Burns Lake Campground

Burns Lake Campground is a small National Park Service campground on US-41 in the eastern section of Big Cypress National Preserve, in Florida's Everglades region. It is the smallest and most remote of the three Big Cypress campgrounds, with just 14 sites, 8 for RVs and 6 for tents, and it suits fully self-contained campers who want maximum quiet and wildlife over any comfort. During the week you may have the place nearly to yourself.

Hookups	None
Sites	8 RV, 6 tent
Max RV length	50 ft
Cost	$24/night
Reservations	Recreation.gov (required), up to 6 months ahead
Season	August 15 – April 15
Location	US-41, eastern section of Big Cypress
Cell signal	Very weak to nonexistent

Hookups

None

Sites

8 RV, 6 tent

Max RV length

50 ft

Cost

$24/night

Reservations

Recreation.gov (required), up to 6 months ahead

Season

August 15 – April 15

Location

US-41, eastern section of Big Cypress

Cell signal

Very weak to nonexistent

Why RVers stay here

There is nothing here in the way of services: no hookups, no drinking water and no dump station. Sites take RVs up to 50 feet, cost $24 a night, and require a Recreation.gov reservation, which opens up to six months ahead. The season runs August 15 to April 15. Cell signal is very weak to nonexistent, so download what you need. Our Everglades guide's Big Cypress strategy is simple: Midway for hookups and year-round access, Monument Lake for atmosphere and fishing, Burns Lake only if you arrive with full tanks and want solitude. The payoff is swamp wildlife such as wood storks, limpkins, deer, bobcats and the occasional panther track, plus access to the preserve's off-road trails, the Florida Trail and the Turner River canoe trail.

✓Only 14 sites, so weekday stays can feel like a private preserve

✓Prime wildlife watching: wood storks, limpkins, deer, bobcats and panther sign in the mud

✓Cheap at $24 a night for a reservable NPS site

✓Handles RVs up to 50 feet despite its size

✓Good base for Big Cypress off-road trails, the Florida Trail and the Turner River canoe trail

!No hookups, no drinking water and no dump station; you must be fully self-contained

!Cell signal is very weak to nonexistent

!Closed mid-April to mid-August

What our guides say about Burns Lake Campground

Excerpts from the RV Parks Guide articles that cover this campground. Each links to the full guide.

Regional guide

Everglades RV Camping: Alligators, Mangroves & the Road Less Traveled

The smallest and most remote of the three, Burns Lake has just 14 sites — 8 for RVs and 6 for tents. No drinking water, no dump station, no hookups. You're self-contained or you're not staying here.

What Burns Lake offers is solitude. During the week, you may have the campground nearly to yourself. The surrounding swamp is prime for wildlife observation — wood storks, limpkins, deer, bobcats, and the occasional Florida panther track in the mud.

Big Cypress strategy: Midway for hookups and year-round access. Monument Lake for a better camping atmosphere and fishing. Burns Lake only if you're fully self-contained and want maximum quiet. All three are excellent bases for exploring the preserve's off-road trails, the Florida Trail, and the Turner River canoe trail.

Read the guide →

Burns Lake Campground: frequently asked questions

Does Burns Lake Campground have hookups?

No. There are no hookups, no drinking water and no dump station. Arrive with full fresh water and empty holding tanks.

How much does Burns Lake Campground cost per night?

$24 per night, reserved through Recreation.gov.

What is the max RV length at Burns Lake Campground?

50 feet, according to our Everglades guide. There are only 8 RV sites, so check the specific site record when you book.

Do you need reservations at Burns Lake Campground?

Yes. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov and can be made up to six months ahead.

Is Burns Lake Campground open year-round?

No. The season runs August 15 to April 15. For year-round Big Cypress camping with hookups, our guide points to Midway instead.

Is there cell service at Burns Lake Campground?

Very weak to nonexistent. Plan to be offline and download maps and confirmations before you arrive.