Off-Road Vehicle Use

ORV trail winds through the cypress swamp

NPS

Welcome to Big Cypress National Preserve! Our off road vehicle operations on designated trails allows access to hunting, fishing, frogging, camping, wildlife observation, transportation to private property, and other traditional nature-based activities.

Please recreate responsibly!

• All ORV usage requires a permit sold here.
• All ORVs must meet inspection requirements as outlined in the Superintendent's Compendium, found here. You are responsible for conducting your own ORV inspection.
• Only access ORV trails by the designated gates. Please close and lock gates behind you.
• Trails are only open between 05:00am and 10:00pm.
• Operate off-road vehicles per the authorized speed limit.
• Stay on designated trails.

To learn more about off-road vehicle recreation within the national preserve, please use the following links:

• Need to register or renew an off-road vehicle permit? Head to our Recreation.gov page.
• View maps of desgianted Off-Road Vehicle trails. Maps can be viewed per unit on printable PDF files.
• Looking to hunt of fish? See Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area Hunting Regs.
• Read camp owner questions and answers
• Want to register an ATV or UTV? Learn more about the state's title requirements.
• Want to organize a group, off-road vehicle event? You'll need to obtain a special use permit first.

Operator's License:
This document serves as an Operator License and certifies that the operator has viewed the required educational video in its entirety, reviewed all applicable rules and regulations posted on Rec.gov, and agrees to comply with those requirements.

Individuals who did not purchase a permit through Rec.gov, but wish to operate an Off-Road Vehicle within Big Cypress National Preserve, are required to review the educational materials, obtain an Operator License, complete this form, and maintain a physical copy in their possession while operating an ORV. This document is subject to inspection by park staff and law enforcement personnel at any time.

Don't have a Off-road vehicle, but still want to explore? Check out our list of permitted commercial operators in the preserve! They may be able to help!