LAKE KISSIMMEE STATE PARK

By  Mike Miller September 14, 2025

Lake Kissimmee State Park covers 5,930 acres near Lake Wales, Florida. It sits on the shores of Lakes Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie.

The park has prairies, forests, and wetlands. Visitors can hike, bike, paddle, fish, or camp. Living history at an 1876 cow camp shows Florida's ranching past.

Wildlife includes deer, eagles, cranes, scrub jays and bobcats.

Paddling at Lake Kissimmee State Park

Native Americans, including the Seminole, used the area for fishing and travel centuries ago.

Spanish explorers brought cattle in the 1500s, starting Florida's ranching industry before Texas.

In the 1800s, cow hunters managed herds on open prairies. Jacob Summerlin, known as the Cracker King, drove cattle from Kissimmee to Cuba for gold.

The Zipprer family ranched the land until 1970. The state acquired it then and opened the park in 1977.

A canal built in 1947 connects Lake Rosalie to Lake Kissimmee for boating. 

Lake Kissimmee State Park is at 14248 Camp Mack Road, Lake Wales, FL 33898, 15 miles east of town off State Road 60.

From U.S. 27, take SR 60 east for nine miles, then turn left and follow signs five miles north.

The park is open daily from 8 AM to sunset. The family campground temporarily closed September 7, 2025, for renovation.

This includes campground restrooms and roads; call (863) 696-1112 for updates.

The cow camp runs Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM, October 1 to May 1. Rent canoes or kayaks at the marina store, open November to April; call (407) 624-5640.

Trails total 13 miles for hiking and biking, plus six miles for horses. Pets are allowed on leashes.  

• Florida's cattle industry predates Texas, with herds from Spanish explorers in the 1500s.  

• The park has 12 natural communities, home to over 30 listed plant and animal species.  

• The 10-mile Buster Island Paddling Trail circles an island with alligators and birds.  

• An observation tower offers views of Lake Kissimmee and distant prairies.  

• Cracker cattle at the cow camp descend from 16th-century Spanish stock. 

LAKE KISSIMMEE STATE PARK WEBSITE