Big Cypress National Preserve

National Preserve · FL · nps.gov page

A small alligator basking on top of dry vegetation. — Alligators, big and small, call Big Cypress National Preserve home.Photo: NPS Photo

The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Conserving over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to diverse wildlife, including the Endangered Florida panther.

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News

National Park Service Proposes Expanded Off-Road Vehicle Access in Big Cypress National Preserve 2026-10-01
The National Park Service is proposing updates to special regulations for Big Cypress National Preserve that would make way for implementation of the 2010 Addition Lands General Management Plan (GMP). The National Park Service will carefully review public comments before making any final decisions.

Photos

A water filled swamp filled with lush green ferns and trees. — Cypress swamps while appearing mysterious, are peaceful and serene.Photo: NPS Photo

The milky way dominating a starry night sky over palm trees and a visitor center — As an International Dark Sky Park, Big Cypress protects a beautiful night sky.Photo: NPS Photo

palm trees emerge out of the fog in an orange sunrise — palm trees emerge out of the fog as an orange sunrise dots the landscapePhoto: Richard Eskin

A prairie foreground with tall pine trees in the background. A large blue sky with white cloud — large open expanses of prairie bordered by pine lands create stunning landscapesPhoto: NPS photo

Two Alligators rest on a river bankPhoto: Al Sunshine

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.