 miles until coming to a T-intersection (the park map makes it look like a fork, but the road dead ends). Take a left to get to Pink Jeep, which is another half mile down the road. Keep in mind that after a tenth of a mile you will come to an area that looks like it might be the campground, but the sign clearly states NO TRESSPASSING. This is just some sort of National Park Service office. The turnoff for the campground has an actual CAMPGROUND sign.

Turn for Pink Jeep Campground at Big Cypress National Preserve

Turn for Pink Jeep Campground at Big Cypress National Preserve

The second option is to avoid Turner River Road altogether and instead take the paved Highway 29. Not long after passing I-75 is a backcountry access area for those on foot or bike (no vehicles). There is a fence gate that you must open, and a small parking area is just inside. From here it is a straight shot to Pink Jeep Campground, and only 3.25 miles.

Highway 29 access to Bear Island Backcountry Area in Big Cypress National Preserve

Highway 29 access to Bear Island Backcountry Area in Big Cypress National Preserve

For those hiking or biking, a free backcountry permit is required. Obtain one at any of the Visitor Centers, the Hunter Check-In Station at the first Bear Island Campground backcountry road access point, or at the trailhead of any backcountry trail. I’m not sure if permits are available at the Highway 29 entrance, but you can download a fillable PDF prior to leaving. See the Backcountry web page here on National Park Planner for a link to the form and instructions.

NOTE: If biking or hiking, return back to your car the same way you came. Do not try another route because you never know what condition the road ahead is in. If you got to the campground, at least you know that route is clear. Don’t learn the hard way like I did.

CAMPING SEASON

Pink Jeep Campground is open from mid-August through mid-April. Operating 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.

The Pink Jeep area of Bear Island tends to be much wetter than the Gator Head or Bear Island Campground areas, and just because the dry season is from November through April doesn’t mean the park dries up November 1st. Ask a park Ranger about conditions before making camping plans. I was at Pink Jeep one February and the place was pretty much bone dry. During a recent January visit it was a little muddy.

Campsites at Big Cypress National Preserve's Pink Jeep may be muddy, even in the dry season

Campsites at Big Cypress National Preserve’s Pink Jeep may be muddy, even in the dry season

TYPE OF CAMPING

Pink Jeep Campground is for tent camping only. If you drive any type of small, self-contained sleeping vehicle such as a pick-up truck with a camper top, you cannot sleep in the camper. You must sleep in a tent.

Each campsite has a limit of six people and two vehicles. Since it is in the backcountry, no pets other than hunting dogs during hunting season are allowed.

For a complete list of camping regulations, see Big Cypress National Preserve’s Campground Rules and Regulations web page.

Campsite 6 at Pink Jeep Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

Campsite 6 at Pink Jeep Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

NUMBER SITES

There are nine campsites at Pink Jeep.

Campsite 1 at Pink Jeep Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

Campsite 1 at Pink Jeep Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

TERRAIN

Each campsite at Pink Jeep is located in its own cubbyhole off of the main dirt road that runs through the campground. Sites are surrounded by palmetto trees that offer shade, and while not completely out of sight from the neighbors, there is a decent amount of privacy. The ground is level, and when dry, grassy and well manicured.

Because there is a lot of vegetation, mosquitoes are more likely to be around at all times of the year, though during the winter they aren’t too bad.

Campsite 9 at Pink Jeep Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

Campsite 9 at Pink Jeep Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

AMENITIES

While listed as a “primitive” campground, this is not the same as backcountry camping where you pitch a tent somewhere in the wilderness and poop in a hole you dig yourself. There are established and numbered campsites at Pink Jeep, it’s just that you don’t have running water or electricity. A fancy outhouse is provided. This is what I call a pit toilet housed in a permanent building versus the plastic portable toilets common at construction sites.

Each campsite has a picnic table and a grill / fire ring.

Campsite 8 at Pink Jeep Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

Campsite 8 at Pink Jeep Campground in Big Cypress National Preserve

RESERVATIONS

Reservations are required for all campsites at Pink Jeep Campground. You can make a reservation online at Recreation.gov from one day to six months in advance. You can also make reservation by phone by calling (877) 444-6777.

FEES

The current camping fee at Pink Jeep is $10 / 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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Last updated on February 24, 2023
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