Dinner Island Ranch: Remote free camping in South Florida

Dirt road through Dinner Island Ranch in South Florida - Photo: Still Gravity.
The dirt road through Dinner Island Ranch - License our images here.        

This wildlife management area is north of the Big Cypress Indian Reservation. Far from the main roads of South Florida, it doesn't get crowded out from the hunting season. This area became a magnet for cattlemen, hunters, trappers, and traders after the Second Seminole War in the 1830s. There are still ranches in the surroundings.  

Two camping places here, one in the open grass and the other covered by the trees of a hammock. They are by the entrance to the WMA. Both are free, but a permit is required. Stay is limited to 14-day. No electricity or potable water. 

The dirt road loop through Dinner Island Ranch goes on for 11 miles - 17 kilometers. We crossed deer, snakes, gators, and many birds. There are bears and panthers, but they are hard to see. There were also cows loose on the road. 

It was spring and the alligators were pretty active. We encountered a big one and one dead - the fourth and the last photos in this post. 

Only two other vehicles in the loop. Wild Florida. 

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