• The Florida panther's watchful gaze- Courtesy- Ralph Arwood

    Big Cypress

    National Preserve Florida

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Fire Activity

    Currently there is fire activity within the Preserve. More »

  • 2013 Zone 4 Closure

    Beginning at 12:01 am Monday, April 8, 2013, the Zone 4 airboat access within Big Cypress National Preserve will be closed due to low water conditions. More »

  • Interstate 75 Mile Marker 63 Closure

    Beginning summer of 2013 the rest area and backcountry access at mile marker 63 will be closed due to construction. More »

  • Campground Closures

    Beginning Monday, May 13 through Friday, August 16 camping will be available at the Midway Campground and the “loop” in the Bear Island Campground within Big Cypress National Preserve. All other established campgrounds will be closed. More »

News Releases


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May 07, 2013
May 2013 ORV Advisory Committee Meeting
The next meeting of Big Cypress National Preserve's Off-road Vehicle Advisory Committee (ORVAC) will be held on Wednesday, May 29 from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

May 01, 2013
Preserve Campgrounds to Close for Summer Season
Beginning Monday, May 13 through Friday, August 16 camping will be available at the Midway Campground and the “loop” in the Bear Island Campground within Big Cypress National Preserve.

April 22, 2013
2013 Winners Announced for Annual Big Cypress Poetry Contest
The winners of the 2013, Poetry Contest have been announced!

April 17, 2013
Preserve Implements Campfire Restrictions
Pedro Ramos, Superintendent of Big Cypress National Preserve, announced today that due to severely dry, windy conditions, and local fire danger index Big Cypress National Preserve will be implementing campfire restrictions.

April 15, 2013
The Preserve Now Accepting Applications for 2013 Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Program
Big Cypress is now accepting applications for the 2013 Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program. Applications must be received by May 13, 2013.

April 03, 2013
2013 Zone 4 Closure
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2013 the Zone 4 airboat access within Big Cypress National Preserve will be closed due to low water conditions.

April 01, 2013
Artists Selected for the 2013-2014 Artist-In-Residence Program
Five talented artists have been selected for the 2013-2014 Artist-In-Residence program.

April 01, 2013
Huckabee Wildfire
The Huckabee Wildfire started on March 29, 2013.

March 19, 2013
Preserve Hosting Landowner Meeting in April
In a continuing effort to improve communication with landowners within the legislative boundaries of Big Cypress National Preserve, National Park Service staff will hold a meeting at the Preserve Headquarters, 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL (located on U.S. 41 four miles east of S.R. 29) on Saturday, April 6th beginning at 9:00 a.m.

March 18, 2013
Big Cypress Kicks off National Poetry Month with a Poetry Contest
April is National Poetry Month and what better way to celebrate than with a poetry contest?

March 05, 2013
Stars, Comets & Nebulas, Oh My! An Introduction to Amateur Astronomy
Join us as we enjoy the night sky of Big Cypress National Preserve. Park rangers will first lead an indoor presentation introducing night sky features and the lore that surrounds them. We’ll then move outside to view the universe through a telescope and have a chance to see Comet PANSTARRS as it travels by our planet.

March 01, 2013
Preserve Generates 117 million in Local Economy
A 2011 study recently released by the National Park Service shows that the 941,393 visitors to Big Cypress National Preserve generated $117,467,000 of revenue in local communities. Additionally, the report shows that the preserve assists in supporting 1,891 jobs in the area.

February 20, 2013
Meet Author Marya Repko and Learn about "the Amazing Deaconess of the Everglades"
On March 16, from 1:00-3:00 pm Local historian, Marya Repko, will give an illustrated presentation about "the Amazing Deaconess of the Everglades."

February 01, 2013
Preserve Extends Comment Period for Draft Hunting Management Plan
The comment period for the Big Cypress National Preserve Hunting Management Plan has been extended.

January 22, 2013
Artist-In-Residence Photography Demonstration
On January 24, 2013, current Artist-In-Residence Richard Eskin, will hold a photography workshop demonstrating his medium and techniques.

January 09, 2013
Tamiami Trail "Triathlon" Challenge
Get out and explore YOUR national park and preserve! The Tamiami Trail "Triathlon" encourages individuals and families to get out of their cars and explore areas within easy access of the Tamiami Trail. Participants bike the 15 mile loop road from the Shark Valley Visitor Center; hike a 3 mile loop trail from the Oasis Visitor Center; and, canoe or kayak a 3.5 mile route from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City.

January 03, 2013
2013 ORV Advisory Committee Meetings
The next meeting of Big Cypress National Preserve's Off-road Vehicle Advisory Committee (ORVAC) will be held on Wednesday, January 30 from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center in the auditorium at 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141.

December 18, 2012
Florida National Scenic Trail Celebrates 30th Anniversary
The Florida National Scenic Trail celebrates its 30th Anniversary during 2013. The monument dedication ceremony will take place on January 4, 2013, at 10:00 am at the Oasis Visitor Center

December 17, 2012
Art Demonstration by Artist-In-Residence
On December 27, 2012, current Artist-In-Residence Linda Apriletti, will provide a demonstration of her medium at Oasis Visitor Center.

September 04, 2012
Preserve Accepting Applications for 2013-2014 Artist-In-Residence Program
The Artist-In-Residence Program at Big Cypress National Preserve offers professional writers, composers, and visual and performing artists the opportunity to pursue their artistic discipline while being surrounded by the Preserve's inspiring landscape.

July 19, 2012
Preserve Seeking Comments on Revised Draft Hunting Management Plan Environmental Assessment
The National Park Service, in consultation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has released for public comment a revised draft Hunting Management Plan/ Environmental Assessment for Big Cypress National Preserve.

Did You Know?

A purple galinule walking along spadder dock.

The purple galinule though one of the most colorful birds in Big Cypress, is often well camouflaged. Look carefully along canal edges and gator holes for this beautiful bird. Many of the surrounding colors blend well with the birds feathers.