Burns Lake Campground

Star4.40
233 reviews
52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL, USA, 34141
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

20 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from August 15t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Big Cypress National Preserve site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Burns Lake Campground
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Tent Only Nonelectric sites and RV Nonelectric sites cost $24 per night during peak season (August 15 - December 31). Fees do not include taxes,...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
239-695-1205
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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 233 reviews

63 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanspacious

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Visitors generally appreciate the tranquility, natural beauty, and wildlife at Burns Lake Campground. Common themes include the unique experience of camping near a lake with alligators, the peaceful atmosphere, and the opportunity to disconnect due to the lack of cell service. However, some users have expressed concerns about noise levels, maintenance issues, and safety protocols."

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Campground Map

52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL, USA, 34141

Burns Lake Campground

52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL, USA, 34141

Driving directionsFrom Naples: Follow US HWY 41 east until you see signs for campground (approximately mile marker 67). From Miami: Follow US HWY 41 west until you see signs for campground (approximately mile marker 67).
Accessible via US HWY 41. Approximately 1 mile on gravel from the state route to the campsites. Road conditions include potholes, and caution is advised for RVs and larger vehicles.
Nearby places
Naples (approx. 40 miles, 50 minutes), Miami (approx. 70 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes), Everglades City (approx. 12 miles, 15 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Limited supplies available in Everglades City (~12 miles). Larger grocery stores and supply centers are in Naples (~40 miles). Fuel available along US HWY 41.

Best Time to Camp at Burns Lake Campground

The subtropical climate wraps visitors in a warm, humid embrace, with morning mists rising from the lake like nature's own theater curtain. Summer brings a chorus of insects and heavy dewdrops that transform spider webs into jeweled masterpieces. Savvy campers flock here during the magical winter months of December through February, when cooler temperatures and lower humidity create perfect conditions for campfire stories and comfortable nights under star-studded skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Late summer is hot, humid and buggy; summer months less favorable per overview.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open Aug 15–Dec 31; fall is peak season and generally pleasant.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground is closed during spring; open season is Aug 15–Dec 31.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Reviewers recommend winter for cooler weather, fewer bugs and clear skies for stargazing.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: August 15 - December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from August 15th to December 31st annually.

About Burns Lake Campground

Nestled among towering pine sentinels, Burns Lake Campground beckons adventurers to a serene wilderness retreat where every campsite gazes upon crystalline waters. This hidden gem draws hunters tracking elusive game and off-road enthusiasts seeking untamed trails through Florida's wild heart. Here, the symphony of nature replaces urban clamor, as ancient pines whisper secrets above a mirror-like lake that reflects endless sky.
Burns Lake Campground provides options for primitive tent camping and RV camping. It is a dry campground, meaning there are no water or electricity hookups.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 10 nights during a visit at this campground during January-April. For other times of the year, details on stay limits are not explicitly provided.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Burns Lake Campground offers a range of outdoor activities suited for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, including fishing, wildlife viewing, and off-road vehicle access. Visitors can also enjoy stargazing and hiking in the vicinity. A user stated, 'Stargazing is my favorite, no light pollution and you are able to see the sky.'
HikingHiking opportunities are available in the surrounding areas, with dirt roads for exploration. One user highlighted, 'It’s a good place to ride your bike on the dirt roads.' However, wet conditions may affect usability, as noted: 'This time of year it can still be very wet in the area though so plan to have a tarp under your tent to keep it dry.'
FishingFishing is a popular activity, as the lake is described as 'deep and the fishing is a common practice.' One user mentioned, 'The lake is deep, and the fishing is a common practice.' Another noted, 'My husband caught 4 bass.' Anglers are reminded to have appropriate licensure.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other animals. As one user described, 'Amazing experience with a great diversity of plants and animals around the campgrounds.' Campers should exercise caution, as another review noted, 'Bears, gators, hogs, and panthers roam the area.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include alligators in the lake, bears, panthers, wild hogs, and water hazards due to the deep artificial lake. Users are advised to exercise caution and keep pets away from the lake.
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.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are mandatory for food storage but are not provided at every site. Campers may use their vehicle as an alternative.

Weather at Burns Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4
233 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Burns Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors generally appreciate the tranquility, natural beauty, and wildlife at Burns Lake Campground. Common themes include the unique experience of camping near a lake with alligators, the peaceful atmosphere, and the opportunity to disconnect due to the lack of cell service. However, some users have expressed concerns about noise levels, maintenance issues, and safety protocols.
Review Summaries
Based on 233 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the spacious and clean campsites, the friendliness of camp hosts, and the opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. One review mentioned, 'The nights were peaceful and very...
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Based on 233 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include noise disturbances from other campers, generator use, and the lack of fresh water. For example, one user wrote, 'Wish quiet times were enforced,' and another noted, 'No...
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Based on 233 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors often advise bringing ample water, bug spray, and a tarp for wet conditions. Many recommended winter months for fewer mosquitoes and more comfortable temperatures. One user advised, 'Bring...
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Based on 233 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is the most recommended season for camping due to cooler weather, fewer bugs, and clear skies for stargazing. Summer months may be less favorable due to high humidity and mosquito activity.
Based on 233 reviews

Camper Quotes

-'Bathrooms are clean.' -'Bring your bug spray because whenever you go the mosquitos will be there waiting.' -'Stargazing is my favorite, no light pollution and you are able to see the sky.' -'Very...
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Based on 233 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 14 is frequently cited for its excellent location and view. However, one user shared a negative experience with their reserved site being occupied, stating, 'I decided to stay the night at the...
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Based on 233 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are sparse, but one user mentioned feeling comforted by the presence of camp hosts, even if they were not visible during their stay.
Based on 233 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Visitors are advised to be cautious near the lake due to alligators. One user shared, 'He didn't back down and run away either just sat and watched us...
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Based on 233 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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