Oasis Visitor Center in Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress is the largest National Preserve in the state of Florida with over 729,000 acres stretching across the swamp land of Southern part of the state. We stopped at the Oasis Visitor Center in Big Cypress National Preserve while on our Four Day South Florida National Park Itinerary and were very surprised by how much this little National Park Service site has to offer.
Table of Contents
Where is the Oasis Visitor Center Located?
Address: 52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141
Coming from Miami the Visitor Center is about 60 miles west off of Route 41. Driving from East it is about 53 miles from Naples.
Map to Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center
Interesting Facts
- The Oasis Visitor Center was originally a private airport and restaurant.
- After the airport closed, it was a gas station until the National Park Service bought it in 1980.
- One of two Visitor Center in Big Cypress National Preserve.
- Big Cypress National Preserve saw 1,846,562 visitors in 2023, making it the 48th top visited location
Big Cypress Visitor Center
The Oasis Visitor Center is easy to find right off Tamiami Trail. If you are coming from or going to the main Nathaniel Reed Visitor Center, it is worth a stop to get a sampling of the unique exhibits and see some wildlife.
Note, the restrooms are in a small building next the parking lot as you walk toward the main Visitor Center building.
Exhibits
While a small visitor center, it has a nice array of things to offer, from exhibits, orientation videos and a store.
During our visit they had an interesting set of exhibits about alligator wrestling (!) Donated by the local Seminole Tribe, it provides an overview of how it became a part of their culture.
There is even and touch/try exhibit that shows the strength of alligator jaws.
Orientation Video
Next to the main lobby, there is a room where you can watch an orientation video about the Big Cypress National Preserve. Along with that main video, there are several videos that give background on the alligator exhibit that was on display.
Gift Shop
A small little gift shop is in the back of the room that has normal set of souvenirs items. It also has the Passport Station, where you can find the National Park Passport stamps.
Passport Station
The passport station has a few passport stamps, one for the main site, the Florida National Scenic Trail and a few bonus stamps. Note, not all of them have the current year. This usually happens when the stamper is a little old. You can just write in the year of your visit after you get your stamp. Although, I believe a new stamp was provided recently that has the current year.
Oasis Visitor Center Boardwalk
Take a walk on the nearby boardwalk that overlooks a canal full of wildlife. It is just a short walk and is easily assessable. It is a wooden walkway that stretches across the canal that runs parallel to the Tamiami road.
Wildlife
I was amazed at the amount of wildlife we saw while on that boardwalk. Being in such close proximity to the road, I assumed it would be rather quiet, but boy was I wrong. We saw at least three alligators, Terns, Anhinga, and Egrets. In the water we could also easily see Florida Gar, and Bowfin. Did I mention Alligators?!
Florida National Scenic Trail
The Florida National Scenic Trail runs from the entrance of the Visitor Center and around the small airport. Established in 1983, this trail actually runs all through the preserve and beyond through the entire state of Florida and the Oasis visitor center is actually the south Terminus.
While we were there were saw a hiker actually finish his state long trek here. He looked very pleased, as he should. Accomplishing this hike is true feat.
Florida National Scenic Trail Thru-Hiking Facts
- Thru-hiking will take you over 1,100 miles
- Will take between 2-3 months
- Best route is South to North
- Permits are required- (Check the Florida Trail Association)
- Number of End-to-End Hikers: about 160 as of 2024
- Not a continuous trail system and some road walking is required
Note, make sure to talk with the ranger for the conditions of the trail. It was super muddy when we were there, which only allowed us to go but so far. Make sure to use Leave No Trace principles when out on the trail.
FAQs
Is there an entrance fee for Big Cypress National Preserve?
No! An entrance fee is not required to go into Big Cypress. Camping and other activities will have fees associated. Note, Everglades National Park DOES have an entrance fee.
How long should a visit to the Oasis Visitor Center take?
Our visit took in a complete walk through of the visitor center, watched some videos, walked around the boardwalk, and took a short walk along the Florida NST. This only took us about an hour.
Getting There
Getting to Big Cypress is not difficult. Driving from Miami or Naples will get you within the park boundaries in about an hour or hour and a half. Check the map for a general idea.
Big Cypress National Preserve Campsites
There are numerous opportunities to camp within the National Preserve. There are about eight established campgrounds in the park that can accommodate R/Vs and tent campers. Note, that all locations require you to go to recreation.gov to reserve your spot.
- Bear Island Campground: Year-round campground with a variety of camp sites for tents and RVs. Flush toilets, showers and picnic areas.
- Burns Lake Campground: Primitive site with basic amenities. No water available.
- Gator Head Campground: Seasonally opened. A primitive campground only available with an off-road vehicle, bike or hiking. No amenities.
- Midway Campground: Largest campground in the park and open year-round. Has the most amenities including showers, flush toilets and a playground.
- Mitchell Landing Campground: Open Seasonally, offers campsites for Tents to RVs. Has showers, flush toilets and a boat ramp.
- Monument Lake Campground: Open Seasonally, offers campsites for Tents to RVs. Has showers and flush toilets.
- Pinecrest Campground: Open year-round and offers basic amenities. Note, bring your own water!
- Pink Jeep Campground: Primitive campground, open seasonally and only assessable by off-road vehicles
Check the National Park Service website for more information about each site.
Looking for more things to do in Florida?
- How about Kayaking in Biscayne National Park?
- Or go driving on the overseas highway to Key West.
- Discover a Missile Base in Everglades National Park
- Check out a Civil War fort on a secluded island in Dry Tortugas National Park.
- See a four-day itinerary for all of Florida’s National Parks
- Check out details on ALL of Florida’s National Park Sites
