Big Cypress National Preserve Orv Permits
Big Cypress National Preserve is located in south Florida in eastern Collier County, centered between Naples and Miami. The preserve can be accessed via U.S. Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail), Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley), and State Road 29. Conserving over 729,000 acres of freshwater swamp, pinelands, prairies, and cypress strands, Big Cypress plays a vital role in supporting the Greater Everglades ecosystem and the rich marine estuaries along Florida’s southwest coast. The preserve is home to diverse wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther.
Off Road Vehicle Use (ORV): Big Cypress is unique within the National Park System in that it authorizes off-road vehicle operation on a vast designated trail system. ORV use supports traditional, nature-based activities such as hunting, fishing, frogging, camping, wildlife observation, and access to private property, consistent with federal law and preserve regulations. Each Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) operating within Big Cypress National Preserve must comply with all established equipment and safety standards prior to operation. Operators are required to review prescribed educational materials and formally attest that their vehicle meets all applicable requirements and that they understand and will adhere to all governing rules and regulations. A permit must be obtained for each individual vehicle, and operation within the preserve constitutes agreement to comply with all applicable federal regulations and preserve policies.
Trails, Access Points & Terrain: The preserve contains hundreds of miles of designated ORV trails across multiple management units. Access points are located along Highway 41, Interstate 75 (designated points only), Turner River Road, Loop Road, and other approved entry locations. Dry Season (typically November–April):- Lower water levels- Firmer trail surfaces- Increased recreational use Wet Season (typically May–October):- Flooded trails- Deep mud and water crossings- Limited access in some areas. Terrain may include limestone base, soft mud, standing water, cypress strands, pine flatwoods, and wet prairie. Conditions can change rapidly depending on rainfall. Operators are responsible for checking current conditions before entering the trail system.
Important Reminders: ORVs must remain on designated trails at all times! Resource damage is prohibited. Safety equipment requirements apply. Trail closures and seasonal restrictions may occur. Big Cypress National Preserve provides a rare opportunity for responsible motorized access within a nationally protected landscape. Visitors interested in purchasing an ORV permit are encouraged to study the contents of this webpage for the most current regulations, inspection requirements, and trail information before visiting.
Notifications and Alerts
Big Cypress National Preserve ORV Permits for the 2026 season will be available for purchase on Recreation.gov on May 1, 2026 at 10am ET.
Permit & Season Information
Permit Validity: ORV permits are valid through January 31 of the following year, regardless of the date of purchase. A new permit must be obtained annually for continued operation.
Designated Trailhead Access: A valid ORV permit allows entry and exit at designated ORV access points throughout the preserve. These trailheads provide access to specific ORV management units and trail networks. Designated access locations are situated along major corridors including:
U.S. Highway 41 / Tamiami Trail: Burns Lake, Skillet Strand, Monroe North, Oasis
Turner River Road: Windmill Tram, Concho Billie, Concho Billie North, Bear Island
Loop Road: Boundary Line Trail, Mitchell’s Campground / Red Bird Ln, Pace’s Dike, Monroe South
Trail conditions vary seasonally. During the dry season (typically November–April), trails are generally firmer and more accessible. During the wet season (typically May–October), water levels rise and trails may be flooded, muddy, or temporarily closed.
Need to Know
Prior to obtaining an ORV permit, applicants are required to view the informational video available on this website. Applicant’s must also review regulatory guidance pertaining to ORV operation in Big Cypress to include the Superintendent’s Compendium.
Each off-road vehicle must obtain its own individual permit. Permits are vehicle-specific and are not transferable between vehicles. Big Cypress regulatory guidance requires that ORV’s be classified by one of the following categories: UTV, ATV, Swamp Buggy, Street Legal, Airboat. Each ORV must meet the requirements identified by it’s respective category.
Motorcycles and other two-wheeled motorized vehicles are not permitted in the backcountry of Big Cypress National Preserve.
ORVs may only operate on designated ORV trails. The official ORV map, which illustrates designated trails and access points, is available on the preserve’s website.
All ORV operators must possess a valid state-issued driver’s license. Operators holding a valid learner’s permit must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years of age or older.
Prior to operating an ORV on designated trails, operators are strongly encouraged to review all applicable rules and regulations, possess sufficient knowledge of off-road vehicle operation, and be capable of self-recovery when conditions require.
Certain ORV trails are subject to seasonal closures, generally occurring between June and August. May marks the beginning of the rainy season, trails accessible during the dry season may contain deep water and may become impassable. An impassable trail may not be marked. It is each operators' responsibility to know their equipment capability and personal abilities in order to safely navigate backcountry trails.
For current closure information and access updates, please visit the Off-Road Vehicle Permits page for Big Cypress National Preserve on the National Park Service website.
ORV trails may be temporarily closed when necessary for resource protection or public safety.
ORV trails are closed from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily.
Proof of permit must be available at all times while operating in an ORV area. A printed copy or an electronic version displayed on a mobile device is acceptable. Each permitted ORV must have a copy of the permit inside the vehicle.
You may be prompted by Law Enforcement to provide proof of permit and to determine vehicle compliance.
Operators are responsible for ensuring that their vehicle meets all inspection regulations as required by law and the Superintendent's Compendium.
Airboat
A commercially or custom designed/manufactured vessel consisting of a shallow, rectangular hull powered by an aircraft or automobile engine mounted on the rear that drives a large aircraft propeller(s).
All-Terrain Vehicle
Motorized off-highway vehicle ≤50 in width, dry weight ≤1,200 lbs, designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires, seat designed to be straddled by operator, handlebars for steering, single operator only. Must be 4×4 capable to be permitted in the Preserve.
Swamp Buggy
Not a registered vehicle, cannot operate legally on roadways. Typically, a modified vehicle with 4 or more tires, may not utilize “skid steering.”
Utility Task Vehicle
Motorized recreational off-highway vehicle ≤64 in width, dry weight ≤2,000 lbs, non-straddle seating, steering wheel, four or more pneumatic tires designed for rim diameter ≤14 in. Must be 4×4 capable to be permitted in the Preserve.
Street Legal (Permissible in Bear Island Unit ONLY)
A vehicle that is currently registered, inspected and insured, as required, by state law to be operated on public roadways. A street legal vehicle must be 4X4 capable to be permitted on designated ORV trails of the Preserve
To qualify for an ORV permit, a vehicle must:
Meet all inspection requirements applicable to its vehicle type; and
Be equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD).
Printing Your ORV Permit
To print your permit:
Select “My Reservations” from your confirmation email, or log in and click your name in the upper right corner of the website.
Locate the appropriate permit and select “Reservation Details.”
Click “Print Permit.”
Permitted drivers must present proof of permit purchase upon request. If a printed copy is not available, the permit should be saved and readily accessible on a mobile device, or a completed self-certification card must be provided when requested.
Due to a lack of cellular connectivity on the trails, permit holders that do not print a hardcopy of their permit shall "screen shot" or take a picture of their permit to present upon request.
For ORV-specific questions, please contact 239-631-9988 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (EST).
Fee Policy
Permit fee is $100.00 at the time of sale. Permit is valid from the date of purchase until January 31st of the following year.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy: Once a permit is successfully purchased they can not be cancelled, returned, exchanged, or refunded.
Change Policy: No changes permitted.
