Big Cypress Camping Trip
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Date and Time:
Fri, Apr 24, 2026; 4:00 PM
(Eastern)
- Sun, Apr 26, 2026
10:00 AM
(Eastern)
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04/24/2026 4:00 PM
04/26/2026 10:00 AM
America/New_York
Big Cypress Camping Trip
The weekend activities will include primitive tent camping (near your car), group meals and discussions around the campfire, Friday 2 mile night hike/ stargazing, Saturday- 10 mile hike within the preserve, & optional bike ride. YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT! Once you sign up, details of the trip will be emailed to you. Click for additional details.
Bear Island Campground, Big Cypress National Preserve, FL, USA
Webinar URL:
26.18137900,-81.24737500
Jordan Holaday
jordansierraleader@gmail.com
MM/DD/yyyy
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Organized By: Broward County Group
Location: Bear Island Campground, Big Cypress National Preserve, FL, USA
Map | Directions
Event Organizers:
Jordan Holaday
jordansierraleader@gmail.com
(732) 912-1800
Broward Sierra Club Camping TripFriday April 24th to Sunday 26th 2026 Big Cypress National Preserve- Bear Island CampgroundThe freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida’s southwest coast. Protecting over 720,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida Panther.
Bear Island Campground is a primitive campground only accessible down a 20-mile secondary gravel road. Campsites have gravel or grass pads. It offers vault toilets, picnic tables, shared food storage, and fire rings. There is no water available. Make sure to bring PLENTY of fresh water!We will meet at the Bear Island Campground on Friday, April 24th at 4PM to set up camp. There are four tents allowed per campsite, and we have several campsites reserved.
Location: End of Turner River Rd, Ochopee, FL 34141Phone: (239) 695-2000FRIDAY, Apr. 24THWe can take a hike on Friday afternoon in the park if time permits, then we will have dinner around the campfire. (Bring your own Friday night dinner.) We will have a kitchen and eating area on the campsite. That is where we will all meet for meals. When the sun sets, we will enjoy the evening with some stargazing. We will also be going on an optional 2 mile night hike to experience these woods through a nocturnal lens!SATURDAY, Apr. 25THOn Saturday morning we will have breakfast, pack our lunches, and we will go on a 11 mile hike led by our Outings Leader Jordan. We will be walking along backcountry trails to the Gator Head campground and back, enjoying pristine cypress swamp and lakes along the way. The ORV trails throughout the park are great for biking, should you want to bring your own. When we return we will have lunch provided by Sierra Club and relax until dinner. We can wander around the park. Please be sure to bring a minimum of 80 ounces of water on our outings. You will have to carry your own water and it's a good idea to wear a backpack to carry the water. Dinner will be provided by the Sierra Club. We are having your choice of chicken or vegetarian fajitas.SUNDAY, APR. 26THOn Sunday morning, we will have breakfast and pack up the campsite. After, feel free to enjoy southwest Florida and the surrounding area before heading back home, or join some members for a trip down to Everglades City.Tents and EquipmentPlease bring your own tents, and camping supplies (no RV’s). We have one extra tent and please let us know if you will need it and it sleeps 3. If you want to use the tent, please reserve it in advance. Total cost per person for the weekend:· $15 (All Members)Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast Sunday morning will be supplied by the Sierra Club. Participants will be responsible to bring the following meals: Friday dinner & Sunday lunch. There will be a propane stove on the campsite to cook your meals.YOU MUST REGISTER WITH THE LINK BELOW. DO NOT JUST CLICK THE Attend BUTTON.WE MUST HAVE PAYMENT BY FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026. WE WILL BE BUYING FOOD BASED ON THE HEADCOUNT WE HAVE AT THAT TIME. Please indicate any food restrictions when you are contacted to complete your registration.Packing List for Big Cypress Camping Trip1. Tent2. Sleeping bag an extra blanket if its cold5. Long pants and shirts for 2 nights. (Active wear). Dress for Cold weather.6. Activewear for 2 days.7. Sneakers, and Hiking Boots8. Backpack for hike.9. Non-perishable Plates, silverware, cups for weekend. Hammer for tentSmall broom to clean out tentFlash lights, head light1 roll toilet paperHat, sunglasses, water bottles.Water for 2 days (2 Gallons) and a non plastic water bottleChair to sit on at campsiteAir MattressPillowBlanket (If it’s going to be cold).Small tarp for tent entranceSun Block, mosquito sprayBinocularsfire woodmarshmallow sticksRoll of paper towelsFood: Bring a cooler with ice and the blue gel ice packs that close well. I would suggest pre cooking your food for the first night so you can just heat it up. We do not have a camping coffee maker, in case you need coffee. You can bring one! (remember there is no electricity) Although instant coffee will be available. Pack your non-perishable food in a bag or box that can be put in your car at night or during the day.Sign-up deadline and payment is due April 10th. All payments due by April 10th or your reservation be cancelled.Pay by Zelle to Jordan Holaday 732-912-1800.
Mail checks to:Jordan Holaday
1930 Jackson St Apt. 13
Hollywood, FL 33020Leader:Jordan Holaday: 732-912-1800, Jordansierraleader@gmail.com
Level: Moderate
Cost: Total cost per person for the weekend: $15
Bring: You will receive a complete list of things to bring once you're registered.
Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather
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