Monument Lake Campground

Star4.50
716 reviews
52105 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL, 34141, USA
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

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

Opens Big Cypress National Preserve Management 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
Monument Lake Campground
$24.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Tent-only sites are $24 per night, and RV non-electric sites are $28 per night during peak season. Discounts such as Golden Access Passport apply,...
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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
239-631-9988
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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 716 reviews

178 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomsfriendly

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom Naples: Follow US HWY 41 east until you see the sign for campground (approximately mile marker 59). From Miami: Follow US HWY 41 west until you see the sign for campground (approximately mile marker 59).
The campground is conveniently located just off US HWY 41 at mile marker 59. The roads are paved for easy access. However, some user reviews noted the lack of signage from certain directions along the highway, which may require extra attention while driving.
Nearby places
Naples (60 miles, approximately 1 hour), Miami (90 miles, approximately 1.5 hours), Everglades City (30 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest grocery store: Publix Supermarket (approximately 40 minutes west on US 41). Gas stations and camping supplies are available in Everglades City (30 miles away). Firewood near Trail Lakes Campground.

Best Time to Camp at Monument Lake Campground

Experience Florida camping at its finest during Monument Lake's prime season from August through December, when Mother Nature turns down the humidity and cranks up the comfort. Picture-perfect days averaging 76°F give way to crisp, starlit evenings around 60°F – ideal for campfire stories and marshmallow roasting. The refreshingly dry air during these months transforms outdoor adventures from endurance tests into pure pleasure, while moderate breezes (occasionally dancing up to 22 mph) keep the infamous Florida bugs at bay and add a gentle rustle to the cypress trees overhead.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Campground open Aug 15–Dec 31; summer is hot, humid and buggy; limited open window in August.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 6% in FL

Prime season Aug–Dec; milder temps and comfortable conditions make fall strong.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground closed January through mid‑August, so spring is not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Dec is open and popular for mild conditions, but campground is closed Jan–mid‑Aug limiting winter access.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: August 15, 2025 - December 31, 2025. 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.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts at this time.

About Monument Lake Campground

Nestled within the vast wilderness of Big Cypress National Preserve, Monument Lake Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to a serene oasis where modern comfort meets untamed Florida nature. Here, campers wake to the gentle lapping of lake waters and the calls of exotic birds, with spacious sites thoughtfully arranged around a picturesque central lake. Whether you're setting up a tent beneath the canopy or parking your RV with a prime water view, you'll find well-maintained amenities including sturdy picnic tables, fire rings for evening gatherings, and spotless restroom facilities. This hidden gem serves as your perfect basecamp for exploring nearby wonders like the famous Shark Valley tram tours and the educational exhibits at Oasis Visitor Center, all while offering the tranquil escape that only the Everglades can provide.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 10 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

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.
HikingThe campground is centrally located within Big Cypress National Preserve, offering access to nearby hiking trails. Specific trails or difficulty levels are not detailed in the source.
FishingFishing is permitted in Monument Lake, where guests have reported seeing alligators and catching fish. "Fishing near alligator activity" was noted as a potential concern by some reviewers.
BikingBiking is possible around the campground and on nearby scenic routes such as the Loop Road. "The Shark Valley bike trail is a great place to rent a bike," noted one review.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with frequent sightings of alligators, birds such as roseate spoonbills, and other Everglades species. "We saw six alligators one evening," said one reviewer.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanger-led programs, including campfire talks and interpretive talks, are occasionally offered. "We attended a sunset campfire talk by a park ranger," noted one visitor.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAlligators inhabit the lake, making swimming prohibited and requiring caution near the shoreline. Mosquitoes are prevalent, especially at dusk, and fire ants may be active near fire rings.
Active AlertsNo active alerts at this time.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available in the tent area, necessary to mitigate bear and wildlife risks. No additional fees apply for usage.

Weather at Monument Lake Campground

Reviews

4.5
716 reviews
Recommended
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...
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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 -...
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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...
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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...
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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

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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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