Nature & Outdoors

Vacation Rentals Near Lake Kissimmee State Park

About an hour's drive southeast of Lakeland rentals

About Lake Kissimmee State Park

Lake Kissimmee State Park, east of Lake Wales, protects a vast stretch of old Florida along the shores of Lakes Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie. The park has more than 20 miles of hiking trails winding through 12 natural communities, including the Buster Island Loop, plus paddling, fishing, camping, and abundant wildlife such as bald eagles, deer, and sandhill cranes. Its signature draw is an 1876-era cow camp where costumed interpreters bring frontier 'cracker' cattle history to life on weekends. After a day in the backcountry, a Lakeland vacation rental gives you a comfortable home base for the drive back from this remote Polk County park.

Highlights

Over 20 miles of hiking trails through 12 natural communities1876 living-history cow camp with costumed interpretersPaddling, fishing, and camping on Lake KissimmeeWildlife including bald eagles, deer, and sandhill cranes

Visitor Tips

→The cow camp is open weekends and holidays roughly October through early May, 9:30am to 4:30pm
→Bring water, sun protection, and bug spray; the trails are open and remote
→Arrive early on weekends for wildlife viewing and to beat the midday heat