Bear Island Campground

Campgrounds are a great escape from South Florida. The site is remote and quiet. Campsites are fairly removed from each other although some are doubled up so you may have one neighbor. The dirt road everyone complains about is really not bad at all. It is a well maintained dirt road and in a small SUV I was able to do about 45mph on it. Don't expect any stores or supplies nearby, come fully equipped. There are a few bathrooms which are all very well maintained and do not smell nearly as bad as you would expect. Very manageable. There are also a good amount of trash bins, recycling bins and bear bins. Also a dumpster at the entrance. There is not a lot of firewood laying around. If you go hunting for it you can find some but either bring a chain saw for downed logs or bring your own. Benches are plastic and very large, probably 8ft, so they are pretty helpful. Fire rings have a bbq plate you can swing over. I was wary about venturing this deep into the Everglades, but beyond some bear poop, we saw no alligators, bears or snakes. Just be smart and you will love it.

This is a great remote campground. Road can be very rough at times and it’s a gravel road, 45 minutes from the main road. No frills… but if you’re like me and want to be away from crowds and camp in the Everglades, this is a good spot.

It is a long dirt road to get there but absolutely worth it! Beautiful, large spots with lots of trails for atv, bike, or hike.

3/25/24 here now! Enjoying the peace and dark skies. We are at camp site #4. You have to make reservations. There is no place to pay when you arrive. The roads are being maintained just not every day. I’ve seen worse elsewhere. If you camp this is a destination you want to put on your bucket list.

A cool out-of-the-way place, takes a while to get to but very chill and relaxing as a result. Gators along the road, birds everywhere, and barely any human noise. Bugs are around, but keep your windows and doors closed from 6pm to 9am and you'll be fine.