Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know Big Cypress protects over 291,000 hectares (720,000 acres) of swamp—an area larger than Rhode Island? As the nation’s first national preserve, established in 1974, this remarkable wilderness offers a unique glimpse into Florida’s wild heart where alligators bask in cypress-lined waterways and rare orchids bloom in seemingly impossible places. Unlike its famous neighbor, Everglades National Park, Big Cypress allows a wider range of activities while still protecting its delicate ecosystem, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic Florida experiences.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Big Cypress National Preserve is conveniently located about 90 minutes west of Miami along the historic Tamiami Trail (US-41). The preserve is accessible from three major airports, with Fort Myers being the closest at about an hour’s drive from the western entrance. Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports are approximately 1.5 hours from the eastern side of the preserve.

The main visitor centers are located along the Tamiami Trail (US-41), which runs east-west through the preserve. The Oasis Visitor Center in Ochopee serves as the primary information hub, while the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center (also known as Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center) offers additional resources near the eastern boundary.

There is no entrance fee to access Big Cypress National Preserve, though some activities like backcountry camping require permits. If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks during your trip, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80, which covers entrance fees at all national parks and federal recreational lands.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Best Time to Visit Big Cypress National Preserve

The preserve experiences two distinct seasons: wet (May-October) and dry (November-April). Winter months bring pleasant temperatures and significantly fewer insects, making outdoor activities much more enjoyable. This is also when water levels are lower, improving wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around remaining water sources.

If visiting during the warmer months, plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer, so check weather forecasts regularly. Regardless of when you visit, bring plenty of water, sun protection, and insect repellent.

Getting Around Locally

Having your own vehicle is essential for exploring Big Cypress National Preserve. The preserve spans a vast area with attractions spread out along the Tamiami Trail and several unpaved roads. A standard car is sufficient for visiting the main attractions, but a high-clearance vehicle is recommended if you plan to explore the backcountry roads, especially during the wet season.

The preserve features several scenic drives that showcase its diverse ecosystems:

• Loop Road Scenic Drive: This 24-mile unpaved road offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Allow at least 2 hours to complete.
• Turner River Road: A 17-mile loop combining Turner River, Wagonwheel, and Birdon Roads that passes through pine forests and cypress strands.
• Tamiami Trail: The main highway through the preserve features multiple roadside parks and boardwalks.

For those interested in guided experiences, several local outfitters offer swamp buggy tours, airboat rides, and guided kayak excursions that provide access to areas you might not discover on your own.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options within and around Big Cypress National Preserve range from rustic campgrounds to comfortable hotels in nearby towns. Here are your best options:

Camping in the Preserve

Big Cypress offers eight developed campgrounds with varying amenities and seasonal availability:

• Midway Campground: Open year-round with 26 sites for tents and RVs. Features restrooms and drinking water but no showers.
• Monument Lake Campground: 26 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Open October through April.
• Burns Lake Campground: Primitive camping area with 10 sites for self-contained RVs only. No facilities available.
• Mitchell Landing: Small campground with 12 sites suitable for tents and RVs.

Backcountry camping is also permitted with a free permit available at visitor centers or trailheads. This option is best for experienced campers comfortable with primitive conditions.

Nearby Towns

If camping isn’t your style, consider staying in one of these nearby communities:

• Everglades City: The closest town to the western portion of the preserve, offering several small hotels and B&Bs like the Ivey House.
• Naples: About an hour’s drive from the western entrance, with numerous accommodation options from budget to luxury.
• Miami/Homestead: Good base for exploring the eastern section, with all ranges of accommodations.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Dining options within Big Cypress National Preserve are limited, so planning ahead is essential. There are no restaurants inside the preserve itself, but several unique eateries can be found in nearby communities.

Everglades City & Chokoloskee

These small communities on the western edge of the preserve are known for fresh seafood, particularly stone crab during season (October-May):

• Camellia Street Grill: Waterfront dining with fresh seafood and a relaxed atmosphere. Their stone crabs are a local favorite.
• Triad Seafood: A casual dockside restaurant where you can watch fishing boats unload their daily catch.
• Havana Café: Offers Cuban-inspired cuisine with a pleasant outdoor patio.
• Nely’s Corner: Located in a gas station, this hidden gem serves excellent breakfast and their famous shrimp po’ boys.

Along Tamiami Trail

A few unique dining spots can be found along US-41 as it passes through the preserve:

• Joanie’s Blue Crab Café: A quirky roadside spot serving local specialties including, of course, blue crab.
• Ochopee Post Office Café: Located near the smallest post office in the US, offering simple meals and snacks.

Tips for Dining

Restaurant hours can be limited, especially during the off-season, so call ahead to confirm opening times. Many local establishments close early (around 8-9 PM). If you’re camping or planning full-day excursions, consider bringing supplies from larger towns like Naples or Miami before entering the preserve area.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Big Cypress National Preserve offers a wealth of activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are the top attractions and experiences you shouldn’t miss:

Visitor Centers

• Oasis Visitor Center: The main information hub featuring exhibits on the preserve’s ecosystem and a boardwalk famous for alligator viewing.
• Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center: Offers educational displays, an art gallery, and a scenic overlook where manatees are occasionally spotted.

Scenic Boardwalks

Several short boardwalks provide easy access to view the preserve’s unique ecosystems:

• Kirby Storter Roadside Park: A one-mile boardwalk loop through cypress swamp and sawgrass prairie, featuring a natural alligator hole.
• H.P. Williams Roadside Park: A short boardwalk offering excellent wildlife viewing, particularly alligators and wading birds.
• Tree Snail Hammock Trail: A short trail where you might spot the colorful Liguus tree snails that give the trail its name.

Unique Attractions

• Smallest Post Office in the US: Located in Ochopee, this 8.5 square meter (92 square foot) building serves as a functioning post office and quirky photo opportunity.
• Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery: View stunning black and white photography of the Everglades and Big Cypress by this renowned landscape photographer.
• Skunk Ape Research Headquarters: A quirky roadside attraction dedicated to Florida’s legendary “Bigfoot” creature.

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

The preserve’s varied ecosystems offer numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing:

Water Activities

• Kayaking/Canoeing: Paddle through cypress strands and marshes on the Turner River Canoe Trail or along the waterways near Gulf Coast Visitor Center.
• Fishing: Try your luck catching largemouth bass, bluegill, and other freshwater species (Florida fishing license required).
• Airboat Tours: Experience the thrill of gliding across the shallow waters while learning about the ecosystem from experienced guides.

Land Activities

• Hiking: Explore trails like Gator Hook Trail (4.8 km/3 miles) or the Florida National Scenic Trail section that passes through the preserve.
• Biking: Cycle along unpaved roads like Loop Road or Turner River Road for wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Swamp Walks: Join ranger-led “slough slogs” to wade through shallow swamp waters and experience the ecosystem up close.
• Off-Road Driving: Designated trails are open to off-road vehicles with proper permits.

Wildlife Viewing

Big Cypress is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for:

• Alligators: Best spotted at Oasis Visitor Center boardwalk and H.P. Williams Roadside Park.
• Wading Birds: Herons, egrets, ibis, and wood storks are common throughout the preserve.
• Florida Panthers: Extremely rare to spot, but the preserve is home to this endangered species.
• Other Wildlife: White-tailed deer, black bears, river otters, and various turtle species.

Stargazing

As a designated International Dark Sky Place, Big Cypress offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. The preserve occasionally hosts astronomy programs during winter months. Prime viewing locations include Kirby Storter boardwalk, Seagrape Drive, and Burns Lake.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

While Big Cypress is primarily known for its natural attractions, the area offers several cultural and historical sites worth exploring:

Museums and Galleries

• Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery: Showcasing stunning black and white photography of the Everglades ecosystem by the renowned “Ansel Adams of the Everglades.”
• Museum of the Everglades: Located in Everglades City, this free museum chronicles the area’s fascinating history from Native American settlements to modern conservation efforts.
• Smallwood Store: A historic trading post on Chokoloskee Island that operated from 1906 to 1982, now preserved as a museum with original merchandise and furnishings.

Cultural Heritage

The preserve has deep connections to the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes, who were granted permanent rights to occupy and use the land in traditional ways when the preserve was established. You can learn more about their culture at:

• Big Cypress Seminole Reservation: Located adjacent to the preserve, offering cultural demonstrations and the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum.
• Miccosukee Indian Village: East of the preserve along Tamiami Trail, featuring traditional crafts, alligator demonstrations, and cultural exhibits.

Seasonal Events

• Swamp Heritage Festival: Typically held in December at Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center, celebrating the history and culture of the swamp.
• Everglades Seafood Festival: A popular February event in Everglades City featuring fresh seafood, live music, and crafts.
• Ranger-Led Programs: The preserve offers various seasonal programs including swamp walks, canoe trips, and night sky events, primarily during the dry season (November-April).

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Visiting Big Cypress safely requires awareness of the unique environment and potential hazards:

Wildlife Safety

• Alligators: Maintain at least 4.5 meters (15 feet) distance from alligators. Never feed them, as this is dangerous and illegal.
• Snakes: Watch where you step and place your hands. Several venomous snake species inhabit the preserve.
• Panthers: Extremely rare encounters, but if you see one, make yourself appear larger, maintain eye contact, and back away slowly.

Environmental Hazards

• Heat and Sun: Florida’s sun can be intense. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and light, long-sleeved clothing.
• Insects: Mosquitoes and biting flies can be abundant, especially during the wet season. Use insect repellent containing DEET.
• Water: Do not drink untreated water from natural sources. Bring plenty of drinking water for all activities.
• Weather: Check forecasts before heading out. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and lightning is a serious hazard.

Preserve Etiquette

Help protect this special place by following these guidelines:

• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and leave natural objects where you find them.
• Stay on Designated Trails: This protects sensitive vegetation and reduces your risk of getting lost.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance and never feed or approach animals.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respect areas of importance to the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes.
• Off-Road Vehicles: Use only on designated trails with proper permits.

Practical Travel Tips

Before You Go

• Cell Service: Coverage is limited throughout the preserve. Download maps and information before your visit.
• Fuel: Fill your gas tank before entering the preserve. Service stations are limited and may close early.
• Supplies: Stock up on food, water, and other necessities in larger towns like Naples or Miami before entering the preserve area.
• Permits: Obtain necessary permits for backcountry camping or off-road vehicle use at visitor centers.

What to Pack

• Essentials: Water bottle, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), insect repellent, first aid kit.
• Clothing: Light, breathable, long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection.
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes that can get wet for boardwalks; waterproof boots for swamp walks.
• Gear: Binoculars for wildlife viewing, camera with zoom lens, dry bag for electronics if kayaking.

Accessibility Information

Several areas of Big Cypress are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations:

• Visitor Centers: Both main visitor centers are wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms.
• Boardwalks: H.P. Williams and Oasis Visitor Center boardwalks are accessible to wheelchair users.
• Camping: Midway Campground has accessible sites and facilities.

Ready for Your Big Cypress Adventure?

Big Cypress National Preserve offers a glimpse into wild Florida that few visitors ever experience. From paddling through ancient cypress strands to spotting alligators from safe boardwalks, this remarkable wilderness provides countless opportunities to connect with nature. Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, outdoor adventurer, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Big Cypress delivers unforgettable experiences in a uniquely Floridian landscape.

Remember that the preserve changes dramatically with the seasons, so timing your visit is key to maximizing enjoyment. The cooler, drier winter months offer the most comfortable conditions and best wildlife viewing, while those willing to brave the summer heat and humidity will find a lush, vibrant ecosystem with fewer crowds.