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Lake Kissimmee
Overview
Lake Kissimmee State Park offers a deep dive into Old Florida charm across more than 5,000 acres of preserved wilderness in Lake Wales. This destination is renowned for its 1870s living history cow camp, where visitors can step back in time to witness the life of early Florida pioneers. Unlike modern commercial resorts, this park focuses on preserving the natural ecosystems and historical heritage of the region, providing a tranquil environment for travelers who appreciate the outdoors.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the heart of Florida’s cattle country, the park is bordered by the shores of Lake Kissimmee, Lake Tiger, and Lake Rosalie. The landscape is a diverse mix of ancient oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, and expansive marshlands. Its remote feel in Lake Wales provides a dark-sky environment perfect for stargazing, yet it remains accessible for those traveling through Central Florida who want to escape the hustle of the busy metropolitan centers.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features 60 campsites equipped with water and electrical hookups, catering to most standard RV sizes. Each site is nestled among natural vegetation, offering a sense of privacy and shade. Travelers have access to several park features:
- Centrally located bathhouses with hot showers and laundry
- A convenient on-site dump station for RV sanitation
- An elevated observation tower providing panoramic lake views
- A playground and picnic pavilions for family gatherings
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do, from fishing for trophy largemouth bass to navigating over 13 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. The proximity to the Kissimmee River makes it a prime spot for boating and kayaking. On weekends, the living history demonstrations at the cow camp are a major draw. Nearby, the city of Lake Wales offers the famous Bok Tower Gardens, providing a cultural complement to the park's rugged natural beauty.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for wildlife photographers and bird watchers who want to see bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and white-tailed deer in their natural habitat. It is best suited for RVers who prefer a rustic, quiet atmosphere over a luxury resort experience. If you enjoy back-to-nature camping and historical immersion, this park offers a unique glimpse into Florida's past that is becoming increasingly rare in the Sunshine State.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Dr. Ty Flewelling
Lake Kissimmee Park is what "old Florida " used to look like. In the park we saw deer, wild turkey, Amarillo, and turkey vultures. They have great picnic arrangements, boat ramps and a dock general store (open on weekends) and plenty of camping for tents, 5th wheels, and RVs of any size.
Rodney W
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.
Tim Dahr
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.
Brian Lambert
Most of the time, we were the only ones in the campground. Rangers were very nice. I would not recommend large rigs here. We're towing a 45' RV and it was definitely tight.
Heidi Mitchell
The campground is peaceful, orderly, beautiful, spacious, and has the best shower houses. But what makes it top notch is the luminary greeting of the ranger at the gate who has that knack of professionalism tied off with the warmth of someone who truly welcomes you like a friend.