Paynes Prairie looking over Prarie

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Florida’s first state preserve - biologically, historically and geologically unique

Campground Availability

The improved campground is now open; however, the tent-only sites are currently under renovation. Please call the ranger station for additional information at 352-466-3397.

Partial Trail Closures

La Chua Trail, Bolen Bluff Trail and Cones Dike Trail are partially closed due to high water levels.  The La Chua Trail is open from the parking area to the end of the boardwalk. 

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$6 per vehicle

See all Fees

Location

100 Savannah Blvd.
Micanopy FL 32667

Get directions

Contact Info

352-466-3397

Welcome to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Not just found out west, herds of wild horses and bison roam the prairie in this surprisingly diverse preserve south of Gainesville.

Paynes Prairie is unique in many ways. Nowhere else in Florida can visitors experience wild-roaming bison and horses. Nearly 300 species of birds also frequent the park along with alligators, deer and many other animals.

The park’s eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allows one to explore the park’s interior and observe wildlife, while a 50-foot high observation tower provides for panoramic views.

Fishing and canoeing on Lake Wauberg is popular along with a shaded campground. During a visit to Paynes Prairie, one can easily understand why Seminole Indians once occupied a village along this vast savannah.

Plan Your Visit

Donald Forgione, Park Manager
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Manager's Message

Thank you for your interest in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Our park rangers and volunteers are looking forward to your visit. Whether you are visiting for the day or plan on camping with us for a week, Paynes Prairie has much to offer.
Image of the back of the Paynes Prairie visitor center and porch/observation deck.
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Paynes Prairie Visitor Center

Begin your journey at Paynes Prairie by exploring the newly renovated Visitor Center. With hands on exhibits and sweeping views of the dynamic landscape, you can learn about the preserve’s rich history and diverse natural resources.
Image of boardwalk trail at paynes prairie preserve state park.
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Hiking Trails and Recreation

With nearly 23,000 acres and over 30 miles of trails, there’s plenty to explore at Paynes Prairie. Eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allow one to experience a diversity of habitats and to observe wildlife in plenty.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Camping
Camping
Camping Equestrian
Camping Equestrian
Camping Primitive
Camping Primitive
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Campfire Circles
Campfire Circles
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station
Visitor Center
Visitor Center

Wild Horses

More than 20 distinct biological communities provide a rich array of habitats for wildlife and livestock, including alligators, bison, horses and nearly 300 species of birds. 

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Information
Visitors Bicycling on Trail

Eight trails provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling, including the 16 mile long, paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. 

Close
Information
image of the paynes prairie observation tower surrounded by the hammock.
image of a red-tinted moon rising over paynes prairie.
Visitors Center
image of a black, yellow, and gray bird perching sideways on a thin thorny vine.
Field of open prairie
Turtle on water bank sunning
Aerial image of paynes prairie watershed
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Geology of Paynes Prairie

For most of geologic history the landmass that is Florida was beneath a great ocean. Over millions of years, what was left of ancient marine mammals and plants died and sank to the sea floor, eventually forming the limestone bedrock that is the base of the state today.
image of a bald eagle catching a fish over water at paynes prairie preserve state park.
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Wild Places of Paynes Prairie

Paynes Prairie holds the distinguished title of being the first state preserve in Florida, set aside and protected in 1970. A significant diversity of flora and fauna is found here, including over 300 species of birds and an impressive population of American alligators.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

Ranger Chat On La Chua Trail

Sat, Mar 23, 2019 9:00 am - 10:00 am EDT

Experience the wildlife and open vistas of Paynes Prairie - water, wildlife and wide open views - this trail has it all.
Paynes Prairie

Gainesville, FL

Event

Living History Program: William Bartram

Sun, Mar 24, 2019 11:00 am - 3:00 pm EDT

Meet William Bartram in 1774, while he visits Paynes Prairie, and talk about his life and work as the first born American naturalist. This is a living history program, provided by a park volunteer, who will remain 'in character' throughout the duration of the program.
Paynes Prairie

Micanopy, FL

Event

Ranger Chat On La Chua Trail

Sat, Mar 30, 2019 9:00 am - 10:00 am EDT

Experience the wildlife and open vistas of Paynes Prairie - water, wildlife and wide open views - this trail has it all.
Paynes Prairie

Gainesville, FL

People Make the Parks

Image of Ashley Crawford, park ranger at Paynes Prairie preserve state park with the extensive prairie in the background.

Staff Spotlight

Ashley Crawford knows that the park is a truly special place and that it was where she wanted to work, not only because of the significance of the park itself but because of the importance of the Florida Park Service.
Image of volunteer Fairlie Bagley on the back porch of paynes prairie visitor center.

Volunteer Spotlight

Fairlie Bagley has lived in Florida her entire life, and her love for the state, the parks and especially the plants show in the passion and commitment she brings to her volunteerism with Florida State Parks.
Friends of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Friends of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Friends Groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Great Florida Birding Trail
Trail of Florida's Indian Heritage

Park Map

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