Gator Head Campground
33100 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141
Gator Head Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $10 per site. Reservations must be made on Rec.gov.
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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider239-695-1117bicy_information@nps.gov
About this campground
Deep within the untamed wilderness of Big Cypress National Preserve lies Gator Head Campground, a true backcountry escape where adventure begins where the pavement ends. This primitive camping sanctuary in the Bear Island Unit rewards those willing to journey by off-road vehicle (permit required), bicycle, or on foot with nine secluded campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and shared bear-proof food storage. While vault toilets provide basic facilities, the absence of running water ensures an authentic wilderness experience that connects you directly with Florida's raw natural beauty.
Gator Head Campground offers basic, primitive camping options suitable for tents or pickup campers. No RV or trailer camping is allowed. Group camping and glamping are also not supported.
Historical SignificanceGator Head Campground serves as your gateway to one of America's most crucial ecological treasures. Big Cypress National Preserve encompasses 720,000 acres of pristine swampland that forms the lifeblood of the greater Everglades ecosystem, protecting watersheds that have sustained life in South Florida for millennia.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle embrace of South Florida's subtropical climate, where comfortable days averaging 75°F give way to crisp evenings dipping to around 57°F. The predominantly dry conditions, with minimal rainfall averaging just a third of an inch during peak camping periods, create ideal conditions for stargazing and campfire gatherings under crystal-clear skies.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a mesmerizing tapestry where tropical and temperate ecosystems converge, creating a biodiversity hotspot unlike anywhere else in North America. Ancient cypress trees draped in Spanish moss stand sentinel over sawgrass prairies and hardwood hammocks, while the preserve's most elusive resident, the endangered Florida Panther, silently prowls through this mosaic of habitats. Each sunrise brings a symphony of bird calls, while evenings offer glimpses of deer, wild turkey, and perhaps even the glowing eyes of alligators in nearby waterways.
Geological RegionNestled within the Bear Island Unit of Big Cypress National Preserve, Gator Head Campground occupies a unique position in one of the world's most significant wetland systems. This vast swamp ecosystem serves as the vital upstream watershed for the Everglades, where ancient limestone bedrock creates a slow-moving sheet of water that sustains an intricate web of life across South Florida's wilderness.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information about ADA-compliant or other accessibility features was provided.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of nine primitive campsites suitable for pickup campers and tents. Trailers and RVs are not permitted.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy levels of individual campsites are not detailed in the source materials.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Vault toilets are shared among campers.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site can accommodate standard camping gear, although specific guest limits are not mentioned.
Groups
Group camping facilities or accommodations for large groups are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNine sites are evenly spaced and equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Vault toilets are shared.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available exclusively on Rec.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability. Advance reservations highly encouraged due to remote location.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before arrival. Refunds are issued minus a $10 cancellation fee and reservation fees. Late cancellations (starting midnight a day before check-in) will also deduct the first night's recreation fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Gator Head Campground offers a variety of recreational activities suitable for outdoor and backcountry enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hunting. Off-road vehicle trails are accessible with a proper permit, and the area is known for its diverse wildlife, including the elusive Florida Panther.
Hiking
"The Bear Island Unit offers 20 plus miles of backcountry trails," which are accessible from the campground. Specific details about trail difficulty or terrain are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the nearby waters of the Big Cypress Swamp. Details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are not specified.Biking
Biking is allowed in the area, including on backcountry trails. Specific information about terrain or trail length is not provided.Wildlife viewing
The campground provides opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, including tropical and temperate species. Of special note is the chance to see the elusive Florida Panther.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not detailed, but the campground is open year-round.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned or supported at this campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within the provided fire rings. Firewood must be obtained locally to prevent the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsCell phone service is limited. Wildlife hazards include interactions with panthers and other fauna. Roads require ORV permits and may be impassable during certain conditions.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospitals and emergency services are in Naples, approximately 20 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned, so campers should plan to pack out everything they bring in.
Proximity to water featuresLocated within Big Cypress Swamp, no direct freshwater features accessible from the campground.
Campground Map
33100 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141
Driving directionsFrom Naples: Head east on HWY 41, turn left on Turner River Rd, then go approx. 20 miles up the dirt road until you reach a check station. Turn left and use your ORV permit and gate combo to access the campground. Follow the trail to the campground on the left. From Miami: Head west and follow identical directions.
The campground is only accessible via off-road vehicle (ORV) with a valid permit, foot, or bicycle. Roads are unpaved and require an ORV permit for motorized access.Nearby places
Naples: ~20 miles
Everglades City: ~30 miles
Nearby supplies
Everglades City, located 30 miles south, offers dining, sight-seeing, and provisions. Additionally, the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center is nearby.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Gator Head Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for Gator Head Campground.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No user reviews are available to highlight positive aspects.
Common Concerns
No user reviews are available to note complaints.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user reviews are available to provide tips or recommendations.
Seasonal Insights
No user reviews are available to analyze seasonal trends.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from user reviews are available.
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews for the nine campsites are available.
Accessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility experiences are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews regarding pets were found, but it is explicitly stated in the official materials that no pets are allowed in the backcountry.
Last updated November 24, 2025
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