Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress National Preserve
The first National Preserve in the National Park System, Big Cypress has a mixture of pines, hardwoods, prairies, mangrove forests, cypress strands and domes. White-tailed deer, bear and Florida panther can be found here along with the more tropical linguus tree snail, royal palm and cigar orchid. This meeting place of temperate and tropical species is a hotbed of biological diversity. Hydrologically, the Preserve serves as a supply of fresh, clean water for the vital estuaries of the ten thousand islands area near Everglades City. Visitors will find a recreational paradise with camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and birdwatching opportunities. Those passing through may be enticed to linger in this remnant of wild Florida to search for evidence of the elusive Florida panther or to watch an endangered woodstork feeding along a roadside canal.IN DEPTH
Camping Campgrounds Campgrounds may close seasonally, temporarily for repairs or for resource concerns. Contact the Oasis Visitor Center at 239-695-1201 for campground availability and information on closures. All campgrounds are available...read more
Preservation Support Your Park National Park areas are special places set aside by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. Supporting this idea can be as simple as...read more
Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger Become a Junior Ranger while exploring three of the South Florida's National Parks (Big Cypress National Preserve, Biscayne National Park, and Everglades National Park). Kids can...read more
Walking & Hiking Hiking Hiking within Big Cypress can be along designated trails, or orienteering through unmarked territory. Hikers should be prepared for conditions depending on the season. The dry season provides the...read more
Things To Do Scenic Drives There are two popular scenic drives within Big Cypress National Preserve. One is the 27 mile Loop Road that travels through dwarf cypress forest, pine forests and deep...read more
Animals Frequently Asked Questions How many Florida Panthers exist in the wild? The panther population is estimated to be between 80 - 100 cats within the state. Big Cypress National Preserve...read more
In A Nutshell Visitor Centers Big Cypress National Preserve Oasis Visitor Center The visitor center is located along U. S. 41, 50 miles west of Miami and 50 miles east of Naples. Preserve Headquarters is...read more
At A Glance Park Contact Information Write to - 33100 Tamiami Trail East Ochopee, Florida 34141 Phone Oasis Visitor Center and General Preserve Information (239) 695-1201 Administrative Offices (239) 695-2000 Fax (239)...read more
Park Regulations & Safety Permits Off-Road Vehicle Permits Permits are required for Off-Road Vehicle Operation within the preserve. If you have questions about the ORV permitting process, you may call 239-695-1205. Special Use Permits Permits may be...read more
Activities & Programs Big Cypress is the backyard to the residents and visitors of South Florida. Encompassing more than 720,000 acres, the Preserve provides the protection of a national park area, while...read more
PARK PHOTOS
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RECENT NEWS
- PHOTOS: Outdoor enthusiasts protest plans to limit off-road vehicle access to Big Cypress August 31, 2009
- National Park Service Announces New Superintendent for Big Cypress National Preserve January 28, 2009
- Big Cypress Addition Recreational-Use Plans Move Forward December 4, 2008
- People-Panther Guidelines Issued as Florida Panther Population Grows October 15, 2008
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