If you are looking to disappear for an incredible adventure, one with ties to the Civil War, and steeped in Florida’s Cowboy Heritage, then come explore Lake Kissimmee State Park camping in old Florida. This off-the-beaten-path state park with its canopies of live oaks, endless hiking, miles of equestrian trails to ride, cool observation tower, and an 1876-era cow camp, this Florida State Park is the perfect place for a true camping experience.
Located in the Central Florida heartland on the outskirts of beautiful Lake Wales and just North of State Road 60, off Camp Mack Road, sits a 5,930-acre State Park unlike any other. With access to picturesque lakes and some of the best camping, it is no wonder you feel worlds away when you are out there. Whether you are watching a flock of turkeys strolling by or listening to the sandhill cranes pass above you, Lake Kissimmee State Park is the BEST of old Florida.
A Walk Back In Time…
Lake Kissimmee State Park roots date back to the Civil War when cattle were raised here to be sent to the Union Troops or sold to Cuba for supplies. These Florida Cowmen or Florida Crackers continued to raise scrub cattle long after the war. Come take a stroll and embrace the rich history of an 1876-era Florida Cow Camp Ranch.
Tucked away under the luscious canopies of live oaks, you will find Cow Country. Sit a spell and listen to the Florida Crackers’ regal tails of herding the wild Florida scrub cattle and the adventures that ensued. Open during the winter months, this interactive Florida Cattle Ranch is fun for the whole family.
Have A Paddling Adventure On The Water Lake Kissimmee State Park Camping In Old Florida
Situated on some of Florida’s most pristine waterways, launch from the on-site boat ramp and explore over 35,000 acres of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes including Tiger Lake, and Lake Rosalie. Grab your fishing poles, and sunscreen for an unforgettable day on the water. Besides bass fishing, a variety of fish can be caught including crappie, catfish, bluegill, and pickerel. Launching from the park boat ramp will give you direct access to Lake Kissimmee. More kayak fun here.
Paddlers can launch directly from the Cow Camp Bridge kayak launch and paddle the Zipper Canal out to Lake Rosalie or if you prefer, launch out of the marina directly into Lake Kissimmee. From here, you can paddle and enjoy the shores of Lake Kissimmee or the freshwater marshes and soak-in the great outdoors.
Another popular route is the 10-mile scenic Buster Island Trail which is Florida’s 53rd state-designated paddling trail and is a great one for wildlife viewing. Keep a lookout for sunning gators and some of Florida’s incredible birds. Instagrammable! Here is a more in-depth review of the Buster Island Loop paddling trail.
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Camping In Old Florida
The most compelling reason to come to Lake Kissimmee State Park is to camp! The camping area is located in an oak hammock that provides plenty of shade and each campsite has natural buffers for a bit more seclusion and privacy. For a night you can live like the fabled Florida Crackers’. Whether you pitch a tent, hike out to one of the many primitive sites, or Glamp, the Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground is your perfect camping experience.
Here’s what you need to know:
- 60 campsites accommodate tents, campers, and RV’s, 4 campsites are handicap accessible, and 1 tent-only.
- Dogs are allowed but need to be leashed.
- Bathhouses with laundry facilities and a dump station.
- Each campsite has water hookups, a fire ring, a picnic table, and 30 amp provided.
- Youth Camping Area provides cold showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and benches around a fire pit, and close proximity to the parking area.
- The cost per/night to camp is $20, Primitive camping is $5/person
- Youth Camping: Youth is $1/night and Adults are $5/night.
- Forget anything? You can grab it and extra firewood at the Camp Store.
Lake Kissimmee State Park is one of the MOST popular in the Florida State Park system. Florida residents can book eleven months out with the Florida State Park Website. Because the campground is located in a shady oak hammock, any time of the year is perfect for camping.
Camp Like A Florida Cracker But In Style
Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground has jumped on the trend of “Glamping” but with a SPECIAL Florida twist. Come spend the night in a luxurious Pioneer Tent and live like a cow hunter for the night. Each beautifully crafted canvas tent offers all the fun of camping without sacrificing comfort. WHO doesn’t LOVE a chandelier in your tent when you are camping!?
Then There Are The Air Boats…
Can we talk about the elephant in the room for just a sec!? Lake Kissimmee and Lake Rosalie are popular for airboating and the party starts early each evening and ends at dawn. The weekends are busier out on the water and with Camp Mac close by, it can be a bit spicy! So, if listening to the sweet sweet sounds of airboats all night is not what you had envisioned for your perfect camping adventure, may we suggest earplugs! They work wonders to drown out the air boats and Bob next door snoring. You’re welcome!
Go Take A Hike…A Bike Ride…Or Saddle Up Your Horse
So…your tent is pitched and you are all set up…or just here for the day…now what? How about heading out for an adventure on one of the four hiking trails?
Lake Kissimmee State Park offers 16 miles of marked trails that lead you through oak hammocks, and pine flatwoods to prairies, and along the shores of Lake Kissimmee. Backpackers delight! Two of of the trails lead to the backcountry campsites for you to hike in and enjoy.
Mountain Biking
Looking to hit the trails for a bit of excitement!? Most of the hiking trails are said to accommodate mountain bikes except where posted. However, on Buster Island, there is an extensive amount of forestry roads that would offer great cycling and a chance to explore.
Heading from the park entrance, cyclists can enjoy 3.5 miles of winding natural habitat where you are sure to spot much of the abundant wildlife that calls the park home.
Horseback Riding
Come explore Buster Island by horseback! This six-mile loop is an island that connects to the lakes and also offers primitive equestrian camping. According to the Florida State website, come prepared. Water, electricity, and restrooms are not provided out there.
Climb A Tower
One of my FAVORITE things to do while visiting Lake Kissimmee State Park is the observation tower. Located at the edge of the picnic area, the tower overlooks a vast prairie area and allows you to see the shores of Lake Kissimmee. I would imagine on a clear night because you are so far out away from lights, checking out the night sky would be AMAZING from the top deck!
Save It For Later!
Have You Been!?
When you adventure out to this beautiful and immense landscape, whether for the day or a couple, one thing is for sure. You get a real sense of what the true Florida was and in the precious few preserved places such as this, still are. No matter if we swung in for a quick night of camping between stops or stayed for a weekend, THIS is still our favorite place to be. Have you been!? Let us know! Lake Kissimmee State Park camping in old Florida is what dreams were made for. Happy wandering…
Thanks for stopping by! Come along for the adventure as we explore Florida & beyond. Discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, testing out cool gear, eating & creating fantastic food along the way. Happy wandering!
I can always count on you for vacation inspiration!!❤️
Happy to be your Vaca inspo!
Looks like a great place to visit, very informative!
Thank you! We love it there!
This place looks like fun, may have to go there in person!
We love it! I know you would too!