Bear Island Campground
4.3249 reviews33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL, 34141
Bear Island Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsites are $10.00 per night. Payments are required online, and cash payments are not accepted.
About this campground
Deep in the heart of Big Cypress National Preserve, Bear Island Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking to disconnect from the modern world. This remote haven features 40 primitive campsites scattered throughout the landscape, where the first dozen sites welcome adventurers year-round, while sites 13-40 open their arms seasonally from mid-August through mid-April. Your journey here begins with a memorable 20-mile drive along a winding gravel road that gradually transports you from civilization into the wild embrace of the cypress swamp. Each campsite comes equipped with the essentials for primitive camping: sturdy picnic tables for gathering, fire rings for evening storytelling, and shared food storage lockers to keep your provisions safe from curious wildlife. Vault toilets provide basic facilities, though you'll need to bring your own water and power sources. Days here can be filled with hiking through ancient cypress groves, casting lines in hidden fishing spots, tracking game during hunting season, or exploring rugged off-road vehicle trails that wind through this untamed landscape.
Bear Island Campground supports primitive camping with minimal amenities. It accommodates tents and RVs, but does not provide hookups.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Bear Island into a steamy, primordial world where afternoon thunderstorms roll across the swamp with dramatic flair, bringing relief from the intense heat. These warmer months paint the campground in vibrant greens, though they also herald the arrival of nature's tiny vampires - mosquitoes that emerge in force as dusk settles over the cypress trees. Savvy campers know that mornings offer a magical reprieve when the bugs retreat and the swamp awakens with bird songs. As autumn arrives and transitions into winter, the campground reveals its gentler side. Cooler temperatures and lower humidity create ideal conditions for exploration, with comfortable days perfect for hiking and crisp nights that invite lingering around the campfire. This seasonal transformation makes winter the sweet spot for experiencing all that Bear Island has to offer without the summer's more challenging elements.
Natural Features and SceneryBear Island Campground sits at the crossroads of tropical and temperate worlds, where the Big Cypress Swamp creates a mosaic of ecosystems unlike anywhere else in North America. Here, ancient bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss stand sentinel over sawgrass prairies, while palm hammocks rise like islands from the wetlands. The elusive Florida Panther prowls these wild spaces, sharing the territory with white-tailed deer that bound through the underbrush and an incredible variety of water birds that paint the sky at dawn and dusk. The landscape tells stories of resilience, where charred palm trees stand as monuments to the natural fire cycles that have shaped this ecosystem for millennia. When darkness falls, the absence of light pollution reveals a celestial theater overhead - a brilliant tapestry of stars that urban dwellers rarely witness. The profound quiet of this remote sanctuary is broken only by the evening chorus of frogs and the distant call of a barred owl, creating a natural symphony that lulls campers into peaceful slumber.
Geological RegionBear Island Campground lies within the vast Big Cypress Swamp, a crucial component of South Florida's greater Everglades ecosystem. This remarkable wetland serves as nature's own water filter and storage system, playing an essential role in maintaining the delicate balance that keeps the River of Grass flowing. The swamp's unique geology creates a patchwork of slightly elevated tree islands, deeper sloughs, and wet prairies that support an extraordinary diversity of life. From towering cypress trees that can live for centuries to delicate orchids that bloom in their canopy, the preserve harbors both tropical and temperate species in a rare convergence of ecosystems. This biological crossroads provides critical habitat for numerous threatened and endangered species, most notably the Florida Panther, whose survival depends on these wild corridors. The Big Cypress represents one of the last great wilderness areas in the eastern United States, where natural processes continue to shape the land much as they have for thousands of years.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is accessible via a long gravel road, which may pose challenges for large vehicles. Sites are gravel or grass pads and do not include ADA-compliant accessibility features.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with enough room for tents and vehicles.
Sites PrivacySites are semi-private and well-spaced, with some offering a greater degree of seclusion. Reviews mention that campsites such as #2 provide shade in the morning.
Total Campsites40 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors recommend bringing bug spray, all necessary supplies, and reserving campsites in advance due to the lack of walk-up availability.
Best CampsitesSome reviewers highlight sites #2 and #4 for their shade and privacy. Sites 1-8 are described as well-suited for families due to their arrangement in a circle.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spaced out for privacy, with some arranged in loops. Sites 1-8 are grouped in a circle.
Open and Closed SeasonCampsites 1-12 are open year-round. Campsites 13-40 are open from August 15 to April 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability. Advance reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations, which occur from midnight one day before the scheduled check-in, will result in forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bear Island Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities compatible with its primitive nature. Visitors can engage in hiking, off-road vehicle exploration, wildlife viewing, and fishing. Hunting is also permitted in the area but requires adherence to specific regulations.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are abundant, with access to over 20 miles of backcountry trails within the Bear Island Unit.Fishing
Fishing is allowed, but specific regulations apply. Visitors should check local rules at myfwc.com.Biking
Biking is popular on the gravel roads and backcountry trails. Some users suggest bringing sturdy bikes due to the challenging terrain.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to see deer, panthers, and various bird species. Observers are encouraged to explore early in the morning or late afternoon.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but the campground is open during the cooler months for hiking and camping.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Moving firewood into the campground is prohibited due to pest concerns.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsCommon hazards include mosquitoes, fire ants, and occasional sightings of bears and copperhead snakes. Visitors are advised to bring bug spray and practice caution around wildlife.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Thunderstorm
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 78%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Thunderstorm
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are likely located in Everglades City, approximately 30 miles south.
Good to know
Peak season datesAugust 15-April 15 for sites 13-40.
Trash and recyclingThe campground features trash dumpsters and recycling bins for plastic. Campers are reminded to pack out everything they bring in.
Proximity to water featuresNo direct proximity to lakes or rivers. Some visitors reported pumping water from nearby creeks for non-potable use.
Common complaintsReviews frequently mention the challenging 20-mile gravel road leading to the campground, highway noise from I-75, and the intense mosquito activity during dusk and evening hours.
HostReviews from 2023 praise the campground hosts for their friendliness and knowledge about the area.
Campground Map
33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL, 34141
Driving directionsFrom Naples follow US HWY 41 east to Turner River Road. Follow Turner River Road approximately 20 miles and turn right into Bear Island Campground. From Miami follow US HWY 41 west to Turner River Road. Follow Turner River Road approximately 20 miles and turn right into Bear Island Campground.
Access to the campground is via a 20-mile secondary gravel road. The road is described in reviews as dusty and washboarded, with potholes and rutted sections. It is passable by standard vehicles with slow careful driving.Nearby places
Everglades City is located 30 miles south (approximately 45 minutes driving).
Nearby supplies
Supplies including groceries, camping essentials, and fuel are most likely available in Everglades City, located 30 miles south.
Camper Reviews
4.3
49 reviews
Bear Island Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is praised for its seclusion, natural beauty, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Common complaints include the long, rough road leading to the campground, the absence of potable water, and intrusive mosquitoes. Reviewers frequently highlight the clean vault toilets and peaceful atmosphere.
Review Summaries
Based on 49 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned by users include the well-maintained and clean vault toilets, spacious and private campsites, peaceful surroundings, and proximity to wildlife. The campground’s remote...
Based on 49 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common issues raised by users are the challenging 20-mile gravel road, limited or non-existent cell phone service, mosquitoes, and highway noise at night. The absence of potable water and...
Based on 49 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing plenty of water, mosquito repellents, and all necessary supplies due to the remote location. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times for wildlife observation....
Based on 49 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground becomes busier on weekends and during the cooler months (August to April). Summer visits are characterized by extreme heat, high humidity, and significant mosquito...
Based on 49 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Vault toilets were the cleanest I've ever seen!" - Margaret Burke. "Campsites are great, lots of shade, trees, and privacy." - Marcus De Matos. "The mosquitoes are horrendous at dusk, so come...
Based on 49 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #2 offers morning shade. Sites 1-8 are grouped in a circle, making them ideal for families. Campsites in the first loop are closer to the entrance and dumpsters.
Based on 49 reviewsAccessibility Features
The remote access road and lack of modern amenities may make it challenging for visitors with disabilities. No specific ADA-compliant features are noted.
Based on 49 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Campers advise not leaving pets unattended and being cautious about wildlife in the area.
Based on 49 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025