Burns Lake Campground

Sometimes you need to leave the city behind and head out into the backcountry to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. At Burns Lake Campground in southern Florida, you can do all this and much more. The campground rests in Big Cypress National Preserve, a 720,000-acre expanse of cypress and mangroves located west of Miami. Resting beside the lake it’s named after, the campground is a hidden gem where you can enjoy some of the best camping Florida has to offer. You can bring your dog along too — Burns Lake Campground is pet-friendly.

The campground has 14 sites. The nightly fee for a site is $24, but if you have a senior pass or an access pass, the fee is just $12 per night. Every site has a view of the lake. The campground has a picnic area, off-road vehicle parking area, and vault restrooms. Tall trees provide the campground with ample shade, so you don't need to worry about sun exposure.

The many activities near the campground provide you with lots of ways to fill your time. The lake is a popular location for fishing, but note that you need the proper license in order to fish there. The area also has many great spots for wildlife viewing, so be sure to pack some binoculars. There are also many areas for off-road vehicle use nearby.

There are a few things you should consider when you’re preparing for your visit. Note that you will need to bring your own drinking water — no fresh water is available at the campground. Dogs must be kept on-leash at all times, and make sure you clean up after your dog as well. Off-road vehicles cannot be used within the limits of the campground. If you want to have a campfire, you can only use dead wood from within the preserve.