• 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 »

Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center Auditorium

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Auditorium during "THE PRESERVE" art exhibition.
 

The Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center Auditorium is a reservation-required facility for organized groups. The facility is available year-round from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The auditorium is equipped with chairs and tables to accommodate up to 70 people. An outdoor picnic area is on-site. Restrooms and power outlets are also available.

Please click here for an application.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Reservations can be rescheduled for another date, if available.

CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT

Check-in is no earlier than 9:00 am. Check-out must be by 4:00 pm or as listed on your permit.

PARKING

Parking is available in the over-flow parking area. Since parking is limited groups are encouraged to carpool.

LEADER RESPONSIBILITY

The group leader is responsible for ensuring the group's compliance to the rules and regulations of the National Park Service.

EMERGENCIES & SAFETY

Report any law enforcement concerns to the park ranger on duty at the welcome center, or Emergency Dispatch at 800-788-0511. For an emergency, please dial 9-1-1. Keep valuables and property secure at all times. A first aid kit is located at the front desk of the welcome center.

Please report lost and found items to a park ranger at the welcome center.

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.