Camping at Lake Kissimmee State Park is closed. Florida State Parks' own listing states the closure took effect Feb. 17, 2026, for a renovation project covering campground restrooms and roads, and no reopening date has been announced as of today. The park itself remains open for day use — hiking, boating and fishing, including the boat ramp — but the camp store and kayak rentals at the marina are closed along with all camping. Call the park at 863-696-1112 before you plan a trip here.

Quick Answer

Closed — no reopening date announced. This listing covers a small 6-site primitive camping area within the park; only 2 of the 6 sites have a fire ring and 2 have a picnic table. The lake bank is 0.8 miles from the campground; the nearest launch, the park's Accessible Kayak Dock, is 0.4 miles away. No trailer information is published for this area. Once the park reopens, book at reserve.floridastateparks.org. Until then, see the open alternatives below.

What Kind of Camping This Is

Based on the amenity pattern — only 6 sites total, with fire rings and picnic tables at just 2 of them each, and no published trailer or RV information — this reads as one of the park's primitive or backcountry camping areas rather than the main 60-site family campground. Florida State Parks' own materials describe a separate primitive camping facility and equestrian camping at Lake Kissimmee, in addition to the larger family campground; this listing most likely corresponds to one of those, though the specific name isn't confirmed in available sources. Either way, don't expect hookups, showers, or vehicle-friendly pads here even when it reopens — this is a tent-and-pack-in setup.

Sites and Facilities (Normal Operation)

Six sites make up this campground. Two have a fire ring; two have a picnic table — not necessarily the same two, based on how the data is reported. No power or water hookups are listed for any site, and there's no published information on whether trailers or RVs can use this area, which is typical for a primitive or backcountry site in the Florida park system. Treat this as a pack-in, pack-out setup: bring your own water.

Location

The park address is 14248 Camp Mack Road, Lake Wales, FL 33898, about 15 miles east of Lake Wales off State Road 60. The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year, for day use, and charges a $5 per-vehicle entrance fee regardless of the camping closure.

Water Access (Normal Operation)

The lake bank is 0.8 miles from this campground; the park's Accessible Kayak Dock, the nearest launch, is 0.4 miles away. The park's main boat ramp and marina give direct access to Lake Kissimmee itself, with paddling routes into Tiger Lake and Lake Rosalie as well. Cell service and internet inside the park are limited to unavailable, so don't count on a signal to check conditions once you're there.

Fishing Here, Even With Camping Closed

Lake Kissimmee is one of the better-known bass lakes in this part of Florida, and the park's own materials list largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, chain pickerel and bluegill as what you'll find. Since day-use boating and fishing are still allowed during the camping closure, you can still fish the lake from the park's ramp — you just can't sleep here overnight. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required; non-resident options run $17 for 3 days, $30 for 7 days, or $47 annual.

Open Alternatives Within 30 Miles

Lake Rosalie Park (Polk County) — Sits directly on Lake Rosalie, the same lake chain as Lake Kissimmee, and is close enough to share the 33898 Lake Wales zip code with the state park. Water and electric hookups, showers, restrooms, dump station, and its own boat ramp. First-come, first-served — no reservations, but call ahead to check availability. About $20/night with electric, $15 without.

Lake Arbuckle Park (Polk County) — About 25 miles south in Frostproof. 38 campsites with water and electric hookups, plus a primitive tent area, right on Lake Arbuckle. On-site boat ramp (6 a.m.–10 p.m.), strong bass fishing, free ramp use. Reservations by phone at 863-534-6911.

Walk In the Water Campground (Lake Wales Ridge State Forest) — About 13–14 miles away, off Walk-In-The-Water Road south of Lake Wales. Eight primitive tent/RV sites with picnic table and fire ring, no water or electric. Fishing is available nearby, though it's not a dedicated lake-access campground the way Lake Rosalie or Lake Arbuckle are. Reservations required through ReserveAmerica.

Rules and Fees (Normal Operation)

Rules and fees can change, so campers should verify current regulations with the park before traveling — especially with camping suspended, since the numbers below reflect normal operation and not what applies during the closure. Under normal operation, Florida State Parks camping fees, quiet hours and reservation windows follow the same statewide structure used across the system; call the park directly for anything specific to this primitive area.

Wildlife and Safety

This is prime alligator habitat — Lake Kissimmee and its connected canals and marshes hold a healthy population, and the park's own trail and fishing materials treat gator awareness as standard. Don't wade or let pets near the bank unsupervised. Watch for cottonmouths in the marsh edges and canal banks. Summer brings heat and afternoon lightning; get off the water before storms build. Cell service is limited throughout the park, so let someone know your plans before you head out, especially if you're fishing solo from a boat.

Sources

  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection — Florida State Park Camping Sites (site-level data)
  • Florida State Parks — Lake Kissimmee State Park (status, hours, fees, address)
  • Florida State Parks — Lake Kissimmee State Park, Experiences & Amenities (fishing, boat ramp, camping types, cell service note)
  • Polk County Parks and Recreation — Lake Rosalie Park
  • Polk County Parks and Recreation — Lake Arbuckle Park
  • Florida State Forests / ReserveAmerica — Walk In the Water Campground, Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
  • FWC — Freshwater Recreational Licenses & Permits