Panther Pond Primitive Campground Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest

4.18

11 reviews

6265 County Rd. 832, Felda, Florida, 33930, United States

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

30 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Opens Florida Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

30 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Opens Florida Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Panther Pond Primitive Campground Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground charges $10 per night for camping, as indicated in user reviews.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

863-612-0776

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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 11 reviews

144 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanshade

"User reviews highlight the peacefulness and remoteness of the campground, as well as its abundant wildlife and recreational opportunities. However, they also note the lack of potable water and electricity as major drawbacks."

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Campground Map

6265 County Rd. 832, Felda, Florida, 33930, United States

Panther Pond Primitive Campground Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest

6265 County Rd. 832, Felda, Florida, 33930, United States

Driving directionsFrom I-75, take exit 138 for FL-82 (Fort Myers) and east on FL-82. Follow FL-82 for 20 miles and turn left onto S Church Road. Follow S Church Road and then turn right onto Church Road/Felda Church Road. Follow Church Road/Felda Church Road for 6 miles and then turn left on FL-29 N. Follow FL-29 N for 2.5 miles and then turn right onto Keri Road. Follow Keri Road for 6.4 miles until you see the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest sign.

The campground is accessible via gravel roads in excellent condition, as noted by user reviews. Seasonal closures or road challenges are not mentioned.

Nearby places

Fort Myers (approximately 20 miles), LaBelle (distance and travel time not specified), Clewiston (distance and travel time not specified).

Nearby supplies

A Walmart is nearby for supplies, as mentioned in user reviews. LaBelle Heritage Museum and Barron Park in LaBelle provide additional amenities.

Best Time to Camp at Panther Pond Primitive Campground Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest

Nature's rhythms dictate the experience at Panther Pond throughout the year. Winter months bring a fascinating paradox—while temperatures drop to their most comfortable levels, the pond becomes a magnet for insect activity, creating a buzzing ecosystem that reminds visitors of the wetland's vibrant life force. As summer approaches, the air grows thick with humidity, transforming the slough into a sultry wilderness where mosquitoes reign supreme. Savvy campers come prepared with appropriate gear and repellent, knowing that each season offers its own unique window into this dynamic ecosystem.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summers likely uncomfortable due to heavy mosquito activity noted in reviews; primitive heat/humidity.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Cooler, more comfortable weather with accessible trails and wildlife viewing makes fall favorable.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Active wildlife and pleasant weather boost spring visits, though insects can appear seasonally.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Comfortable temperatures in winter, but reviews still note December bug activity so not universally ideal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round as per user reviews, though no explicit dates are provided.

About Panther Pond Primitive Campground Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest

Deep within the untamed wilderness of Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest lies Panther Pond Primitive Campground, a hidden sanctuary where modern conveniences fade away and nature takes center stage. This remote retreat invites adventurous souls to pitch their tents along a peaceful loop of campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table and fire ring complete with grill. While the amenities are deliberately minimal—portable restrooms and dumpsters mark the extent of modern facilities—the rewards are immeasurable: tranquility broken only by wildlife calls, star-filled skies unmarred by light pollution, and the rare opportunity to experience Florida as it existed centuries ago.

The campground provides primitive tent sites and one RV-compatible site. Some sites are located under a hammock, offering shade.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this remarkable preserve, where the landscape tells stories that predate European exploration. The surrounding forest stands as one of South Florida's last remaining windows into the pre-Columbian era, offering visitors a rare glimpse of what this region looked like when only indigenous peoples walked these lands. The Okaloacoochee Slough serves as nature's lifeline, channeling vital water flows that sustain the legendary Fakahatchee Strand and Big Cypress Preserve—two of Florida's most ecologically significant wilderness areas.

Weather and SeasonsNature's rhythms dictate the experience at Panther Pond throughout the year. Winter months bring a fascinating paradox—while temperatures drop to their most comfortable levels, the pond becomes a magnet for insect activity, creating a buzzing ecosystem that reminds visitors of the wetland's vibrant life force. As summer approaches, the air grows thick with humidity, transforming the slough into a sultry wilderness where mosquitoes reign supreme. Savvy campers come prepared with appropriate gear and repellent, knowing that each season offers its own unique window into this dynamic ecosystem.

ElevationThe campground rests at the subtle elevations characteristic of South Florida's ancient landscape, where even minor changes in height create distinct ecological zones.

Natural Features and SceneryPanther Pond serves as the campground's jewel, its dark waters reflecting towering cypress trees and providing a window into one of Florida's most pristine slough ecosystems. This untouched wilderness creates an extraordinary backdrop for wildlife encounters—from wading birds stalking the shallows at dawn to the thrilling possibility of spotting Florida black bears foraging in the distance. The surrounding landscape weaves together sawgrass prairies, cypress domes, and hardwood hammocks, creating a mosaic of habitats that support an incredible diversity of life.

Geological RegionNestled within the sprawling 32,370-acre Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, the campground occupies a unique position in South Florida's geological story. This pristine slough system represents far more than just protected land—it's a functioning piece of the greater Everglades ecosystem, channeling sheet flow that nourishes both the famed Fakahatchee Strand and the vast Big Cypress Preserve. North of the Everglades proper, this remarkable landscape preserves the authentic character of pre-Columbian South Florida, offering campers the extraordinary opportunity to sleep beneath the same stars that guided ancient peoples through these wetlands thousands of years ago.

Best Campsites

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Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No specific check-in time mentioned.

Check-out

No specific check-out time mentioned.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit unclear from provided information.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site allows up to 8 guests.

Groups

Group camping information is not explicitly provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is arranged in a loop with sites numbered 1-16. RV Site #16 allows pets.

Reservation PlatformsReservation platform not explicitly stated, but primitive sites can be reserved.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit mention of walk-up availability, though user reviews suggest limited usage of the campground.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not provided.

AccessibilityA handicap-accessible site is mentioned in user reviews, but no specific official details are provided.

Site SizeSites are described as large according to one user review. Specific measurements are not provided.

PrivacyThe campground offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere with shaded sites. Some sites are located under a hammock.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesSites offer varying levels of shade, and the loop layout ensures separation between sites.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The forest offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The area is also noted for its opportunities for horseback riding and photography.

HikingNumerous hiking trails in the forest, including the Tram and Twin Mills trails, are part of the Florida State Forest Trailwalker Program. Trails may require GPS navigation as markers are sometimes missing, according to one user.

FishingFishing opportunities are prevalent in the various canals, ponds, and ditches accessible by vehicle or hiking.

BikingOpen forest roads are available for mountain biking, with no details on terrain difficulty.

Wildlife viewingThe forest's wetlands provide excellent opportunities for observing a variety of wildlife species. One user noted the abundance of wildlife and great views.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are present in the area, requiring campers to follow strict food storage guidelines. Mosquitoes are highly active near Panther Pond, even in cooler months.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings with grills.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 5 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services not explicitly stated. The nearest ranger station can be reached at 863-612-0776.

Trash & RecyclingA dumpster is located at the south end of the campground for trash disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Panther Pond, though no waterfront sites are available.

Camp HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.

Weather at Panther Pond Primitive Campground Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest

Reviews

4.2

11 reviews

Satisfactory

Panther Pond Primitive Campground Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the peacefulness and remoteness of the campground, as well as its abundant wildlife and recreational opportunities. However, they also note the lack of potable water and electricity as major drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean campsites, scenic views, wildlife sightings, shaded sites, proximity to hiking trails, and peaceful atmosphere.

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues with mosquitoes, lack of potable water, no electricity, and variability in the cleanliness of restroom facilities.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of bug spray, especially during warmer months. Carry GPS for navigating trails, and ensure all food is stored in bear-proof containers or vehicles.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers are likely to have significant issues with mosquitoes. December reviews still noted high bug activity, suggesting year-round insect challenges. Cooler seasons may offer a more comfortable...

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Absolutely gorgeous area with tons of wildlife and great views.' - Zachary Steele, Dec 2018 - 'Very primitive, so no water, power, or bathroom facilities just a couple of outhouses.' - Richard...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews generally praise the campground's quiet and cleanliness, mentioning Site #2 as a gem for solitude. However, specific site reviews are limited.

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

A user mentioned the presence of a handicap-accessible site, but detailed feedback from users with disabilities is not available.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at the tent-only sites, as explicitly stated in the authoritative source.

Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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Panther Pond Primitive Campground Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest