Experiences & Amenities

Want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Are you interested in a more rugged and adventurous camping experience? Visit Catfish Creek and reserve a primitive campsite for your wilderness getaway. 

We offer two primitive campsites.

• Site 1 is 1.7 miles from the parking lot located on one of the many picturesque ponds in the preserve. To reach Site 1, take the white blazed trail to the blue blazed trail to 22-21, then follow short trail.
• Site 2 is 3.5 miles from the parking lot and is located along the bank of Catfish Creek. To reach Site 2, take the white blazed trail heading south (staying on white blazed trail) to 25-26 to 27 (old gate), then continue south on unmarked trail 0.7 miles to the site.
• Both primitive campsites include a picnic table and fire ring.

• The two primitive campsites are available by reservation only. Call 863-696-1112 for reservations or information.
• Payment and reservations: There is a $5 per person per night fee to camp. Cash or check paid in person at Lake Kissimmee State Park or regular mail. Information needed: name, telephone number, address (to send camp slip), email and the number of people.

What to know before your primitive getaway:

• Make sure to bring all the essentials you need for the night including food, water, insect repellent, compass and personal items.
• Campers should park in the parking lot and place their camp slip in the vehicle window (or hang the tag) from the rear-view mirror.
• There are no facilities in the preserve other than the clivus toilet at the parking lot. 
• Maps are available in the mailbox just down the trail from the parking lot. 
• Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
• Hammock camping is allowed in this camping area.
• Everything is packed in and must be packed out upon your departure. We follow Leave No Trace principles at Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park.

Catfish Creek offers fishing from ponds within the park. There is an approximately 1-mile hike from the parking lot. All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

Geocaching is an outdoor game using hand-held global positioning systems (GPS) devices. It's effectively an inexpensive, interactive, high-tech treasure hunt that's a great way to learn geography. Participants use location coordinates to find caches. Some caches are easy to find; others are more difficult. The biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place where you have never been. Geocaching should have minimal impact to the environment and conscientious land-use ethics should be followed.

• Operation Recreation GeoTour 

Catfish Creek offers 6 miles of trails through and around the scrub, flatwoods and ponds. These trails are part of the Florida National Scenic Trail and are maintained by Florida Trail Association volunteers.

A small first-come, first-served picnic area is located near the parking lot.

Hikers can observe many plants and animals found in the rare Lake Wales Ridge habitat.