Operating Hours & Seasons

Big Cypress National Preserve is open for public use 24 hours a day year round. Visitors can enter or exit at any time.Overnight stays must be in a designated campground site or in the backcountry with a valid permit.

From time to time, the superintendent implements area closures to protect special resources or to ensure visitor safety. When necessary, park rangers will issue citations to persons violating the terms of a closure.

The Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center is open seven days per week from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. It is closed December 25th. The Oasis Visitor Center is also open seven days per week from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

The Off-road Vehicle Permit Office is now located at the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center (33000 Tamiami Trail East Ochopee, FL 34141) and is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm.

The Preserve Headquarters Office, located in Ochopee, is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The office is closed on all federal holidays.