Gator Head Campground

Star0.09
7 reviews
33100 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

23 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Gator Head Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $10 per site. Reservations must be made on Rec.gov.
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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
239-695-1117bicy_information@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

0.09

Mixed Reviews

Based on 7 reviews

Most mentioned

views

"No user reviews are available for Gator Head Campground."

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Campground Map

33100 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141

Gator Head Campground

33100 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141

Driving directionsFrom Naples: Head east on HWY 41, turn left on Turner River Rd, then go approx. 20 miles up the dirt road until you reach a check station. Turn left and use your ORV permit and gate combo to access the campground. Follow the trail to the campground on the left. From Miami: Head west and follow identical directions.
The campground is only accessible via off-road vehicle (ORV) with a valid permit, foot, or bicycle. Roads are unpaved and require an ORV permit for motorized access.
Nearby places
Naples: ~20 miles
Everglades City: ~30 miles
Nearby supplies
Everglades City, located 30 miles south, offers dining, sight-seeing, and provisions. Additionally, the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center is nearby.

Best Time to Camp at Gator Head Campground

Experience the gentle embrace of South Florida's subtropical climate, where comfortable days averaging 75°F give way to crisp evenings dipping to around 57°F. The predominantly dry conditions, with minimal rainfall averaging just a third of an inch during peak camping periods, create ideal conditions for stargazing and campfire gatherings under crystal-clear skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

South Florida summer is hot, humid with more insects—less comfortable for camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall typically drier and milder in South Florida; good for backcountry activities.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers comfortable weather and good conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Mild winter temperatures (~57–75°F evenings crisp) make camping pleasant and accessible year-round.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Gator Head Campground

Deep within the untamed wilderness of Big Cypress National Preserve lies Gator Head Campground, a true backcountry escape where adventure begins where the pavement ends. This primitive camping sanctuary in the Bear Island Unit rewards those willing to journey by off-road vehicle (permit required), bicycle, or on foot with nine secluded campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and shared bear-proof food storage. While vault toilets provide basic facilities, the absence of running water ensures an authentic wilderness experience that connects you directly with Florida's raw natural beauty.
Gator Head Campground offers basic, primitive camping options suitable for tents or pickup campers. No RV or trailer camping is allowed. Group camping and glamping are also not supported.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Gator Head Campground offers a variety of recreational activities suitable for outdoor and backcountry enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hunting. Off-road vehicle trails are accessible with a proper permit, and the area is known for its diverse wildlife, including the elusive Florida Panther.
Hiking"The Bear Island Unit offers 20 plus miles of backcountry trails," which are accessible from the campground. Specific details about trail difficulty or terrain are not provided.
FishingFishing is permitted in the nearby waters of the Big Cypress Swamp. Details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are not specified.
BikingBiking is allowed in the area, including on backcountry trails. Specific information about terrain or trail length is not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe campground provides opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, including tropical and temperate species. Of special note is the chance to see the elusive Florida Panther.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCell phone service is limited. Wildlife hazards include interactions with panthers and other fauna. Roads require ORV permits and may be impassable during certain conditions.
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 RequiredShared food storage lockers are available for all campers. Proper food storage is mandatory to avoid attracting wildlife.

Weather at Gator Head Campground

Reviews

0.1
7 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Gator Head Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for Gator Head Campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

No user reviews are available to highlight positive aspects.
Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

No user reviews are available to note complaints.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user reviews are available to provide tips or recommendations.
Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No user reviews are available to analyze seasonal trends.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

No direct quotes from user reviews are available.
Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews for the nine campsites are available.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews addressing accessibility experiences are available.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews regarding pets were found, but it is explicitly stated in the official materials that no pets are allowed in the backcountry.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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