Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve. . , Rain-the Swamp's Lifeblood , Nearly 55 inches of rain falls here annually-drenching Big Cypress National Preserve during the summer wet season.

The fresh water flowing through the national preserve replenishes the local aquifer and sustains the abundant plant and animal life of the region.

Fresh water flows to mix with coastal salt waters within neighboring Everglades National Park, renewing the nutrient-rich estuaries that are nursery grounds for a myriad of sea life.

Deep water often means taller cypress trees, commonly forming domes or strands. Where water leaves are shallow, prairies and dwarf cypress grow.

In South Florida's subtropical environment, the seasons are reflected through changing water levels. During the winter dry season wildlife activity concentrates in the shrinking water holes.

National Preserve Map , 1. Everglades City Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center and Collier County Sheriff Sub-Station , 2. Wootens Airboat and Swamp buggy Tours (Private Commercial Property) , 3. Halfway Creek Canoe and Boat Launch , 4. Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center , 5. Big Cypress National Preservation Headquarters , 6. Dona Drive Wildlife Check Station, RV Dump Station and Volunteer Camping Area , 7. Joannie's Blue Crab Shack Restaurant (Private Commercial Property) , 8. Trail Lakes Campground (Private Commercial Property) , 9. turner River Canoe Launch , 10. H. P. Williams Roadside Park and Wildlife Viewing Area - You are here , 11. Burns Lake Campground and Backcountry Access , 12. Kirby Storter Roadside Park and Boardwalk , 13. Monument Lake Campground , 14. Monroe Station Wildlife Check Station and Backcountry Access , 15. Oasis Visitor Center and Backcountry Access , 16. Big Cypress Gallery (Private Commercial Property) , 17. Midway Campground and RV Dump Station , 18. 40-Mile Bend Wildlife Check Station , 19. Pinecrest Campground , 20. Mitchell Landing Campground and Backcountry Access , 21. Gator Hook Trail, Turn River Road , Drive or bicycle this unpaved scenic drive through open prairies, stands of bald cypress, and slash pine. The canal provides the opportunity for observation of alligators and wading birds along the way. Connect with Upper Wagon Wheel Road and Birdon Road for a 17-mile U-shaped loop back to U. S. 41-Tamiami Trail.