Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park: Florida's Largest State Park

A rainy season and fire during the growing season sustain knee-high vegetation. A stunning assortment of wildlife and natural communities coexist with stunning vistas of grasses, flowers, and saw palmettos. The coming of each season ushers in a slew of new colors in the form of wildflowers.

Overview

• Location:  Okeechobee
• Trailhead:  27.584143, -81.045166
• Address:  33104 NW 192nd Ave, Okeechobee
• Fees:  $4 per vehicle, $2 pedestrian
• Restrooms:  At the visitor center
• Land manager:  Florida State Parks
• Phone:  863-462-5360

Due to the abundance of alligators along Military Trail, leashed dogs are welcome but not recommended.

Park Guidelines

Ranger stations are open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays.

• Admission is charged. There may be additional user fees.
• The speed limit is 25 mph.
• Plants, animals, and property are all protected. It is prohibited to collect, destroy or disturb.
• Pets are allowed only in designated areas.
• Fires are allowed only in designated areas.

Touring the Preserve

Over 100 miles of trails allow hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists to explore the preserve. The courses are primarily along old ranch roads. In winter, volunteers offer guided swamp buggy eco-tourists through this road system, allowing you to explore the preserve without getting your feet wet.

The preserve is cut by sloughs that drain the prairies towards the Kissimmee River. Bridges are not present. Following the trails requires wading through them or waiting for them to dry out.

Equestrians enjoy this preserve because of its challenging terrain and long distances. A campground has been designed especially for equestrians.

Experiences

• Bicycling - The hard-surface roads are suitable for cyclists and hundred miles of the trails/service roads for hikers, offroad bicycling, shared with horses, and other park vehicles. Currently, bike renting is not available.

• Birding - The Kissimmee Prairie Reserve Park provides excellent birding opportunities throughout the year. Six species are listed as threatened or endangered by the federal government, and six are listed as unique concerns. Florida crested caracaras, grasshopper sparrows, burrowing owls, and wood storks are among the highlights of a bird-watching trip to the Kissimmee Prairie.

• Camping - The Kilpatrick Hammock Campground is surrounded by 54,000 acres of grassland, allowing guests to experience authentic Florida wildness while accessing contemporary comforts. All 35 campgrounds include water and power and a large accessible bathroom with showers. A strategically situated water fill and disposal facility is available.

• Hiking - The grasslands of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park include a unique blend of flora and wildlife that you won't find anywhere else on the planet. White-tailed buck grazing on the soft grasses may be startled, and a snake may dart off the track into the wiregrass to hide.

• Horseback Riding - An excellent way to see the preserve is to take a horseback ride through its trails, where you may expect to encounter much wildlife thanks to the two-trail roads covering more than 100 miles. Ride your horses and enjoy a day of riding, or relax in the equestrian campsite for the night.

• Picnicking - A few picnic tables may be found at the park entrance and adjacent to the park office.

• Star Gazing - Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is one of the few Florida parks free from light pollution from cities and suburbs.

• Tours - View the park's remote parts on a ranger-led prairie buggy trip. A spectacular landscape and numerous animals may be seen from a high seat. It takes about two to three hours to complete the journey. Sunscreen, a hat, beverages, and snacks are all recommended.

• Wildlife Observation - There are numerous varied ecosystems in the park, including dry prairie, wetlands,  and natural hardwood hammocks, which give limitless wildlife viewing possibilities for various kinds of birds, animals, insects, amphibians,  and reptiles.

• Amenities that are easily accessible - Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is dedicated to making a wide range of amenities available to all visitors. Picnic tables and BBQ grills are among the amenities available.

• Pets - All Pets are permitted in the preserve but must be kept on a long six-foot leash, and they must be well-mannered at all times.

• Restroom Facilities - All of the restrooms are ADA compliant.

• RV - This campsite is excellent for both RVers and tent campers! All 35 grounds include water and power and a sizeable accessible restroom with showers and also laundry. A strategically situated water filling and a waste facility are available.

Visitor Information Center

To learn more about the park, stop by the visitor center at the park's headquarters.

Florida State Park is dedicated to providing equitable access to all facilities and services to all visitors. Please call the preserve office at 863-462-5360 if you require assistance to engage.