Sitting on over 54,000 breathtaking acres of pristine land, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is the perfect destination for those who want to escape to nature.
Outstandingly beautiful, it features a huge stretch of verdant grassland that contrasts perfectly with the clear blue sky on sunny days.
It is also known for its incredible absence of light pollution, which was why the park was officially chosen as Florida’s inaugural Dark Sky Park. As a result, stargazing is a very popular activity here. With the views of the cosmos being crystal clear.
Renowned for accommodating the last remaining parts of the iconic Indian Prairie trail, this Florida state park presents visitors with over 100 miles of hiking, equestrian and biking trails to explore.
It also offers the chance to partake in buggy tours, birding, wildlife watching and photography. While its excellent campground is perfectly set up for those who visit the park with their RVs, trailers, tents or horses.
Activities
The park provides guests with several opportunities to engage in a range of outdoor recreational pursuits.
Outlined below is just a small selection of some of the many activities you can do during your visit there.
Buggy Tours at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
As Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is so expansive, a very popular way to see a good amount of it is via buggy tours.
Led by the park’s rangers, these tours showcase the park’s diverse ecology. Taking you through various landscapes that accommodates several vibrant species of flora and fauna.
Generally the tours last for two hours, although they do cover quite a bit of distance. They also take you to remote and isolated areas of the park you might not otherwise see.
Trails at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
For those who want to explore the park at their own pace there are more than 115 miles of trails to venture around. As many of them are multi-use you can choose to do it via hiking, mountain biking or horse riding.
Many of these trails skirt along former ranch roads which will give you an insight into what life might have been like here several decades ago. The grassland areas will also showcase how unique the park’s nature and wildlife is, while history buffs should relish the chance to visit the places where two army forts used to reside.
If you didn’t bring a bike with you to Kissimmee you will be able to hire them out from the main office.
Unfortunately horse tours are not available, so be sure to bring your own equipment with you.
Birding at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
If you are into birding the park does not disappoint, as it is a noted spot for this past-time.
Throughout the year, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park accommodates several species either on a permanent, or seasonal basis during the migratory season.
You will definitely want to bring your binoculars with you because depending on the time of year you visit you might see a fabulous range of breeds, which includes some endangered and rare species.
Be sure to keep a lookout around the hardwood hammocks, verdant prairies and lush wetlands for the likes of burrowing owls, grasshopper sparrows and various types of hawks.
Nature and Wildlife
As well as the birds, the park is home to a diverse range of fauna.
This includes the likes of alligators and deadly snakes. So you will definitely want to keep an eye out for these animals during your time at the park.
Pets at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Pets are welcome to join you at the park, although they must be restrained on a leash that is no more than 6 feet in length.
Owners must ensure their dogs are well behaved at all times and also clean up after them too.
Some other restrictions on their presence may apply. So if you require further clarification of what they are, please contact the park’s main office.
Camping at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Located within the park, the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve Campground is well set up for overnight visitors.
Overall they offer 16 large and very well looked after sites that are perfect for RV’s, trailers and tents. All of these sites come with hook-ups for 30-amp electricity. They vary in size with at least one of them being able to fit a rig that is a maximum of 65 feet in length.
These sites are situated under shady trees to provide you with some respite from the intense heat of the Floridian sun. They also come with their own picnic tables and fire rings.
Other amenities at the campground include restrooms, hot showers, a laundry area and several water collection points.
Should you plan on bringing your horse, you’ll no doubt be happy to read there is also a loop of 14 equestrian-friendly sites to stay at.
These sites have connections for 50-amp electricity and water, as well as a paddock for your equine companion. There are composting toilets available there too, although you will have to head to the main campground for other facilities.
If it is not busy, you can also stay at this campground if you don’t have a horse. Although visitors who bring them to the park will always get priority in this section.
As the park is designated as a Dark Sky Park, it is very popular with stargazers. Subsequently the authorities have set up a special section within the main camping area. This provides five different sites for small RVs and trailers to base themselves at, specifically for this activity.
Park Location
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
33104 NW 192nd Ave
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Phone: 863.462.5360
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park:
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