Region:
Central
LAKE KISSIMMEE STATE PARKS
Lake Wales, FL
Contact Information
14248 Camp Mack Road
Lake Wales, Florida 33853
Phone: 863-696-1112
Description
The land that is now Lake Kissimmee State
Park was once used by Native Americans because of
the abundance of fish and game in the area, making
it an ideal place to live for thousands of years.
The park is named for Lake Kissimmee, the third
largest lake in the state. The 5,930 acres of Lake
Kissimmee State Park are teeming with plant and
animal life. The park offers outstanding fishing,
bird watching, picnicking, camping, boating and
hiking on 13 miles of beautiful trails. For nature
lovers and photographers few parks offer the variety
of plant and animal life that Lake Kissimmee State
Park has to offer.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown
365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Lake Kissimmee State Park is located off S.R. 60,
15 miles east of Lake Wales.
From US1 turn east onto State Road 312. Left onto
A1A, 1.5 miles north to park entrance.
ACTIVITIES
Full
Facility Camping
Sixty campsites are available with electric and
water hookups. No sewage hookups are provided although
a dump station is located nearby. The oak hammock
in which the camping area is located makes this
one of the most beautiful camping areas in the state.
Primitive Camping
For those who prefer primitive camping, there are
two campsites located on the 13 miles of hiking
trails within the park. Everything must be backpacked
in including water. There are no facilities available
at either of these campsites.
Youth Camping
A youth camping area is also available which can
accommodate up to 50 youth and chaperones. Facilities
available at the youth area include cold water showers.
Kayaking
Several different tours are available, depending
on water levels and weather. Bring your own boat,
as there are no rentals in the park. Please call
for times and dates, (863) 696-1112.
Nature Trails
The park offers 13 miles of hiking trails which
showcase white-tailed deer, bobcat, bald eagles,
sandhill cranes, turkeys, and other bird life. There
are two backcountry campsites along the trails available
for those who wish to spend the night under the
stars.
Picnicking
There are numerous picnic tables and four pavilions
available. At the edge of the picnic area is a 40
foot tall observation tower where you will be able
to view the upper part of Lake Kissimmee. For further
information on the availability and prices of renting
the pavilions please call the park office.
Boating
Boating activities include wildlife viewing, sight
seeing, bass fishing, and pan fishing on some of
Florida’s most pristine waterways. The park
has an on site boat ramp and marina.
Canoeing
Canoes and kayaks may be launched from our marina.
You can follow the canal out to Tiger Cove on Lake
Kissimmee. Windy conditions do make canoeing on
the lake difficult at times. For the experienced
canoeist or kayaker, one may make up to a six to
seven hour loop from the park up Zipprer Canal to
Lake Rosalie, down Rosalie Creek to Tiger Lake,
and down Tiger Creek back to the park at the marina.
Call for water level conditions as low water may
make this loop difficult.
Fishing
Located on the shores of Lakes Kissimmee, Rosalie
and Tiger, the park offers some of the best fishing
opportunities in the state. A variety of fish that
can be caught include the largemouth bass, crappie,
catfish, chain pickerel and bluegill. Freshwater
fishing in Florida requires a license for those
who are 15 years or older. You do not have to have
a license to fish with a cane pole as long as you
are fishing in the county of your residence.
