• 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 »

  • 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 »

Visitor Centers

Big Cypress has two visitor contact stations that provide visitor information & orientation, issuing permits, sales items and other services. Both of these facilities are open year-round.

Both facilities are midway between Miami and Naples along the Tamiami Trail.

 

BIG CYPRESS SWAMP WELCOME CENTER

 
DSC00240

Inisde the exhibit area.

The Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center is an interagency center for all public lands within the Big Cypress Swamp.

Open from 9:00 - 4:30, every day, but Christmas.

Address
33000 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, Florida 34141

The center is approximately five miles east of State Road 29 on the Tamiami Trail.

Special Programs
Ranger-led programs are conducted seasonally. Check at the welcome center for times.

Phone
(239) 695-4758

Exhibits
The welcome center offers indoor and outdoor exhibits related to the natural and cultural history of the Big Cypress Swamp, educational materials and an introductory film to the swamp, its resources and recreational opportunities.

Available Facilities
Everglades Association bookstore and shop. Public restrooms. National Park Service staff are available to assist visitors with information about available activities.

 

OASIS VISITOR CENTER

 
1163895132_w2LZD-S_1

Oasis Visitor Center

Address
52105 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, Florida 34141

Open from 9:00-4:30, every day, but Christmas.

Special Programs
Ranger-led programs are conducted seasonally. Check at the welcome center for times.

Phone
(239) 695-1201

Off-Road Vehicle Permit Office
Located at the visitor center, is open from 9:00 - 3:30, every day, but Christmas. Off-road vehicle inspections are conducted Friday through Monday.

Exhibits
The visitor center offers exhibits related to the natural and cultural history of the preserve, educational materials and a introductory film to the preserve, its resources and recreational opportunities. National Park Service staff are available to assist visitors with information about available activities.

Available Facilities
Everglades Association bookstore and shop. Public restrooms. National Park Service staff are available to assist visitors with information about available activities.

 

PRESERVE HEADQUARTERS

 
DSC00704

Address
33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, Florida 34141

Open from 9:00-4:30, Monday through Friday.

Phone
(239) 695-2000

Headquarters is located near Naples and Everglades City, along U. S. 41, five miles east of the State Road 29 intersection.

Did You Know?

Alligator in the swamp.

Within the preserve, the HP Williams and Oasis Wildlife Viewing Platforms are popular areas to see alligators. The best time to see large congregations of alligators is typically from January through May. Remeber not to feed or approach these dangerous animals.