Backcountry Camping

Big Cypress National Preserve consists of 729,000 acres of backcountry with several miles of multi-use trails to explore. Backcountry camping allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and challenge of the Preserve's wild side. By carrying everything you need to survive on your back or in your off-road vehicle, you can discover a world beyond where the pavement ends.

Backcountry Camping Permit is required for all backcountry camping. Permits are free and can be filled out online and printed. Additionally, they are located at every backcountry trailhead and can be found at both visitor centers. The permits take only a few minutes to complete. Please click here to get started.

 

Backcountry Camping Rules and Regulations

Except for the periods and locations indicated below, no camping gear can be left in the backcountry when the user is not actively camping and staying overnight at the campsite.

An individual may camp or leave camping gear unattended in backcountry areas of the Preserve, except for Zone 4, including the designated sites in the Bear Island campground, Gator Head and Pink Jeep campsites, for the length of the specific hunting season. For more detailed information on hunting, visit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Backcountry camping in the Bear Island Unit is permitted only at designated campsites (nine sites at Gator Head, and nine sites at Pink Jeep Trail).

Campers who leave equipment at the Bear Island, Gator Head, and Pink Jeep Campgrounds in the Bear Island Unit will be required to pay the daily camping fee for the days their equipment occupies the site.

In Zone 4: airboat users must camp in designated campsites only (1-17); backcountry camping is allowed in other areas of Zone 4 (except the seaside sparrow closure area) when access is gained by foot or non-motorized vessel, and the campsite is located at least 1/2 mile from the Loop Road and 1/4 mile from any designated campsite or airboat trail; no personal property can be left in the backcountry (tents, grills, cookware, tables, bedding, etc.) anywhere in Zone 4 when the user is not actively camping and staying overnight at the campsite.

Tent camping is permitted in established campgrounds and in non-developed areas throughout the preserve, except as restricted in the Bear Island Unit and Zone 4. However, in non-developed areas such backcountry camping is prohibited within ½ mile of any developed area or established county or state roads.

Once the daily limit has been reached for each time period, no person, party, or organization may use another designated area for the remainder of that season.

No person shall be permitted to camp in the Preserve backcountry for more than 30 days total, per year.