Additional Information for Lake Kissimmee State Park
Wildlife
From floodplain forest to prairie hammock there is a variety of seldom seen plants. The park's botanical bounty includes delicate mosses, butterfly orchids, sawgrass, cutthroat grass, fetterbush and gallberry. Expansive, colorful fields of lotus and pickerelweed stretch towards the sun.
Scrubby flatwoods are host to the Florida scrub jay, scrub oak and longleaf pine. In fact Lake Kissimmee State Park hosts over two hundred species of birds making it one of the best birding areas in central Florida. Some of the more notable species are the bald eagle, snail kite and whooping crane which can be seen on occasion.
Pine flatwoods are a good place to see bobcat, grey fox and wild turkey. Of course white-tailed deer, sandhill cranes, fox squirrel and otter may be seen here as well.
Lake Kissimmee State Park boasts of 50 species of plants and animals that are either threatened, of special concern or endangered that live within the park's boundaries.
Lake Kissimmee State Park is home to an 1876 cow camp. South central Florida was the heart of Florida's frontier cattle country and the life of early Florida cow hunters is interpreted at the parks living history demonstration. Walk down the dirt path and enter the year 1876 where you will find a cow hunter who is more than willing to talk about his life and times. Sample some of the camp coffee and view the herd of Florida scrub cattle, which were originally brought over by the Spanish in the early 1500's.
The operating hours of the cow camp are weekends and major holidays from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Pets
Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property.
Please see our General Parks Pet Policy for more information.
