Lake Kissimmee State Park – A Quiet RV Hideaway for Nature Lovers in Central Florida

Sometimes, the best RV camping spots aren’t the ones packed with amenities—they’re the places where you can truly disconnect. Lake Kissimmee State Park is one of those places. Tucked deep into the Florida wilderness, this state park is a dream destination for hikers, anglers, bird watchers, and anyone who loves a quiet, back-to-nature RV experience. It’s not a luxury RV resort—but that’s exactly what makes it so special.

Getting There – A Journey Into Seclusion

Lake Kissimmee State Park is located off State Road 60, about 15 miles east of Lake Wales, Florida. Don’t let the proximity fool you—once you turn off the main road, it takes another 20 to 25 minutes of slow driving through scenic ranch lands and wooded areas to reach the campground. From the park to the nearest grocery store or restaurant, expect a 45–60 minute round trip. This is truly a park where you come prepared and stay put.

RV Campsites and Park Amenities

The RV campground is rustic but well maintained. There are 60 campsites in total, and while they accommodate RVs, they do not offer sewer hookups. Sites include 30/50-amp electric and water. There is a dump station on-site, so you can empty tanks during your stay. Most campsites are shaded by tall trees, offering a beautiful setting but also causing occasional issues for those using satellite-based internet like Starlink. Some campers were able to find clearings between the tree canopy to get service, but it’s hit or miss depending on your exact spot.

The bathhouse facilities were clean and modern, with individual shower stalls, flush toilets, and hot water. It’s a nice plus for anyone camping without full hookups or for tent campers in the park. Fire rings and picnic tables are provided at each site, and the camping loop has good spacing between lots, creating a private and peaceful environment.

Cost: RV sites at Lake Kissimmee State Park are typically $20–$30 per night, plus a $7 daily utility fee and applicable taxes. Reservations can be made through the Florida State Parks system at reserve.floridastateparks.org.

Fishing, Boating & Trails

Lake Kissimmee is a fishing paradise. The park provides access to Lake Kissimmee, Lake Rosalie, and Tiger Lake via canals and trails. There is a boat ramp within the park, although I found it to be a little small and steep—probably best suited for smaller fishing boats, kayaks, or canoes. It’s a short walk from the RV campground to the marina area, which also features a small dock and viewing platform.

The hiking and biking options here are incredible. With over 13 miles of trails, including the 6-mile Buster Island Loop, the park offers quiet paths through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and scenic prairie land. It’s an excellent place for birding, with opportunities to spot bald eagles, sandhill cranes, wild turkeys, and deer. One of the highlights for me was watching the sunrise over the prairie—a moment of stillness you just can’t get in busy parks or urban campgrounds.

Surrounding Attractions & Local Food

Because of its remote location, there’s not a lot of civilization nearby—which is part of the appeal. But just outside the park entrance is Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, which has a food truck that serves campers and boaters. We stopped there and had a fantastic shrimp po’boy—crispy, flavorful, and the perfect cap to a day outdoors. It’s currently the closest (and fastest) food option you’ll find without driving into Lake Wales.

Other nearby attractions you might want to explore during your stay:

Bok Tower Gardens – A beautiful and historic garden sanctuary located about 45 minutes west of the park.
Kissimmee River – A pristine and lightly developed waterway for boating and fishing.
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest – Offers additional trails and nature watching within a 1-hour drive.
Westgate River Ranch – A western-themed resort with horseback riding, rodeos, and more, just down the road.

Personal Experience & Starlink Observations

We visited Lake Kissimmee State Park in early spring and had a peaceful, restorative stay. The site we stayed in was shaded and quiet. While we had limited cell reception (AT&T worked better than Verizon), our Starlink setup struggled under the dense tree canopy. After some repositioning, we were able to get a workable signal, but I wouldn’t count on perfect internet here if connectivity is essential to your trip.

Despite the lack of Wi-Fi and big-city conveniences, we didn’t miss them. We spent our days fishing, grilling, hiking, and simply enjoying the serenity that comes with being off-grid. Nights were dark and quiet, with clear views of the stars and the distant calls of owls and coyotes in the background.

Final Thoughts

Lake Kissimmee State Park is not for RVers looking for paved pads, cable hookups, or a clubhouse. But for those craving peace, privacy, and proximity to some of Florida’s best natural beauty, it’s a must-visit. Whether you’re casting a line into a secluded lake, taking a sunrise walk through native prairie, or just reading a book by the fire, this park invites you to slow down and reconnect with what matters most.

Would I come back? Absolutely. Just be sure to bring what you need, prep for limited signal, and plan for quiet—and you’ll leave recharged in all the best ways.

Plan Your Visit: Lake Kissimmee State Park Official Website