Satellite: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards)
OCHOPEE • Open For Business
Current Boating Conditions
About This Ramp
Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) is a stand alone ramp located in OCHOPEE, Collier County, Florida. This ramp provides access to Halfway Creek, a freshwater body perfect for fishing and recreation.
The facility features 1 launch lane with gravel with good to excellent condition. The ramp surface is gravel, providing good traction for launching.
This government owned for general public use access ramp is managed by United States National Park Service and is open for business.
Amenities & Features
Picnic Area
Designated picnic facilities available for visitors
Restrooms
Restroom facilities available
Parking & Facilities
Parking Surface: Not Paved - Grass/Loose Soil/Sand
Parking Condition: Good
Trailer Parking: Approximately 20 trailer parking spaces available
Vehicle Parking: General vehicle parking available
Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a parking spot near the launch area.
Ramp Specifications
Launch Lanes: 1 lane
Single Lanes: 1
Surface: Gravel
Condition: Good to Excellent
Dock Type: No Docks
Water Type: Freshwater
Water Body: Halfway Creek
Handicap Accessibility
Full handicap accessibility: No Accommodations for Accessibility
Handicap restroom facilities: No
If you have specific accessibility needs, we recommend calling ahead to confirm what accommodations are currently available.
Visitor Information & Tips
- Hours: 24 Hours
- Fees: No
- Status: Open For Business
- Best times to launch are early morning or weekdays when crowds are lighter
- Always check local fishing and boating regulations before heading out
- Bring safety equipment including life jackets and first aid kits
Location & Getting There
Address: South end of Dona Drive (County Road 841)
City: OCHOPEE
ZIP Code: 34141
Use the interactive map above to get directions to Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards). Most smartphones have built-in GPS navigation that will guide you directly to the ramp's location.
Why Choose Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards)?
Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) is one of the premier boat launch facilities in Collier County, offering convenient access to Florida's waters. Whether you're an experienced angler, recreational boater, or first-time launcher, this ramp provides the amenities and facilities you need for a successful day on the water.
Located on Halfway Creek, this ramp is perfect for freshwater fishing, enjoying calm waters, and targeting species that thrive in freshwater environments.The well-maintained launch facility ensures smooth boating experiences for vessels of all sizes.
Water Quality & Safety
Official EPA assessment for Ten Thousand Islands — last reported 2022.
This water body is currently rated Not Supporting for fish consumption, with Dissolved Oxygen, Enterococcus, Fecal Coliform, Mercury in Fish Tissue, Nitrogen, Total, Phosphorus, Total identified as the causes. Check your state's current fish consumption guidance before eating fish caught here.
Source: EPA ATTAINS (Clean Water Act water quality assessments), as reported by the state. This reflects the most recent official assessment, not real-time testing — always check your state's current fish consumption advisories for specific serving guidance.
Species You Might Find Here
Common freshwater gamefish for this type of water — not a confirmed species survey for this specific location, since we don't have per-lake fish count data.
Gear for fishing Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards)
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Launch Tips & Best Practices
Before You Launch
- Check your boat for any maintenance issues before arriving at the ramp
- Have your registration and fishing license readily available
- Ensure all safety equipment is on board, including life jackets for all passengers
- Fill up your fuel tank before heading to the ramp to ensure sufficient range
At the Ramp
- Remove your trailer from the launch lane promptly to keep traffic moving
- Have crew members ready to help with the launch and retrieve process
- Park in designated areas only - don't block other boaters
- Always back into the ramp slowly and check water depth before launching
Safety on the Water
- Wear your life jacket at all times while on the boat
- Check local fishing regulations and bag limits for your target species
- Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return
- Monitor weather conditions and head back to shore if conditions deteriorate
Planning Your Visit to Collier County
Collier County offers diverse boating and fishing opportunities with Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) serving as a premier access point. The county's waters are home to a variety of fish species and provide excellent recreational opportunities year-round.
When planning your visit, consider the current season and target species. Spring and fall often provide ideal conditions for boating in Collier County, with comfortable temperatures and excellent fishing opportunities. Summer months are great for evening trips when the water is calmer after the midday heat.
Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) is conveniently located with easy highway access, ample parking, and modern facilities to support your boating adventure. The ramp's well-maintained launch area accommodates both large and small vessels, making it accessible to everyone from experienced captains to weekend boaters.
Nearby Boat Ramps
Other launch points within driving distance.
At a Glance
Essential info about Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards)
Quick Tips
- Arrive early for best parking
- Check weather before heading out
- Bring safety equipment
- Call ahead for seasonal hours
Before you launch
As an Amazon Associate, Boatzia earns from qualifying purchases.
Ramp data from USGS and Florida wildlife/DNR sources. Last synced 2026-07-28.
Fishing tips & boating guides
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Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) — frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to launch at Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards)?▾
Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) has no launch fee on record — it is generally free to use. Fees can change, so confirm with the managing agency before your trip.
Where is Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) located?▾
Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) is a Stand Alone Ramp in OCHOPEE, Collier County, Florida, on Halfway Creek.
What are the hours at Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards)?▾
Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) is typically accessible 24 Hours. Access hours can change seasonally, so verify before heading out.
How many launch lanes does Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) have?▾
Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) has 1 launch lane. Restrooms are available on site. The ramp surface is gravel.
What kind of fishing is available at Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards)?▾
Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) provides access to freshwater fishing on Halfway Creek in Florida. Check Florida fishing regulations and required licenses before you fish.
Is Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) a public boat launch?▾
Yes. Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) is a public boat ramp — also called a boat launch, boat access, or boat landing — in OCHOPEE, Collier County, Florida. It's open to the public and provides access to Halfway Creek.
Can you swim at Halfway Creek?▾
Big Cypress National Preserve - Dona Drive Boat Launch (Shallow, Not Suitable for Outboards) is a boat launch, not a supervised swimming area. People do swim in Halfway Creek, but there are no lifeguards, and water conditions vary — always check local water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming, and never swim near an active boat ramp.
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