Paynes Prairie looking over Prarie

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Herds of wild horses and bison, thousands of birds and a fisherman's paradise

Campground Availability

We are happy to announce that the campground upgrades are nearing completion, and anticipate will be fully opened before Thanksgiving. Starting Friday October 5, 2018, select campsites will be available for walk-in occupancy for a maximum of two nights only. Reservations are open for select sites for dates after November 1, 2018.

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

Horses and bison roam the prairie, not just out west, but in surprisingly diverse Payne’s Prairie 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
Learn

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.
Jr. Ranger
Program

Jr. Ranger PROGRAM

The Florida State Parks' Junior Ranger Program provides the opportunity for young people to learn, serve and share Florida's natural and cultural resources.
Every Stamp is a story
Initiative

Every Stamp Is A Story

We invite you to visit any one of our amazing state parks, and to save your adventures with the Special Edition Real Florida Passport. This travel-sized journal is the perfect place to collect your memories and discover new places to explore! Each Florida State Park has a unique stamp and story.

Experiences

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

Amenities

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

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
Park Manager with visitors
Visitors Bicycling on Trail

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

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Information
Observation Tower
Great Herons walking through park
Boardwalk view of marsh
Visitors Center
Field of open prairie
Park staff interacting with visitors
Turtle on water bank sunning
Rivers and Lakes
Learn

Rivers & Lakes

Florida is truly a place where land and water interweaves to form a diverse and dynamic natural fabric. Numerous rivers course through the landscape, and lakes of varying sizes can be found in all regions.
Florida Panther
Learn

Wild Places

Florida’s wild places are time machines to a Florida before development. Scattered throughout the state, they represent the original Florida, places of discovery and where you can reconnect with yourself.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

Family Birding With Alachua Audubon

Saturday, November 3, 2018 9:00 am EDT
Event

Family Birding With Alachua Audubon

Saturday, December 1, 2018 9:00 am EST
Event

Family Birding With Alachua Audubon

Saturday, January 5, 2019 9:00 am EST

People Make the Parks

Park Staff

Join the Team

Join the Florida State Parks’ team where we help visitors and residents experience the wonder of Florida’s best loved places.
Volunteer

Volunteer with us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida.
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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