ORV inspection required, bear island is the only tract of the Big Cypress National park that allows street legal 4x4s, last checked 2000 passes annually, February to January, gate combinations changed yearly with new passes, requirements posted on national park website. Suggested you bring a friend. For navigation guidance use: "Turner River Rd, Big Cypress, FL 34141" in Google Maps

Directions:

The Bear Island Backcountry Unit at Big Cypress National Preserve is located in the northwest corner of the park and is accessed via either a long drive along Turner River Road, at a pullout on the westbound lane of I-75 at Mile Marker 70 (hike in only), or at a hike- or bike-in access road off of Highway 29. The unit’s southern border is I-75. It’s northern and western boundaries are the Preserve’s boundaries. Its eastern boundary is the Addition Backcountry Unit.

Contact Info:

phone: 305-242-7740
web site: https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/orv-use.htm