Midway Campground (Fl)
4.26329 reviews52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141, USA
Midway Campground (Fl)
$24.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
RV electric sites are $30 per night, Tent-only non-electric sites are $24 per night. Senior pass holders receive a discount of 50% on fees.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Big Cypress National Preserve, Midway Campground offers a captivating blend of modern convenience and untamed wilderness. Whether you're settling into one of the electric RV sites or pitching your tent in the non-electric camping area, you'll find yourself immersed in an authentic Everglades experience. The campground embraces a pristine lake where ancient alligators glide through dark waters and fish create ripples across the glassy surface. Here, the rhythms of nature replace the noise of everyday life, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility that draws visitors back season after season.
Midway Campground offers both RV and tent camping options. The campground is well-suited for a range of camping preferences, with amenities like electric hookups for RVs and fire pits for tent campers.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic personality of Florida's subtropical climate at Midway Campground, where each season brings its own unique charm. Summer arrives with dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that cool the humid air and create spectacular lightning displays across the sky. These warmer months showcase nature's power and beauty, though the heat can be intense. As autumn transitions to winter, the campground transforms into a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Cool, dry days with crystalline blue skies create perfect conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and evening campfires under star-filled nights.
Natural Features and SceneryMidway Campground reveals the raw beauty of the Everglades in an intimate setting. The centerpiece lake serves as a window into prehistoric Florida, where resident alligators sun themselves on the banks and patrol the waters with primordial grace. While shade is precious in this sun-drenched landscape, a protective ring of native trees frames the campground, offering respite and creating a natural boundary between civilization and wilderness. Beyond this verdant perimeter, the landscape unfolds into a mosaic of freshwater marshes dotted with sawgrass, mysterious hardwood hammocks that rise like islands from the wetlands, and iconic cypress swamps draped in Spanish moss.
Geological RegionMidway Campground sits within the remarkable Big Cypress National Preserve, a vital component of the greater Everglades ecosystem. This unique geological wonderland encompasses over 720,000 acres of freshwater marshes that ebb and flow with the seasons, creating an ever-changing landscape. Ancient hardwood hammocks punctuate the wetlands, providing crucial habitat for diverse wildlife, while majestic cypress swamps stand as sentinels of time, their knobby knees and buttressed trunks telling stories of centuries past. This delicate ecosystem represents one of the last great wilderness areas in the eastern United States.
Campsite details
AccessibilityMidway Campground's paved sites make it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. All RV sites are considered ADA-compliant due to their level, paved surfaces.
Sites SizeCampsites are generally spacious, with paved pads that accommodate large RVs. RV sites feature asphalt surfaces, and tent sites have flat, grassy areas for pitching tents.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is minimal at the campground, with campsites open and not heavily shaded. Some sites near the outer perimeter offer partial shade due to tree coverage.
Total Campsites36 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent campers may want to select sites with covered picnic tables for shade and rain protection. RV campers should prioritize sites offering electric hookups.
Best CampsitesSites 13 and 14 are frequently noted in user reviews for their location and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 10:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is before 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 10 nights during a single visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guests per site vary based on site type and size.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is arranged in a circular layout around a central lake. RV electric sites and tent-only non-electric sites are separated into distinct loops.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from January 1st to December 31st each year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made online via Recreation.gov. On-site reservations are not available.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited due to the campground's high popularity. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with retention of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations (starting from midnight 1 calendar day before check-in).
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Midway Campground can engage in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing. The central lake is home to alligators and fish, providing unique opportunities for wildlife observation. Additionally, the campground's proximity to Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby natural attractions. Stargazing is another highlight due to the area's designation as an International Dark Sky location.
Hiking
Several trails are accessible around Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park, offering opportunities for both novice and experienced hikers. Visitors have noted the lack of trails directly adjacent to the campground, requiring short drives to reach trailheads.Fishing
Fishing can be enjoyed in the central lake, which is home to various fish species. However, a large alligator resides in the lake, so caution is advised.Biking
Biking is a popular activity around the Shark Valley Visitor Center and other nearby attractions. The campground itself does not feature designated biking trails.Wildlife viewing
The campground provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Guests have reported sightings of alligators, birds, and other Everglades wildlife.Winter Activities
The winter months are ideal for camping and exploring nearby trails due to cooler temperatures and reduced mosquito activity.Water Sports
Visitors can enjoy opportunities for kayaking and canoeing in nearby areas, though not directly within the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsGuests are advised to be cautious of alligators in the lake, as well as mosquitoes and other insects, which can be prevalent year-round.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 89%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
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
Closest emergency services are located in Everglades City (~20 miles away, approximately 30 minutes drive), including fire and medical services. Police services are accessible in Ochopee.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1st - December 31st (no seasonal differentiation in fee structure).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available on-site and are noted to be conveniently located and well-maintained.
Proximity to water featuresCentral lake within the campground is home to fish and alligators. Visitors are advised to exercise caution.
Common complaintsLack of showers, proximity of tent sites to the road, noisy RV generators, and limited cell phone service.
HostCampground hosts are generally described as friendly and helpful, although individual experiences vary.
Campground Map
52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141, USA
Driving directionsFrom Naples: Follow US HWY 41 east until you see signs for the campground (approximately mile marker 52). From Miami: Follow US HWY 41 west until you see signs for the campground (approximately mile marker 52).
Located just off the highway, the campground offers easy and direct access via US HWY 41. The roads leading to the campground are paved and accessible year-round.Nearby places
Naples (~45 miles, approximately 1 hour drive), Miami (~50 miles, approximately 1 hour drive), Everglades City (~20 miles, approximately 30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies including groceries and fuel are available in Everglades City (20 miles away, approximately 30 minutes drive). Larger stores are available in Naples (~45 miles) or Miami (~50 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.3
329 reviews
Midway Campground (Fl) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Midway Campground is generally well-regarded for its cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to natural attractions like Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Many reviewers praise the friendly and helpful camp hosts and the campground's layout around a central lake. However, some common complaints include the lack of showers, poor cell reception, and limited shade at campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 329 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the clean and well-maintained facilities, spacious and level campsites, and the peaceful atmosphere. The campground's proximity to attractions like Shark Valley and the Oasis...
Based on 329 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The absence of water and sewer hookups at individual sites, as well as the lack of showers, are common complaints. Cell phone reception is poor, and some visitors report issues with campsite privacy...
Based on 329 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray and plan to use Monument Campground for showers if needed. Early reservations are recommended due to high demand. Visitors are advised to bring extra water and supplies, as the...
Based on 329 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter is the most popular season for camping at Midway Campground due to cooler temperatures and reduced mosquito activity. Summers can be uncomfortably hot and humid, with frequent complaints about...
Based on 329 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This is a great spot to stargaze and unwind away from city life." "Friendly camp hosts made our stay memorable." "The lack of showers was a downside, but the clean bathrooms and peaceful atmosphere...
Based on 329 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 14-26 are considered the best for fall camping due to partial shade. Site 13 is particularly praised for its privacy.
Based on 329 reviewsAccessibility Features
The paved RV sites are ADA-compliant, making them accessible for wheelchairs. However, the lack of paved paths or ramps to bathrooms or picnic areas may present challenges for some visitors.
Based on 329 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on leashes. Visitors are advised to keep pets away from the lake due to the presence of alligators.
Based on 329 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025