Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park — Attraction in Sebring

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS PLACE! My husband and I stayed on Astro Pad D for 2 nights, I wanted to stay forever lol. We arrived earlier then our check in time and visited the main office that is conveniently located near all sites. The main office has clean bathrooms, they have a cool little display inside and plenty of information. I had a pleasant time reading and seeing the pictures. The lady at the front desk was really informative and kind. We learned about the trails and was advised of the areas full of water. She told us the BBQ pits are available, located under some nice, shaded trees near the office and had a couple of picnic tables. We learned they sold ice, rented bikes, and provided buggy tours (sold out already since they only do a number of tours a day and seat 8 people on each). We were surprised to learn the Astro Pad was really close to the office and they provided water and electricity on both sides of the pad, the only down fall was some pads provided picnic tables and some didn't (ours didn't but Astro Pad E and C did). Once we set up, we decided to ride our bikes and explore a little. On our bike ride we saw deer, variety of birds, wild turkey, squirls, and gator. As the sun was going down, we decided to take a shower since it was getting cold (be mindful we went the second week of February, and it was COLD) We rode our bikes to the furthest showers and couldn't believe we could both fit into the bathroom with our bikes. I loved that since I don't like to be alone in unknown places. The sunset was my ALL-TIME FAVORITE thing about this trip! ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! Once the sun went down, we soon came to realize we came to the wrong site and the wrong time. lol We planned this trip because I have never seen the Milky Way and I read this was the place to go, but I forgot to do my research and learn about the best time to go. Oh well we live, and we learn. With that being said I came to learn that the best time is during a NEW MOON and COLD WEATHER other factors come into play, but we went close to a FULL MOON and didn't get to see many stars but man that moon was beautiful. Once we had our share of sky viewing, we decided to go in our tent and warm up under the sheets. The one thing I wasn't prepared for was how close the pads are to one another, and you could hear EVERYTHING! lol It was a first for me sleeping so close to absolute strangers, but I can tell you everyone was really respectful and mindful of one another and that was nice. Through the day you will see hikers go through the trail right next to the Astro Pad and never return, I always wonder how they got through all the water we ran into while bike riding. The most beautiful sound was hearing the prairie whisper as the wind passed through them. Once our two days were up, we decided to explore the campsites and found near campsite 1 was the best showers, sink for dishes, laundry, and even some books. We loved that so much that when we got home, we booked #1 in June near a NEW MOON. We are so excited to return. Next visit we will bring charcoal for BBQ, lawn chairs for sky viewing, and our binoculars. Campsite #1 allows a fire, but the Astro Pads do not. This time around we will come with...

Our trip to KPPSP spanned three days, and we barely scratched the surface of getting to experience everything this incredible park has to offer. We reserved an astronomy pad one night and then went on hikes the next couple of days. While there are camping & glamping options within the park, our group had folks who either needed or preferred access to their own/private restrooms. So, after lots of research, I found that Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is the closest accommodation to the park—still over an hour away! That really speaks to the park’s footprint and the authenticity of its dark sky designation.

Seeing the full moon through some astronomy binoculars at the park was breathtaking. I’m even more excited to come back during a new moon next time. The astronomy pads are a great way to go stargazing and have the option of camping on-site, as long as you’re ok without doing a campfire and only using red lights. And during the full moon, you barely even need the red lights anyway! I booked the astronomy pad site back in May for a December trip and had my pick of all the sites.

The time spent on the trails was also some of the most amazing hiking I’ve done in Florida (admittedly not having yet had the pleasure of visiting many treasured parks in North Florida yet). We hiked the Prairie Loop Trail, about 5 miles, which goes through the dry and wet prairie as well as some oak hammock habitats. It’s the only place I’m familiar with where you have essentially a 360-degree view of the horizon. Even during mid December which isn’t the best wildflower viewing time of year, there were plenty of cool plants and animals to see. At just about any point, you’re likely to see some of the most beautiful rainbows that stretch across the sky. We didn’t come across many other hikers, and with the trail so nicely maintained, it’s hard to describe the feeling of having all of that open prairie trail to yourself. Five miles is a lot for me, but after finishing the trail I had all this FOMO left for the rest of the trails and sights I wouldn’t get a chance to see on this trip.

It’s such a gift to be able to see the wide, expansive views of the horizon in all directions—something that exists almost nowhere else in the state. In addition to the statue of the extinct Carolina parakeet, these breathtaking views are a relic of old Florida that has since been lost to development. Especially given the remote location, we are so fortunate to have the incredible park rangers/staff and volunteers that put a huge effort into maintaining the well-being of this incredible, imperiled ecosystem. I stopped by the ranger station to say hi and got to meet a park biologist and volunteer who taught me more about the park and the difference between dry and wet prairie. I can’t wait til the next time I get a...

I spent several days here camping and hiking. I give this park a very respectable 3 and only because it was not entirely a wasted trip.

Is it beautiful? Sure.... as much as any other florida wildlife place but you do not have to drive to middle of nowhere to see exactly the same thing.

One of the biggest issues with this place is just how horrendously long it takes to actually get there. From 441 it takes 22 miles. From 98 it is 16 miles to get to the campground... on very sketchy backwoods sort of road with all sort of "weirdos" living there giving you the stinkeye, garbage all along the poorly maintained asphalt road to entrance of park and then miles and miles of nothing but gravel road to get to the actual campground. Heaven forbid you are driving behind someone. In addition to being rattled by poorly graded road, you also have to swallow dust for half an hour. Yes you heard me right. It takes a good hour to get from 441 or 98 to get to the campground. Mind you that there is an actual road and an actual gate off hwy 60 but because it is closed to public, you have to drive 50 mile circle one way or 100 mile circle the other way to get there.

Campground itself is nice, very quiet, shaded and gives you a feel like you are in the middle of nowhere.... but the wind.... nonstop all he time slapping you from all directions. The dust blow outs are rather expected out in the open.

Hiking. Other than 1 trail off the campground (which is nice)... anything else is in open following a fire road in any direction for miles and miles and miles of ditch on either side that gets old really quick and flat as far as eyes could see. Many places (well let's be honest all of them) you have to cross 1-2 ft deep running river slough things with luscious vegetation on either side. It is very unfortunate that all the good things worth seeing are 7 mile hike each way just to see the good stuff. I actually tried biking road due west and wow what a difference it made. It was worth it and spectacular but most certainly, absent my bicycle, entire trip would have been sort of "meh".

Summer time expect extreme heat... like in triple digits. When I was there it was 106 and my rv air conditioning was running non stop while in shade running condensation like niagra falls.

Once there, there is really nothing to do other than hike. You can't drive anywhere because there is nothing there. To get to town to resupply it will take you about 1.5 hours. Gas station is what you call a "don't even bother with" sort of thing so be sure to get there with a full tank of gas. Considering how long it takes to get there... consider staying...