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

    Big Cypress

    National Preserve Florida

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • Fire Activity

    Currently there is fire activity within the Preserve. More »

  • Campfire Ban in Effect.

    Due to severe fire conditions campfires restrictions are currently in place. 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 »

  • 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 »

Zone 4 Airboat Access Reopened

Subscribe RSS Icon | What is RSS
Date: June 16, 2009
Contact: Bob DeGross, 239-695-1107

With recent rains water levels in Zone 4 of Big Cypress National Preserve have risen to allow for the reopening of airboat trails within the zone. The trails will reopen effective June 15, 2009.

The National Park Service reminds all permitted Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) operators that the other portions of the Preserve that allow for wheeled vehicle access remain closed, as part of the annual 60-day closure period, through July 30.

Zone 4 is located within the southeast corner of the Preserve, south of Loop Road, and is the only area within the Preserve that allows for backcountry access via airboat.

Did You Know?

Bear in a tree.

Many do not expect to see bears in Florida. Actually, we have a healthy population within the state. Big Cypress is one of their ideal habitats in southwest Florida. If camping in the area, be sure to keep your camp "bear proof."