Tent Camping at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve in Florida

When it comes to vacationing in Florida, it's the beaches that tend to grab most of the headlines. But for campers in search of a true wilderness experience, south-central Florida is about as wild as it gets. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park protects 54,000 acres of untouched dry prairie -- one of the largest stretches of this rare habitat in the state -- and harbors endangered species such as the burrowing owl and Florida grasshopper sparrow.

  1. Modern Tent Camping

    • In the heart of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve lies the Kilpatrick Hammock Campground, a place that provides a few modern conveniences despite its wild surroundings. The campground includes about 35 campsites that range from open and spacious to shady and secluded. Electric and water hookups are provided for RV campers, but the sites are also open to tents. Each site includes a campfire ring, picnic table and access to modern restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. One loop of campsites is open to equestrian campers, and these sites come with horse paddocks and access to a vast network of riding trails.

    Primitive Tent Camping

    • If you prefer to get far away from crowds, RVs and modern conveniences, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve is also home to three primitive back-country campsites. Open to tents only and located along a hiking trail 2.5 miles from the park office, these campsites can only be reached on foot or bicycle. The only amenities are picnic tables, campfire rings and a shared vault toilet. Campers are responsible for carrying in all necessary supplies, including food and water, and leaving no trace of their presence when they leave.

    Lots To See and Do

    • Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park offers virtually unlimited opportunities to explore the wilderness, including 116 miles of multi-use trails and back roads for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The landscape is mostly flat, and could easily be mistaken for the plains of the Midwest if not for the occasional patch of wetlands and cabbage palms. Visitors can spot a wide variety of wildlife, and the park is far enough from city lights to provide some of Florida's best stargazing opportunities. The park borders the Kissimmee River, which is open to canoeing kayaking and fishing.

    Know Before You Go

    • Camping at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is available year-round. You can reserve a modern or primitive site by phone or online through Reserve America. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Summers at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve are very hot and humid. The cooler months of the year are arguably the best time to visit the preserve, although winter also tends to be very dry. The park entrance is on a rural back road known as the Peavine Trail, about 15 miles west of Highway 441.