Gator Head Campground sits among the stunning landscapes of Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida . With 9 campsites (RV-friendly up to 40 feet feet) , restrooms, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are Jan-May, Oct-Dec when the weather is most comfortable .
🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.
🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
📸 Discover the Beauty of Big Cypress National Preserve
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Feb, Mar, Apr
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
Gator Head Campground located in Florida, offering 9 camping sites.
Gator Head Campground
A Rural campground in Florida
Overview
Protecting Over 720,000 Acres of This Vast Swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve Contains a Mixture of Tropical and Temperate Plant Communities That Are Home to a Diversity of Wildlife, Including the Elusive Florida Panther. Protecting Over 720,000 Acres of This Vast Swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve Contains a Mixture of Tropical and Temperate Plant Communities That Are Home to a Diversity of Wildlife, Including the Elusive Florida Panther. Everglades City Is Located 30 Miles South and Provides Dining, Sight-Seeing, and Historical Sites. Everglades City Is Located 30 Miles South and Provides Dining, Sight-Seeing, and Historical Sites.
Gator Head Campground Is a Primitive Campground Located Within the Bear Island Unit of Big Cypress National Preserve. (This Campground Can Only Be Accessed with an Orv Permit, Foot, or Bicycle) the Gate Combo Will Only Be Given If You Have the Proper Orv Permit at the Permiting Office. All Orvs Must Have a Valid Orv Permit. All Campers Must Also Carry a Backcountry Permit. Cell Phone Service Is Limited and It Is Highly Encouraged That Reservations Be Made in Advance.
the Freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, Essential to the Health of the Neighboring Everglades, Support the Rich Marine Estuaries Along Florida’S Southwest Coast.
Gator Head Campground Offers Visitors a Wonderful Opportunity to Camp at a Designated Campground in the Big Cypress Backcountry. Visitors Can Enjoy Nearby Hiking, Hunting, Fishing, and Off-Road Vehicle (Orv) Trails with a Permitted Off-Road Vehicle. for More Information on Orv Use, Please Call 239-631-9988 or Review Park Off Road Vehicle Use Information. Hunting and Fishing Regulations Can Be Found at Florida Fish and Wildfire Conservation Commission.
This Small Primitive Campground Offers Nine Sites with Picnic Tables, Shared Food Storage, and Fire Rings. Vault Toilets Are Available for Use. There Is No Water Available. the Bear Island Unit Offers 20 Plus Miles of Backcountry Trails. Everglades National Park Can Also Be Accessed Via Everglades City. Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center Is Also Located 30 Miles to the South.
Gator Head Campground Has 9 Campsites. This Campground Offers Pickup Camper and Tent Camping Only. No Trailers or RV’S Are Allowed in the Backcountry. Amenities Include Vault Toilets, Picnic Tables, and Fire Rings. Visitors May Enjoy Nearby Activities Such As Off-Road Vehicle Trails, Hiking, Biking, Fishing, and Hunting.
Contact Info
for Facility Specific Information, Please Call (239) 631-9988.Nearby Attractions
the Bear Island Unit Offers 20 Plus Miles of Backcountry Trails. Everglades National Park Can Also Be Accessed Via Everglades City. Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center Is Also Located 30 Miles to the South.
Managed by: National Park ServiceSite Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 9
- Hookup Types: Electric, No Hookups
- Max RV Length: 40 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: No
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: No
- 🛝 Playground: No
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: No
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: No
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address: Gator Head Campground
City: , Florida 34142.0
Coordinates: 26.2238, -81.2678
Area Type: Rural
Phone: (239) 631-9988
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Fishing|hiking|biking|picnic|water|fire-ring|trail|rv|tent|visitor-center
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: No
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: No
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: $30-40
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, CW, ION, UnivisION
Signal Quality: Good
Total Stations: 18 stations
Nearest Market: MIAMI/TAMPA/Orlando
Notes: Signals FROM MIAMI/TAMPA/Orlando MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 37 stations (12 AM, 25 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: POP, Spanish, Country, NEWS/TALK, Classic ROCK
Local News: WFLA 970 Am
Market: MIAMI/TAMPA/Orlando
Notes: 12 AM, 25 FM Stations from Miami/Tampa/Orlando
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ FPL EVOLUTION COLLIER COUNT 2
Distance: 25.3 miles away
Address: 3190 31st Ave SW, Naples, FL
Network: chargepoint-network
Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • J1772
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 10215924
- Managing Agency: National Park Service
- Agency Email: npshq_info@nps.gov
- Agency Website: https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/orv-use.htm
- Parent Park: Big Cypress National Preserve
- Park Website: /parks/big-cypress-national-preserve/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: Other
- Parks Post Name: big-cypress-national-preserve
- Parent Park Name: Big Cypress National Preserve
- Correct Park Type Mapping: big-cypress-national-preserve
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 7.0
- States Covered: Florida
- Managing Agencies: National Park Service
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 128.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 2586
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 128.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 2586
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: florida
- Agency Slug: national-park-service
- Park Type Slug: other
- Parent Park Slug: big-cypress-national-preserve
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: national-park-service
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