How much does camping cost at Bear Island Campground?

Camping fees at Bear Island Campground are $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bear Island Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear Island Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bear Island Campground before I book?

Yes! Bear Island Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bear Island Campground?

Bear Island Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bear Island Campground?

Bear Island Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Bear Island Campground have?

Bear Island Campground has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Island Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bear Island Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bear Island Campground?

Bear Island Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Bear Island Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bear Island Campground?

Fire policies at Bear Island Campground: Don’t Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it onsite. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.13

184 reviews

33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL, 34141

Top 5% in FLWinter

C+Report Card

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

20 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Big Cypress National Preserve Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

20 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Big Cypress National Preserve Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Island Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

239-695-1117bicy_recreation@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL, 34141

Bear Island Campground

33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL, 34141

Nearby places

Everglades City is located 30 miles south (approximately 45 minutes driving).

Weather at Bear Island Campground

Current alerts(9)

Access to this campground is down a 20-mile secondary gravel road.
An off-road vehicle (ORV) permit is required for ORV use. For information on ORV use, please contact the off-road vehicle office at 239-631-9988 or visit our website at https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/orv-use.htm.
Any violations of park rules or regulations will cause a revocation of your camping permit and no refund will be given.
Cash payments are not accepted at this campground. Payments must be made online. There is limited to no cell phone coverage at the campground, advance reservations are highly recommended.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Island Campground

Best season: winter. Winter offers the best balance of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically 65–75°F, nights 45–55°F), lower humidity, and the Big Cypress dry-season drawdown that concentrates wildlife into accessible sloughs and prairies. Those conditions make hiking, wildlife viewing, birding and freshwater fishing at their most productive while mosquitoes and biting insects are much reduced. Expect moderate crowds (peaking around holidays and weekends) and full access to the seasonally open sites (13– Peak months: January, February, December, March Avoid: June, July

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

5.0 / 5

Top 5% in FL

Winter called best season: comfortable temps, lower humidity, dry-season drawdown aids wildlife viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Bear Island Campground

Bear Island Campground sits deep in Big Cypress National Preserve, reached by a 20-mile gravel road from Ochopee. Operated by the National Park Service, this mid-sized campground offers primitive tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables amid the preserve's cypress strands and wet prairies. Visitors come for winter wildlife viewing, birding, and freshwater fishing when the dry season concentrates animals into accessible sloughs.

Bear Island Campground supports primitive camping with minimal amenities. It accommodates tents and RVs, but does not provide hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter offers the best balance of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically 65–75°F, nights 45–55°F), lower humidity, and the Big Cypress dry-season drawdown that concentrates wildlife into accessible sloughs and prairies. Those conditions make hiking, wildlife viewing, birding and freshwater fishing at their most productive while mosquitoes and biting insects are much reduced. Expect moderate crowds (peaking around holidays and weekends) and full access to the seasonally open sites (13– Peak months: January, February, December, March Avoid: June, July

Elevation20 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transition zone where tropical and temperate species converge in South Florida's greater Everglades ecosystem. Bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss stand above sawgrass prairies and palm hammocks. The surrounding Big Cypress Swamp creates a patchwork of tree islands, sloughs, and wet prairies that support Florida Panthers, white-tailed deer, and extensive birdlife. Charred palm trunks mark the natural fire cycles that maintain this landscape. At 20 feet elevation, the preserve functions as both water filter and storage for the River of Grass. After dark, zero light pollution reveals clear views of the night sky.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. The campground is strictly for primitive camping.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of formal cultural or educational programs at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground is accessible via a long gravel road, which may pose challenges for large vehicles. Sites are gravel or grass pads and do not include ADA-compliant accessibility features.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with enough room for tents and vehicles.

PrivacySites are semi-private and well-spaced, with some offering a greater degree of seclusion. Reviews mention that campsites such as #2 provide shade in the morning.

Total Campsites40 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors recommend bringing bug spray, all necessary supplies, and reserving campsites in advance due to the lack of walk-up availability.

Best CampsitesSite #2 gets morning shade. Sites #2 and #4 offer better privacy than most. Sites 1-8 form a circle that works for families camping together.

Need help booking Bear Island Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no water available.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Bear Island Campground

Bear Island Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities compatible with its primitive nature. Visitors can engage in hiking, off-road vehicle exploration, wildlife viewing, and fishing. Hunting is also permitted in the area but requires adherence to specific regulations.

Wildlife viewing5.0/5Top 8% in Florida

Wildlife viewing is a highlight: deer, panthers, many bird species; winter drawdown boosts viewing.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to over 20 miles of backcountry trails within the Bear Island Unit.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote location and limited cell service imply dark skies and good stargazing potential.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Only vault toilets are provided at this campground.

Food Storage RequiredShared food storage lockers are available for campers to store items securely.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon’t Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it onsite. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 pm to 6:00 am

Trash & RecyclingThe campground features trash dumpsters and recycling bins for plastic. Campers are reminded to pack out everything they bring in.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Bear Island Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.1

184 reviews

Satisfactory

Bear Island Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is praised for its seclusion, natural beauty, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Common complaints include the long, rough road leading to the campground, the absence of potable water, and intrusive mosquitoes. Reviewers frequently highlight the clean vault toilets and peaceful atmosphere.

Review Summaries

Based on 184 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned by users include the well-maintained and clean vault toilets, spacious and private campsites, peaceful surroundings, and proximity to wildlife. The campground’s remote...

Based on 184 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common issues raised by users are the challenging 20-mile gravel road, limited or non-existent cell phone service, mosquitoes, and highway noise at night. The absence of potable water and...

Based on 184 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #2 offers morning shade. Sites 1-8 are grouped in a circle, making them ideal for families. Campsites in the first loop are closer to the entrance and dumpsters.

Based on 184 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of water, mosquito repellents, and all necessary supplies due to the remote location. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times for wildlife observation....

Based on 184 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground becomes busier on weekends and during the cooler months (August to April). Summer visits are characterized by extreme heat, high humidity, and significant mosquito...

Based on 184 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilets were the cleanest I've ever seen!" - Margaret Burke. "Campsites are great, lots of shade, trees, and privacy." - Marcus De Matos. "The mosquitoes are horrendous at dusk, so come...

Based on 184 reviews

Accessibility Features

The remote access road and lack of modern amenities may make it challenging for visitors with disabilities. No specific ADA-compliant features are noted.

Based on 184 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Campers advise not leaving pets unattended and being cautious about wildlife in the area.

Based on 184 reviews

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Bear Island Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

239-695-1117bicy_recreation@nps.gov

Go if

You want solitude and winter wildlife viewing in Big Cypress and don't mind primitive facilities or a rough drive in.

Skip if

You need hookups, paved access, or plan to visit during mosquito-heavy summer months.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

0.0

(7)

Gator Head Campground

33100 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141

Gator Head Campground sits in Big Cypress National Preserve near Ochopee, offering National Park Service-managed primitive camping in the heart of Florida's swamp wilderness. This very small campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for tent campers seeking a backcountry experience. Visitors come for wildlife viewing, fishing, and biking through one of the state's most biodiverse ecosystems.

Bear Island Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Bear Island Campground

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Bear Island Campground

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About Bear Island Campground

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Amenities available

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Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Bear Island Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

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Need help booking Bear Island Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Bear Island Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews