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KICCO Wildlife Management Area

4.2
ยท96 reviewsยทRiver Ranch, United States

Explore KICCO WMA's diverse landscapes along the Kissimmee River, offering wildlife viewing, primitive camping, and fishing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings and late afternoons

Prime time for wildlife viewing

CrowdLow
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then in opens up

KICCO Wildlife Management Area

Best Time

Mornings and late afternoons

Prime time for wildlife viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore KICCO WMA's diverse landscapes along the Kissimmee River, offering wildlife viewing, primitive camping, and fishing.

4.2
(96 reviews)

"Great views in Kicco wildlife Management Area. Lots of Turkey, deer and Wild Boar here to hunt, they have primitive camping area back by Rattle Snake Hammock .and plenty of spots to fish."

Vertical photo
TIP

๐Ÿš— Vehicle Access Note

The main vehicle entrance is inside River Ranch Resort. Plan accordingly! ๐Ÿš—

๐Ÿฅพ Trail Walking Options

Access via the Florida Trail for a scenic hike into the WMA. :hiking_boot:

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.2 ยท 96 reviews

Type

Park

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kissimmee Riverfront

Kissimmee Riverfront

Eastern boundary

Enjoy scenic views and fishing opportunities along the expansive Kissimmee River.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Viewing

Throughout the WMA

Spot diverse wildlife including turkey, deer, wild boar, and the area's famous free-range cattle.

Primitive Camping

Primitive Camping

Rattle Snake Hammock

Experience a rustic camping adventure surrounded by nature, with basic amenities.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing KICCO Wildlife Management Area

KICCO WMA offers multiple access points: walk the Florida Trail, arrive by boat along the Kissimmee River, or drive in. Be aware that the main vehicle entrance is located within River Ranch Resort, which some visitors find inconvenient.Reddit

Camping and Wildlife Encounters

Primitive camping is available at Rattle Snake Hammock. Expect free-range cattle in camping areas and abundant wildlife like turkey, deer, and wild boar. Be prepared for potential military artillery noise if camping nearby.Reddit

Best Times

When
Mornings and late afternoons
Why
Prime time for wildlife viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Dry season (November-April)
Why
More comfortable for outdoor activities
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Found one of the coolest hidden gems in Florida ๐Ÿ‘‰ Westgate River Ranch. About an hour from Orlando! Save this spot for your next family weekend!@westgateresorts @Westgate River Ranch #westgateriverranch #riverranch #hiddengem #floridahiddengem #florida #hiddenflorida #floridafinds #glamping #floridagetaway #floridacamping #westgate
@gracefulmommy
39.3K likes โ€ข 979.2K views

๐Ÿš— Vehicle Access Note

The main vehicle entrance is inside River Ranch Resort. Plan accordingly! Reddit ๐Ÿš—

๐Ÿฅพ Trail Walking Options

Access via the Florida Trail for a scenic hike into the WMA. :hiking_boot:

๐ŸŽฃ Fishing Opportunities

Plenty of spots to cast a line along the Kissimmee River. :fishingpoleand_เฎตเฎค:

๐Ÿ„ Cattle Presence

Be aware of free-range cattle, even in camping areas. ๐Ÿ„

Tips

from all over the internet

๐Ÿš— Vehicle Access Note

The main vehicle entrance is inside River Ranch Resort. Plan accordingly! Reddit ๐Ÿš—

๐Ÿฅพ Trail Walking Options

Access via the Florida Trail for a scenic hike into the WMA. :hiking_boot:

๐ŸŽฃ Fishing Opportunities

Plenty of spots to cast a line along the Kissimmee River. :fishingpoleand_เฎตเฎค:

๐Ÿ„ Cattle Presence

Be aware of free-range cattle, even in camping areas. ๐Ÿ„

๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Pack It In, Pack It Out

Leave no trace; take all your trash with you. :wastebasket:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(96 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise KICCO WMA for its scenic Kissimmee River views and abundant wildlife, including deer, turkey, and free-range cattle. The primitive camping at Rattle Snake Hammock offers a rustic experience. However, some find the vehicle access through River Ranch Resort inconvenient, and noise from nearby military operations can be a concern for campers.

"Great views in Kicco wildlife Management Area.
It Borders River Ranch Resort to the north and River Ranch Hunt Club to the West.
And borders the Kissimmee River all down the east side. You can get here By Walking the Florida trail, by boat or By Vehicle, your choice,
Lots of Turkey, deer and Wild Boar here to hunt, they have primitive camping area back by Rattle Snake Hammock .and plenty of spots to fish."

Camouflage Ranch

"We love โค๏ธ kicco!! Especially the cows!"

Nicole Rafter

"This is not where it is shown on Google maps. It is actually accessed from inside River Ranch Resort, between the glamping teepees/Conestoga wagons and the rodeo grounds. Putting the entrance to public lands inside a private resort should be criminal. These lands belong to everyone."

Roger Golden

What People Like

Great river views
Abundant wildlife
Rustic camping

What People Dislike

Inconvenient access
Military noise

Frequently Asked Questions

๐Ÿš‡ ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Getting There

The primary vehicle access is located within River Ranch Resort, between the glamping teepees and the rodeo grounds. Be prepared for approximately 9 miles of dirt road once inside the WMA.Reddit

Yes, you can access KICCO WMA by walking the Florida Trail or by boat along the Kissimmee River.Reddit

The roads within the WMA are primarily dirt and can be rough. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rain.

The entrance is within River Ranch Resort. Search for 'River Ranch Resort' and then follow signs for KICCO WMA access.

No, there is no public transportation available. You will need your own vehicle or access via boat or trail.

๐ŸŽซ ๐ŸŽซ Tickets & Entry

Entry to KICCO WMA is generally free, but specific regulations may apply for hunting or camping. It's always best to check the official Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website for the latest rules.

Wildlife Management Areas are typically open year-round during daylight hours. However, specific access points or facilities might have different hours. Check with the FWC for details.

Generally, there is no entrance fee for recreational use of KICCO WMA. However, permits may be required for hunting or specific activities.

KICCO WMA offers primitive camping, which usually operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons.

Access may be restricted during hunting seasons or for specific management activities. Always consult the FWC regulations before your visit.

๐ŸŽซ ๐Ÿงญ Onsite Experience

You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including turkey, deer, wild boar, and free-range cattle. Birdwatching is also popular here.Reddit

While not extensively developed with marked trails, you can hike along the dirt roads and access points, including the Florida Trail. Be prepared for uneven terrain.

Rattle Snake Hammock offers primitive camping. This means basic sites with no amenities like restrooms or running water. You must be prepared to be self-sufficient.Reddit

It can be, especially for families who enjoy nature and outdoor activities. However, the primitive camping and potential for wildlife encounters require supervision and preparedness.

Bring plenty of water, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy footwear. Binoculars are great for wildlife viewing.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ ๐ŸŽฃ Food & Dining

No, KICCO WMA is a natural area and does not have any food services. You must bring all your own food and drinks.

The nearest dining options would be located at River Ranch Resort or in nearby towns like Lake Wales or Frostproof.

Yes, you can cook at the primitive campsites using portable camping stoves or by building a contained campfire where permitted. Always follow fire safety guidelines.

Opt for non-perishable, easy-to-prepare meals. Think canned goods, trail mix, sandwiches, and items that don't require refrigeration if you're not bringing a cooler.

While there are no designated picnic areas with tables, you can find suitable spots to set up a picnic blanket or portable table throughout the WMA.

๐Ÿ“ธ ๐Ÿ“ธ Photography

The Kissimmee Riverfront offers beautiful landscapes. Wildlife photography is excellent, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are most active. The open fields and shaded hammocks provide diverse backdrops.

Many visitors enjoy photographing the abundant deer, wild boar, and various bird species. The free-range cattle also make for unique photographic subjects.Reddit

Early morning and late afternoon provide the best natural light, often referred to as the 'golden hour,' which enhances landscape and wildlife shots.

For general recreational photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan on commercial photography or videography, you may need to contact the FWC.

The dirt roads can be dusty, so protect your camera gear. Wildlife can be elusive, so patience and a good zoom lens are beneficial.

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