Kissimmee Prairie

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. 2 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 3 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. 4 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 5 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. 6 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