How much does camping cost at Monument Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Monument Lake Campground range from $24-$28/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Monument Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Monument Lake 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 Monument Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Monument Lake Campground has 8 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 Monument Lake Campground?

Monument Lake Campground is open January 01 to April 15. 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 Monument Lake Campground?

Yes, Monument Lake Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Monument Lake Campground?

Cell phone service at Monument Lake Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Monument Lake Campground have?

Monument Lake Campground has 38 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Monument Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Monument Lake 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 Monument Lake Campground?

Monument Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Monument Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Monument Lake Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Monument Lake Campground

4.49

716 reviews

52105 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL, 34141, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Everglades National Park#1

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

$24 - $28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Open during peak sea...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Big Cypress National Preserve Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

$24 - $28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Open during peak sea...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Big Cypress National Preserve Management Official Website

Get Directions

Monument Lake Campground

$24.00 - $28.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $28.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

1 (239) 695-1205

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

52105 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL, 34141, USA

Monument Lake Campground

52105 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL, 34141, USA

Nearby places

Naples (60 miles, approximately 1 hour), Miami (90 miles, approximately 1.5 hours), Everglades City (30 miles, approximately 40 minutes)

Weather at Monument Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Monument Lake Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-80s, nights around the low 60s), much lower humidity than summer, and excellent wildlife viewing as migratory birds pass through and alligators are active along the lake. Hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching are at their peak with clearer trails and easier access as water levels begin to moderate after the summer rains. Crowds are generally moderate — weekends can fill, but weekdays & Peak months: November, October, September, December Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Reviews call winter months popular for mild temps and fewer bugs, but campground is closed Jan–mid‑Aug.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to April 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open during peak season from August 15th through December 31st, 2025. The campground is closed from January through mid-August.

About Monument Lake Campground

Monument Lake Campground sits in Big Cypress National Preserve near Ochopee, operated by the preserve's management team. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive options with flush toilets, showers, and potable water. Visitors come for fishing on the lake and wildlife viewing, particularly alligators and migratory birds during fall months when temperatures and humidity drop.

This is a primitive, no-hookups campground designed for a quiet, natural experience. It caters to both tent and RV campers, with separate areas for each. Group sites and cabins are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-80s, nights around the low 60s), much lower humidity than summer, and excellent wildlife viewing as migratory birds pass through and alligators are active along the lake. Hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching are at their peak with clearer trails and easier access as water levels begin to moderate after the summer rains. Crowds are generally moderate — weekends can fill, but weekdays & Peak months: November, October, September, December Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation7 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground centers on Monument Lake, a year-round gathering spot for alligators and roseate spoonbills. Native trees provide shade over tent sites, while RV spots occupy open areas with direct lake views. Beyond the campground boundary, Big Cypress spreads out in all directions: sawgrass prairies, cypress swamps hung with Spanish moss, pinelands, and tidal mangrove forests where freshwater meets salt. The preserve's 729,000 acres contain this full range of South Florida ecosystems, all shaped by seasonal water flow and minimal elevation change across the landscape.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available. The campground focuses on primitive camping.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led programs, including campfire talks and interpretive talks, are occasionally offered. "We attended a sunset campfire talk by a park ranger," noted one visitor.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 10 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov website and app. Payments must be made online, as cash is not accepted on-site.

AccessibilityInformation on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities is not explicitly detailed in the source materials.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with many able to accommodate RVs and tents. Specific dimensions are not mentioned.

PrivacySites are noted to lack privacy, with some reviews mentioning close proximity to neighbors and limited vegetation between sites. "The sites in the northern section are much too close together," noted one review.

Total Campsites38 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites on the far sides of the campground loop for reduced road noise and better lake views. Tent sites near trees provide limited shade and privacy.

Best CampsitesSites 1, 10, and 27 get consistent praise in reviews for lake views, space, and convenient access to restrooms and showers. Sites farther from US Highway 41 reduce road noise. The northern section packs sites closer together, with reviewers noting limited privacy and vegetation between neighbors.

Need help booking Monument Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Monument Lake Campground offers a range of basic amenities suitable for a quiet, natural camping experience. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, fire rings at the tent sites, and an outdoor dishwashing sink. The campground does not provide electricity, sewer, or water hookups. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, though RV sites lack grills. Showers are available and were noted as a recent addition, with several reviews praising their cleanliness and hot water. Trash and recycling facilities are available, and firewood is not sold on-site, with a recommendation to use nearby sources. Cell phone reception is excellent due to a nearby tower, particularly for Verizon users.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Monument Lake Campground offers a variety of nature-based activities, including hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife observation. The surrounding Big Cypress National Preserve provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures such as photography and hunting. Nearby attractions include visitor centers and the Shark Valley Scenic Loop.

Fishing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available in the tent area, necessary to mitigate bear and wildlife risks. No additional fees apply for usage.

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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities, including bear-proof bins, are available throughout the campground. Recycling facilities are also present.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is excellent, particularly for Verizon users, due to the proximity of a cell tower. One review noted, "Verizon service was superb as there's a cell tower at the edge of the campground." AT&T and T-Mobile signals are also reported as strong.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

716 reviews

Recommended

Monument Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Monument Lake Campground receives positive reviews for its serene environment, wildlife viewing opportunities, and clean facilities. Key highlights include the friendly and helpful camp hosts, excellent cell phone reception, and beautiful lake views. However, the lack of privacy between sites and the noise from generators are common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 716 reviews

What Campers Love

- Excellent cell phone reception due to a nearby tower - Clean and well-maintained restrooms and showers - Friendly and accommodating camp hosts - Beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing...

Based on 716 reviews

Common Concerns

- Generator noise allowed from 6 AM to 10 PM - Lack of privacy between campsites - No on-site dump station, requiring RV users to drive 9 miles to the nearest one - Limited shade at most campsites -...

Based on 716 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 10: "The only shaded campsite for tenting in the whole place." - Site 17: "Best hammock spot." - Site 25: "Very spacious and private."

Based on 716 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring bug spray to deal with mosquitoes, especially at dusk. - Fill up water tanks beforehand since water hookups are not available. - Choose sites further from the road to minimize traffic...

Based on 716 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during the winter months due to mild temperatures and fewer bugs. Summer months see fewer visitors due to high heat, humidity, and increased mosquito activity.

Based on 716 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The sunrises and sunsets are gorgeous!" - "Showers were an unexpected bonus and very clean." - "We saw six alligators one evening." - "Cell reception is excellent because there's a tower at the...

Based on 716 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly detailed in reviews, and further information would be required to assess suitability for campers with disabilities.

Based on 716 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but owners are advised to keep them leashed and away from the lake due to alligator activity.

Based on 716 reviews

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Go if

You want accessible camping in Big Cypress with amenities like showers and flush toilets plus fishing and wildlife watching.

Skip if

You need site privacy, quiet surroundings away from highway noise, or strict quiet hour enforcement.

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Burns Lake Campground

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

Burns Lake Campground sits in Big Cypress National Preserve near Ochopee, operated by the National Park Service with a 10-day stay limit. This small, budget-friendly campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables in the low-elevation Everglades ecosystem. Visitors fish, watch wildlife, and enjoy dark skies during the fall and winter season when water levels drop and migratory birds pass through.