Kissimmee PrairiePreserve State Park - Florida |
This 54,000 acre preserve protects the largest remaining stretch of Florida dry prairie, home to an array of endangered plants and animals. While driving the five-mile-long road into the preserve, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of grasslands reminiscent of the Great Plains of the Midwest. The preserve offers excellent seasonal birding opportunities and is home to the endangered Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, as well as the Crested Caracara and Burrowing Owl. More than 100 miles of dirt roads allow hikers, bicyclists and equestrians to explore prairies, wetlands and shady hammocks.
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Official Highway Map North of Florida. Published by the Florida Department of Transportation.
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Brochure of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park in Florida - the largest remaining expanse of Florida dry prairie. Published by Florida State Parks.
Camping and Cabins Guide brochure.
Kissimmee Prairie PSP
https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Kissimmee-Prairie
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kissimmee_Prairie_Preserve_State_Park
This 54,000 acre preserve protects the largest remaining stretch of Florida dry prairie, home to an array of endangered plants and animals. While driving the five-mile-long road into the preserve, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of grasslands reminiscent of the Great Plains of the Midwest. The preserve offers excellent seasonal birding opportunities and is home to the endangered Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, as well as the Crested Caracara and Burrowing Owl. More than 100 miles of dirt roads allow hikers, bicyclists and equestrians to explore prairies, wetlands and shady hammocks.
KISSIMMEE PRAIRIE PRESERVE
STATE PARK
HISTORY AND NATURE
Given its immense scale and scenic beauty,
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park has a
grandeur all its own. In many areas, prairie stretches
to the horizon, uninterrupted by signs of civilization.
Kissimmee Prairie was once a working cattle ranch,
part of Florida’s historic cow hunter tradition.
Crackers – cattlemen who made a cracking sound
with their whips – drove herds to train depots or
to the coasts then returned to their homes. During
World War II, the U.S. military conducted training
missions on the site.
The 54,000-acre preserve is part of the Everglades
headwaters and protects the largest remaining tract
of Florida dry prairie. Growing-season fire and a
wet season keep the prairie healthy by maintaining
knee-high vegetation.
Sweeping vistas of grasses, flowers and saw
palmettos are coupled with an amazing array of
wildlife and natural communities. With the arrival of
each season, different colors of wildflowers explode
onto the scene.
A spectacular birding and wildlife watching
experience awaits park visitors. Over 150 bird
species have been sighted, including burrowing owls
and crested caracara. Butterfly viewing is superb,
with more than 85 recorded species.
Internationally recognized for its lack of light
pollution, the prairie’s night sky is inky black —
campers can spot the Milky Way without using
telescopes or binoculars.
33104 N.W. 192 Avenue
Okeechobee, Florida 34972
863-462-5360
PARK GUIDELINES
•
Ranger station hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and state holidays.
•
An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees
may apply.
•
Speed limit is 25 miles per hour.
•
All plants, animals and property are protected.
Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited.
•
Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets
must be kept on a hand-held leash no longer than
six feet and be well-behaved at all times.
•
Fires are allowed in designated areas only.
MORE INFORMATION
•
Become a volunteer. Inquire at the preserve office
or online at www.floridastateparks.org/volunteers/.
•
For camping information, contact Reserve America
at 800-326-3521 or visit ReserveAmerica.com.
•
Florida State Parks are committed to providing
every visitor with equal access to all facilities and
programs. Should you need assistance to enable
your participation, please contact the preserve
office at 863-462-5360.
Visit us online at
FloridaStateParks.org
Follow us on social media
FloridaStateParks.org
#FLStateParks
KISSIMMEE PRAIRIE
PRESERVE
STATE PARK
Largest remaining expanse
of Florida dry prairie
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES
N
W
Florida National
Scenic Trail
(FNST)
Osceola County
Okeechobee County
North Boundary Trail
Pine Island
Slough Trail
High
land
s Co
unty
Another memorable way to explore the stretch of wild
prairie is from an elevated seat on a ranger-led buggy
tour. The tours of remote prairie backcountry run
November through March.
Kissimmee Prairie’s remote setting makes it a premier
location for stargazing. On new-moon nights
campers can relax under luminescent stars. Full
moons illuminate the landscape, allowing campers to
walk without a flashlight and explore the nighttime
wonderland.
Located 32 miles northwest of Okeechobee. Take U.S. 441 north from
Okeechobee to County Road 724, turn west. Go to the end of County Road
724 and turn north on Northwest 192nd Avenue for five miles to the
preserve entrance. The park office is five miles north of the entrance.
S
Look for wildflowers and white-tailed deer along the
trails, and scan the skies for a bald eagle or swallowtailed kite. The park’s varied habitats offer a full day of
bird-watching. The prairie also serves as a haven for
migrating and resident butterflies.
Four different camping choices are available. The
family campground offers a full-service restroom
with hot showers. The equestrian campground
with hot showers has paddocks available. The
primitive camping area offers a wilderness camping
experience. The campsites are accessible only by foot,
bicycle or horseback. The astronomy campground
offers a camping experience free from the intrusion of
campfires and bright lights.
Directions
E
m
Sl
Gum Slough
Prairie Trail
McGuire
Hammock
Trail
ou
gh
McGuire Prairie
Trail
Duck
Slough
Long
Hammock
Trail
Duck Slough
Prairie
Trail
Florida National
Scenic Trail
(FNST)
Trailhead
Corral
Five Mile
Prairie Trail
West
Pasture
Trail
South
Pasture
Trail
Seven Mile Slough
Prairie Loop
Trail
Grasshopper
Sparrow
Trail
v
Ri
m
im
ss
Ki
ee
Gu
Military
Trail
Cow Camp
Trail
River
Trail
er
Dead Pine
Island Marsh
CATTLE LEASE
Raulerson PASTURE AREA
Trail
Kilpatrick
Prairie
Trail
Peavine Road
Visitors can find a deep connection to natural Florida
at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve. More than 100 miles
of multi-use trails beckon bicyclers, hikers and
horseback riders. The tr
Camping and Cabins Guide
Florida State Parks
FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks
Welcome
When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make
your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight
accommodations.
At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike
through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a
kayak, a book and a friend.
What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day?
Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy
beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your
boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family
and friends.
Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress
of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply
do nothing.
We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all
visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins.
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FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks
Family Camping
Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents,
campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and
picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are
also available.
• One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite
or cabin.
• Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight
people per site, not including children under 6 years old.
• Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay
in the park through the end of the day.
• Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may
only allow one vehicle.
FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks
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Cabins
From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations
in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded
communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to
hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a
kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and
porch swings.
• Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday,
or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and
Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday.
Some exceptions apply.
• Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors.
• Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m.
• Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
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FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks
• Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas.
• Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or
repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may
also be charged for lost/stolen items.
Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat
Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may
wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state
parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses.
Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative
Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees.
Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters
have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other
amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida
State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks
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Camping with Pets and Service Animals
Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have
designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise
under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed
six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after
their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles.
Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas,
cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have
specific areas prohibiting pets.
Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state
parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability.
Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a
device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability
prevents the use of these devices.
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FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks
Reservations
Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months
in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD
(888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com.
Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites.
Prices per night:
Campsites $16 to $42
Cabins
$30 to $160
Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70
*Prices subject to change.
A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens
who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c