Lake Kissimmee State Park
1 / 10

Lake Kissimmee State Park

4.7
·1k reviews·Lake Wales, United States

A serene Florida escape teeming with wildlife, offering hiking, camping, and water activities in a peaceful, natural setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Cooler months (Oct-Apr)

Pleasant for hiking and camping

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Lake Kissimmee State Park

Lake Kissimmee State Park

Best Time

Cooler months (Oct-Apr)

Pleasant for hiking and camping

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Florida escape teeming with wildlife, offering hiking, camping, and water activities in a peaceful, natural setting.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"A great time, very quiet, employees and guests were very friendly. Saw lots of wildlife."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack Essentials First

No food or gas nearby! Bring everything you need for your stay. :shopping_bags:

Embrace the Quiet

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, but be aware airboats can sometimes disrupt the calm. 👂

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 1,359 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Viewing

Spot deer, birds, gopher turtles, and armadillos in their natural habitat. A true Florida nature experience!

Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails

Gobbler Trail, various other trails

Explore miles of trails through diverse Florida landscapes. Great for nature walks and spotting animal tracks.

Camping & Glamping

Camping & Glamping

Enjoy peaceful camping or opt for a unique 'Glamour Tent' experience with amenities.

Kayaking & Boating

Kayaking & Boating

Boat launch

Launch your kayak or boat to explore the lakes and streams. Perfect for fishing and water adventures.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wildlife Encounters

Lake Kissimmee State Park is teeming with wildlife! Expect to see deer, birds, gopher turtles, and armadillos. Keep a safe distance and enjoy the natural Florida experience. Some visitors mention airboats can be noisy, impacting the tranquility.

Plan for Remote Location

This park is a bit off the beaten path, so stock up on essentials like food, drinks, and gas before you arrive. There are no restaurants or gas stations nearby, making it a true escape into nature.

Best Times

When
Cooler months (Oct-Apr)
Why
Pleasant for hiking and camping
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter, better wildlife viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Stargazing opportunities
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Jakeisadog@1 Florida has incredible bass havens, but none compare to the wonders of Lake Kissimmee! 🎣 #bassfishing #lakekissimmee #florida #lake #floridafishing #bassfish #fishing #unitedstates #thingstodoinflorida
@lurejunkies
24.8K likes • 428.1K views

Pack Essentials First

No food or gas nearby! Bring everything you need for your stay. :shopping_bags:

Embrace the Quiet

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, but be aware airboats can sometimes disrupt the calm. 👂

Don’t drink the water! #scariestriverintheusa #viralriver #alligatorattack #lakekissimmee #floridawildlife #funflorida
@all_things_florida
12K likes • 481.7K views
Kayak fishing at Lake Kissimmee State Park in Lake Wales, Florida… This was my first time launching here, cost was $4 & the facilities are super nice. Great boat ramp, tons of parking & dock space. Rain messed me up a bit but the fishing was good, will def be back soon. #kayakfishing #statepark #lakekissimmee #polkcountyfl
vapestars
6 likes • 158 views

Bring Bug Spray

Florida bugs are no joke, especially in warmer months. :bug:

Stargazing Gem

The remote location offers incredible views of the night sky. :star2:

Lake Kissimmee State Park is full of real Florida sights and wildlife! Check out some of the animal tracks that we saw while hiking the Gobbler Trail. . . #lakekissimmeestatepark #lakekissimmee #lakewales #floridahikes #floridatrails
squatch_and_siren
22 likes • 297 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack Essentials First

No food or gas nearby! Bring everything you need for your stay. :shopping_bags:

Embrace the Quiet

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, but be aware airboats can sometimes disrupt the calm. 👂

Bring Bug Spray

Florida bugs are no joke, especially in warmer months. :bug:

Stargazing Gem

The remote location offers incredible views of the night sky. :star2:

Kayak Launch Ease

Easy launch with ample parking and dock space. Great for kayak fishing! 🛶

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Lake Kissimmee State Park for its abundant wildlife, peaceful atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities, making it a great escape into nature. Some note the remote location requires preparation, and occasional airboat noise can detract from the tranquility.

"First time there, actually was an alternative decision, several other sites were booked in a way you couldn't put 3 or 4 days together. But it turned out to be a great time, very quiet, employees and guests were very friendly. Saw lots of wildlife, various birds, gopher turtles, armadillos, and lots of deer. On the way checking out we were informed that we would be unable to return in late October as planned, big time remodel."

Tim Dahr

"Great place to visit in your way (or back) to Orlando from Miami.
The state park has a great environment, places to camp, to plug your RV and trails. We also saw many people phishing.
There are many restrooms along the park and plenty of parking spaces. We saw many wildlife. It was a great experience - recommend it if you like being outdoors."

Lorena Maciel

"I started bringing my kids here in 1984 or so as I used to live in the area. My most recent visit was in August 2025 when my wife and I rented one of the two air conditioned “Glamour Tents” on site. It comes with all you need to change clothes, sleep and even a covered front porch with a double seat rocking chair to sit out of the rain or sun. They are in nice shady hammock areas very close to large well lit clean restrooms. Be sure to say hi to Kim the current camp host as she does an excellent job of seeing that you have what you need. We bring our own food, camp cookstove, screened pop-up tent, folding table and chairs and set it up behind the sleeping tent. But we are regular rabid er, I mean avid campers and we have lots of home comforts we bring with us. If you have your own folding cart, bring it, as the one supplied is a nice gesture but small and flimsy and you have a fairly long walk to the parking area designated for the Glamour Tents parking to the tent itself. You can buy firewood and ice there. Also there is a small store nearby outside the park. But be aware this state park is a long way from everything. No restaurants or gas nearby. Great star viewing at night. Nice and quiet when there are no airboats around. Lots of dear, opossum and bird sightings. Nice hikes (in the cooler months) We brought a 16’ Jon boat and spent the day exploring the lakes and streams nearby as the breeze on the water made the heat index bearable. I’m a native Floridian, so heat and humidity, while oppressive as all get out, are manageable in an air conditioned tent in August for me. The park itself is one of the best in the system as far as their camping spots and hiking go. All are private, large and shady sites with paved roads and pads. We usually bring our own and tent camp in the cooler months or rent a state park cabin when they are available so this was a big treat for us. There is a fire pit but bring your own fire starting stuff. A very lovely romantic weekend getaway."

Rodney W

What People Like

Abundant wildlife sightings
Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
Well-maintained campsites

What People Dislike

Remote location
Occasional airboat noise

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lake Kissimmee State Park is located in Central Florida, a bit remote. It's best accessed by car. Ensure you have GPS or a map as cell service can be spotty. Stock up on gas and supplies before heading in, as amenities are scarce nearby. Reddit

Yes, Lake Kissimmee State Park is about an hour and a half to two hours drive southeast of Orlando, making it a good day trip or overnight destination if you're looking for a nature escape from the theme parks. Instagram

The park is best explored by car to reach different trailheads and the boat launch. Once at your destination, walking and hiking are ideal. Biking is also a great option on the paved roads and some trails. Instagram

Public transportation is not a viable option for reaching Lake Kissimmee State Park due to its remote location. A personal vehicle is essential for visiting. Reddit

Roads leading to the park are generally well-maintained. However, once inside, some areas might be unpaved. Drive cautiously, especially if you encounter wildlife on the road. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees are typically per vehicle, with a modest charge. For specific current pricing, it's best to check the official Florida State Parks website or call ahead. Instagram

The park is generally open from 8 AM to sunset daily. However, camping facilities have different access times. Always verify current hours before your visit. Instagram

Yes, booking camping sites in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, as spots can fill up quickly. You can usually book through the Florida State Parks reservation system. Reddit

Discounts may be available for Florida residents, seniors, or military personnel. Check the Florida State Parks website for any applicable discount programs. Instagram

No, the park gates are typically closed at sunset, and re-entry is not permitted after closing. Plan your visit accordingly to allow ample time for exploration. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can expect to see a variety of Florida wildlife, including deer, various bird species, gopher turtles, armadillos, and possibly even alligators in the waterways. InstagramReddit

Yes, the park offers several trails suitable for beginners, including the Gobbler Trail, which is relatively flat and offers good opportunities for wildlife spotting. Instagram

Families can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and camping. The 'Glamour Tents' offer a unique family camping experience. Reddit

Yes, fishing is permitted in Lake Kissimmee and its surrounding waters. A valid Florida fishing license is required. Kayak fishing is particularly popular here. Instagram

Absolutely! The park has designated picnic areas with tables, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst nature. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no restaurants located directly within Lake Kissimmee State Park. Visitors should plan to bring their own food and drinks. Reddit

The park is quite remote, so dining options are limited. It's best to purchase groceries and snacks in a larger town before heading to the park. Reddit

Yes, campsites are equipped for cooking. Campers can use fire pits (bring your own fire-starting materials) or their own portable cooking equipment. Reddit

There might be a small camp store on-site or nearby that sells basic necessities like ice and firewood, but it's not a full-service grocery. Reddit

For a day trip, packing a picnic lunch and snacks is the most convenient option. Enjoying a meal at one of the park's picnic areas is a great way to experience the outdoors. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The park offers numerous photo opportunities, from wildlife encounters and scenic trails to the tranquil lake views. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light. TikTokInstagram

Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens. Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Early morning and late evening are prime times for spotting animals. Instagram

A camera with a good zoom lens is highly recommended for wildlife photography. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always check park regulations. Instagram

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape photography in the park. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2
Lake Kissimmee State Park (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide