A small alligator basking on top of dry vegetation.

National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve

visit on nps.gov

Info

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. Conserving over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to diverse wildlife, including the Endangered Florida panther.

Park Photos

A small alligator basking on top of dry vegetation.
1 of 8

Alligators, big and small, call Big Cypress National Preserve home.

Credit: NPS Photo

A small alligator basking on top of dry vegetation.
A water filled swamp filled with lush green ferns and trees.
The milky way dominating a starry night sky over palm trees.
two visitors in a canoe go through mangrove tunnels on the Turner River
a Florida Panther sits in a tree
palm trees emerge out of the fog in an orange sunrise
A prairie foreground with tall pine trees in the background. A large blue sky with white cloud
Two Alligators rest on a river bank

Activities

Auto and ATV
ATV Off-Roading
Scenic Driving
Biking
Road Biking
Camping
Backcountry Camping
Car or Front Country Camping
Group Camping
RV Camping
Picnicking
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Boating
Boat Tour
Boat Tour
Paddling
Canoeing
Kayaking
Arts and Culture
Guided Tours
Junior Ranger Program
Museum Exhibits
Bookstore and Park Store
Astronomy
Stargazing
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Hunting and Gathering
Hunting
Food
Shopping

Operating Hours

The preserve is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The Oasis Visitor Center and the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center are closed on December 25th. No fee is charged for access to the preserve.

DayHours
Friday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Sunday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Saturday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day

Weather info

Big Cypress National Preserve experiences two predominant seasons- wet and dry. RAINY SEASON (May through October) While visiting during this season you may find daily afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity, temperatures in the mid-to-high 80s and a multitude of mosquitoes. DRY SEASON (November through April) Falling water levels within Big Cypress make this a pleasant time to hike, camp, and watch wildlife.

Events