Rangers stationed nearby began offering interpretive talks about the ecology of Big Cypress, emphasizing the interconnection between human activity and water quality. They explained how the swamp acted as a natural filter, cleansing water before it reached the Everglades.
These educational efforts transformed Midway from a simple campsite into a gateway of understanding. Visitors were not just campers — they became stewards, learning how small actions like fire safety and waste management could affect an entire ecosystem.
The Wildlife Neighbors
Big Cypress Midway Campground sits at the intersection of multiple habitats — cypress swamp, pine flatwoods, and freshwater prairie — making it an extraordinary spot for wildlife encounters.
Campers often observe alligators sunning themselves near the pond, white ibis feeding in shallow water, and anhingas drying their wings on cypress knees. At dusk, bats swoop overhead, while frogs and insects fill the air with their chorus.
Occasionally, lucky visitors glimpse Florida panthers, bobcats, or deer moving silently through the brush. The presence of such wildlife underscores the campground’s role not just as a recreation site but as part of a living, breathing wilderness. shutdown123