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Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
33104 NW 192 Ave.
Okeechobee, 34972
(863) 462-5360
Reservation Information: 1-800-326-3521
Driving Directions
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is located approximately 25 miles north of the City of Okeechobee. The Preserve is located 5 miles north of the western terminus of Okeechobee County Road 724. The road which reaches the park is shell and is not paved. US Hwy 441 and Okeechobee County Road 700A intersect County Road 724. The campground is located 5 miles inside the park entrance gate.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until
sundown 365 days a year.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park encompasses
nearly 75 square miles of virtually unaltered
landscape lying mostly in Okeechobee County.
At 46,000 acres, the Preserve protects the largest
remaining tract of undisturbed dry prairie on
the east side of the Kissimmee River.
Park Activities
Bicycling, Birding, Full Facility Camping, Horse Trails, Nature Trails, and Picnicking
Bicycling
Just a short bicycle ride from the Kilpatrick Hammock Campground in Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, you can see alligators sunning themselves along Seven-Mile Slough. Or if you are an avid bicyclist you can ride seven miles to see the beautiful Kissimmee River. Along the way enjoy a vast array of wildflowers; stop and watch a flock of turkey’s scatter across the road or see white-tailed deer feeding on the prairie grasslands. There are over 110 miles of two-trail roads for you to enjoy along with the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere of the prairie. Although it’s a dry prairie, at times portions of the roads may be wet.
Birding
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park offers excellent seasonal birding opportunities for the nature tourist. The Park offers refuge to six Federally threatened and endangered species, and a further six species of special concern. The usual highlights of a birding trip to Kissimmee Prairie would include Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, Burrowing Owl, Crested Caracara, Wood Stork and the recently sited White-Tail Kite with many other possibilities. The Park also has enough varied habitats, including wetlands, dry prairie, and hardwood hammocks, to offer the bird watching, nature tourist a full day of recreation.
Surrounded by 54,000 acres of pristine land, campers at Kilpatrick Hammock Campground can experience wilderness camping with all the comforts of home. Water and electricity at each site and a spacious bathhouse with laundry facilities can be found at the family camping area. The horseback campground has large paddocks equipped with hayrack and running water. Over 110 miles of two-trail road for hiking, bicycle riding and horseback riding will take visitors through dry prairie, moist wetlands and cool, shady hammocks. Deer and turkey are often seen meandering through the campgrounds. Bring horses, bicycles and cameras to enjoy a truly unique camping experience.
Horse Camping
Riding the trails in Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park on horseback is one of the best ways to see the real Florida. With more than 110 miles of two-trail roads horseback riders are apt to see an abundance of wildlife. In early spring its possible to hear the endangered Florida Grasshopper Sparrow singing in its dry prairie habitat. The trails take you through dry prairie, moist wetlands and cool, shady hammocks. Bring your own horses and enjoy a day’s ride or stay overnight in our beautiful horseback campground.
Nature Trails
Hiking through the grasslands of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park will find you in a place so unique there is no other on earth to see the same combination of plants and animals. You may startle white-tailed deer feeding on the tendergrasses or send an Indigo Snake slithering off the trail to hide in the wiregrass. Scan the skies and see a Crested Caracara or Bald Eagle soaring overhead; listen carefully and you may hear endangered Florida Grasshopper Sparrows singing in their natural prairie habitat. Wildflowers dot the countryside including Yellow Bachelors Buttons, Pipewort, Blazing Star, Meadow Beauty and the delicate Alligator Lily. Enjoy the prairie by looking into it – not at it.
Lower Wekiva River Preserve State ParkSanford, Florida
Visitors can stroll along the Sand Hill Nature Trail for a self guided tour of the native Florida plants and wildlife found at the park. Canoeists can paddle through the park on the Wekiva River. Equestrian camping is available in designated areas and can be reserved by calling Wekiwa Springs State Park. Read more
Lake Kissimmee State ParkLake Wales, Florida 33853
Visitors enjoy boating, canoeing, and fishing in the picturesque lakes. Nature students can hike over 13 miles of trails to observe and study the abundant plant and animal life. Six miles of trails are open to equestrians. A large, shaded picnic area with pavilions is available. The park has full-facility campsites, as well as a primitive camping facility. Read more
Lake Louisa State ParkClermont, Florida 34714
Lake Louisa, Dixie Lake, and Hammond Lake, the park's most accessible lakes, provide access for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. For hikers and backpackers, the park has over 20 miles of hiking trails with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Dixie Lake has a fishing pier, canoe/kayak launch, and a picnic pavilion.The park also has a full-facility campground, fully furnished cabins for rent, and primitive campsites. Read more
Lake Griffin State ParkFruitland Park, Florida 34731
Anglers will find plenty of largemouth bass, bluegill, speckled perch, and catfish. Visitors can observe the park's wildlife while picnicking or strolling along the half-mile nature trail. A shady, full-facility campground beckons travelers to spend the night or an entire vacation here. There is no swimming due to a healthy alligator population. Read more
Ravine Gardens State ParkPalatka, Florida 32177
The Ravine Loop is closed to vehicle traffic one hour before sunset, but remains open for pedestrians, bicycles, and wheelchairs. The garden's peak flowering period is azalea season, late January to April. Numerous picnic sites, equipped with tables and grills, are available to visitors. Read more
Rock Springs Run State ReserveSorrento, Florida
Visitors can enjoy bicycling, hiking, or horseback riding along 17 miles of trails. Guided trail rides and horse rentals are available. Primitive campsites on Rock Springs Run and the Wekiva River are accessible by canoe only. Equestrian camping facilities are available. Campsites can be reserved by calling Wekiwa Springs State Park. Read more
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