Nestled in the heart of Florida, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is a sprawling natural oasis that offers a unique and immersive outdoor experience. Spanning over 54,000 acres, the park is home to diverse wildlife, including the iconic Florida prairie, gopher tortoises, and the elusive Florida grasshopper sparrow. Boasting expansive, open skies and minimal light pollution, the park is also recognized as a designated Dark Sky Park, making it a prime spot for stargazing and astrophotography. Visitors can explore the park's extensive trail system, go birdwatching, or embark on an equestrian adventure. With its tranquil, unspoiled landscapes and unparalleled night sky views, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park offers an unforgettable escape into the natural beauty of Florida.
![](https://static.where-e.com/United_States/Florida/Okeechobee_County/Kissimmee-Prairie-Preserve-State-Park_1d2eaaf18b18045ac5ab6d3bd02ad088.jpg)
Amenities and More
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Good for kids
- Dogs allowed
- Picnic tables
- Public toilet
- Hiking
- Kid-friendly hikes
Reviews
This park is beautiful, expansive prairie, lots of wildlife- we saw gators, deer, turkey, sand hill cranes and wild hogs. It is very remote but the dirt road has been recently graded and was not bumpy at all. I wish we could have gotten a spot in the equestrian section, they are a little bigger with more privacy but the family campground is really nice too. Highly recommend.
Camped there twice. Spectacular experiences. Giving 5 stars even though you can see millions of them on a clear night.
First time there, hiked in primitive camping. Wonderful private site.
Second time there, car/tent camping at the astronomy pads. Nice time. Grasslands are underrated. Photos don’t do justice to the golden colors of sunset on the flora.
We saw gators on the road in, turkeys, many deer, and more. No animal disturbances on the campsite.
Two night stay at this Dark Sky Park. There are two loops, the first known as Family are all 30amp, most are back in, most sites are a mix of gravel and dirt. Electric and water only. T-Mobile had one bar. Plenty of shade. The outside loop of the first section is reserved for Park volunteers. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings. The small store offers a small selection of Park specific merchandise. Plenty of hiking trails and if you are into night photography, this is the place for you. Lots of wildlife as well. The second loop is known as Equestrian and are 50amp sites, only water and electric and they appeared smaller than the sites on the Family Loop. One of the hiking trails does not allow dogs and during our stay was not fully accessible due to damage on a walking bridge. This Park is worth a second visit but I would avoid the summer.
Good for trekking. Self serve pay station at entrance. Small hawk, boar looking pig, small twetters, lots grasshoppers. Many miles with water areas. Get wet or bring boots. Can't walk around it. Some cover but alot of sun. Bugs were minimal. Parking was small at the short trail. Alot of different grasses to make up the prairie. Trails are flat and straight.
We had a great time at the preserve. There were many unexpected amenities. The family and equine camp grounds each have a bathhouse with large, clean, private showers. A washer/dryer and sink were also available at the family site. Each campsite has a fire ring with cooking platform, water, electricity, and picnic table. Fire wood is available for purchase (cash) at the family campsite. The astronomy sites were packed quite tight and do not have a fire ring.
The ranger station is a 5 minute walk from either camp ground and has restrooms, ice, and bicycles to rent (smallest bike was 20”). The bikes were $2 for 2 hours and the ranger station accepts cards. We had no issue with cell reception while at the park.
The rangers were so helpful. My kids wanted to bike and obviously the prairie is expansive. The ranger mentioned that if we had any trouble to call the office and he’d come get us with the truck.
This habitat is glorious and absolutely precious. This dry prairie is endemic to Florida and this is our largest example. It's like a fragile and precious jewel that we need to protect and preserve. It is such a unique place, especially in the fall when the wildflowers are blooming. We come here whenever we can and we try to bring folks with us so they can experience it as well. It is completely fire dependent. This habitat wouldn't exist if it didn't burn. How cool is that!!! I highly recommend the guided wildflower walks that the Friends of Kissimmee Prairie put on. They also have butterfly walks so you can learn about our special and endangered skippers. I highly recommend this place. Leave your expectations at home and just be with the shear beauty of this magnificent place.
Wonderful trails to hike. Dog friendly. Family family. Felt safe. Everything was perfect. Sunrises/sunsets were beautiful. Had a turkey roost right above our tent. Highly recommend as one of the best parks I’ve been to in Florida for a nature enthusiast of any kind. So much wildlife to see.
As this is the first certified dark skies park in Florida, I was anxious to see how the night sky looked during the new moon. I was not disappointed. The stars were bright and beautiful. Daytime was peaceful, with plenty of birds and wildlife to keep me entertained. The wild turkeys were especially neighborly. Lots of trails if that is your thing, or just relax and enjoy the stunning prairie.
Location
33104 NW 192nd Ave, Okeechobee, FL 34972, United States
Hours
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Updating...
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