If you love wetlands, slow travel, and nature that feels just beyond reach, Big Cypress National Preserve is your kind of getaway. Often called the swampy heart of South Florida, it protects more than 729,000 acres of cypress swamps, wet prairies, and hardwood hammocks and is home to an incredible array of wildlife. It is one of the last remaining strongholds for the endangered Florida panther and is also home to black bears, wading birds, and countless reptiles. Big Cypress is not about rushing, but about immersing yourself in quiet swamp life.
Like other protected lands in South Florida, Big Cypress National Preserve offers visitors camping, hiking trails, kayaking through swamp channels, and drives along scenic byways. Unlike national parks, national preserves allow for a broader range of traditional and resource-based uses. Specifically, Big Cypress National Preserve allows regulated hunting and off-road vehicle use on designated trails. Trails like Turner River, Wagonwheel, and Birdon Roads are popular for scenic drives, while designated off-road vehicle trails let experienced riders get deeper into the preserve and enjoy backcountry camping.
Big Cypress National Preserve offers a rarely visited, raw side of Florida’s cypress domes, prairies, hardwood hammocks, and wetlands. Here are some tips to make your first trip a success:
What to Know
- Dry season (December – April) is the best season to visit for cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, and better wildlife viewing
- Big Cypress is open 24 hours. Early morning is the best time of day to visit to see wildlife, especially around Loop Road.
- Late nights are excellent for stargazing. Big Cypress has some of the darkest skies in South Florida and offers night sky programming
- There are no fees for general entrance or for backcountry camping permits. There are fees for select facilities, to use off-road vehicles, Florida hunting licenses, and specific hunting permits (prices vary)
- Some roads or trails may be impassable when water levels are high, especially during rainy season
- Swamp or wet walks are a unique way to explore the ecosystem. They are offered seasonally, typically in the dry season along with other ranger-led programs
- Cell service is limited. Download maps before you go
- Stay on designated trails, especially when using off-road vehicles
Where to Go
Big Cypress National Preserve has two visitor centers and several scenic drives and trails:
- Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center (Ochopee) – A good starting point for first time visitors on the western side of the preserve. Features indoor and outdoor exhibits, a short boardwalk, and access to rangers that can orient you and provide useful information on the park and current trail conditions. This is also home to the off-road vehicle office, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Oasis Visitor Center (Ochopee) – Located approximately 20 miles east of Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center. Features a rotating roster of art and cultural exhibits, a boardwalk with a wildlife observation deck, and a hiking trail that is accessible during the dry season.
- Loop Road Scenic Drive – mostly unpaved, gravel road that loops for approximately 24 miles south of Tamiami Trail, winding through cypress swamp habitat. It is a drive that is intended to be enjoyed slowly, with ample time to pull over at culverts to savor the view, bird watch, or spot alligators.
- Turner River/Wagonwheel/Birdon Roads Loop – similar to Loop Road, but looping approximately 17 miles north of Tamiami Trail. Both scenic drives are passable by most standard passenger cars during dry conditions, but may floor or become muddy after heavy rains.
What to Bring
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Insect repellent (critical during wet season)
- Refillable water bottle
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Sturdy shoes (water shoes or old sneakers for hiking in the muck)
- Binoculars for birdwatching
For more information, visit Plan Your Visit to Big Cypress National Preserve.