Big Bear Beach takes its name from the large Florida black bears that historically inhabited the Lake Okeechobee region before European settlement. Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River in Moore Haven, Glades County, this beach sits along the historic waterway connecting the Caloosahatchee River with Lake Okeechobee—a route that transformed from Native American canoe trails into the modern Okeechobee Waterway. The area developed as a riverfront destination after the completion of the Herbert Hoover Dike in the 1960s, which stabilized lake levels and made the shoreline more accessible for recreational use. Moore Haven itself, established in 1917, became known as Florida's first planned agricultural community.
The pristine sandy shores of Big Bear Beach provide opportunities for sunbathing, picnicking, and sandcastle building along the Caloosahatchee's tranquil waters. Anglers cast lines into the river targeting bass, catfish, and sunfish, with the nearby cattails around Horse Island offering prime spots for pitching bass techniques. The nearby Ortona Lock, part of the Okeechobee Waterway, allows visitors to watch boats navigate between different water levels. The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, just a short drive away, provides access to explore Florida's largest freshwater lake through 110 miles of paved pathways circling the massive water body.
Riverfront Grill at The Glades Resort serves steak dinners and lunch on the patio overlooking the Caloosahatchee River, where boaters can pull in directly from the water. Crumbs Riverfront Restaurant at Glades RV Resort features southern comfort food in a two-story building with an antique bar and waterfront views, one of only two restaurants situated directly on the Caloosahatchee River. Ahern's Deli offers southern home cooking for breakfast and lunch, located within Ahern's Service Center on US Highway 27 North in downtown Moore Haven.
