This Park is Florida’s Version of an African Savanna – And You Can Camp, Fish & Hike for $2

A Massive Prairie Just South of Gainesville

Right in Gainesville’s backyard sits Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a 23,000-acre wilderness that’s open to the public. 

This natural escape is just a short drive from the University of Florida campus, yet many locals have never ventured out to explore it. 

23,000 Acres of Overwhelming Natural Beaut

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is the largest freshwater marsh in northern Florida with over 20 distinct biological communities across the prairie. In 1971, it became the very first state preserve in Florida, and has since been designated as a National Natural Landmark. 

There’s also a lot of history here. Researchers have found evidence of approximately 12,000 years of human occupation at the park, and it was once home to Seminole Indian settlements.

See Bisons, Wild Horses, Alligators, Armadillos, and More

Paynes Prairie offers the rare opportunity to see free-roaming bison and wild Spanish horses in Florida. Visitors have also spotted turtles, armadillos, snakes, deer, and other animals here.

This is Florida, so of course you’ll see plenty of alligators lounging along the trails during your visit, too.

A Major Stop on North Florida’s Bird Migration Route

Bring your binoculars – you’re about to visit one of the Great Florida Birding Trail’s Gateway Sites. In winter, you’ll see Sandhill Cranes gathering in impressive numbers.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot rare species like Snail Kites and Limpkins among the nearly 300 bird species that call this prairie home at various times of the year. 

30+ Miles of Trails to Explore

With over 30 miles of trails, you can tailor your adventure. The 16-mile Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail is perfect for hiking, inline skating, and cycling. It also connects Paynes Prairie to nearby communities and is accessible to visitors of all abilities.

The La Chua Trail is fantastic for seeing wildlife, while the Cone’s Dike Trail will take you deeper into the heart of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

For 2025, the park will host the Rim Ramble Hike at the Paynes Prairie Preserve on selected dates. It’ll let you take in the picturesque views and varied terrain to observe the breathtaking nature.  

Take to the Water on Lake Wauburg

Inside Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is the beautiful 300-acre Lake Wauburg. There’s a public boat ramp where you can launch a kayak or small electric motor boats (gas-powered ones are not allowed). Depending on the season, canoes are also available for rent.

If you have a license, you can also fish for bass, perch, bream, and other fish in designated spots.

Camp Overnight, Prairie-Style

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park also has a full-facility campground where you can stay overnight. There are shaded ones with amenities, and the campground has easy access to hiking trails. 

The stargazing is insane here, since there’s minimal light pollution inside the park.

Get the Best Prairie Views from 50 Feet Up

Near the visitor center is a 50-foot observation tower that gives you panoramic views of the entire prairie. It’s open daily for visitors.

Plan Your Visit for 2025

Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667

Entrance Fees

• $6 per vehicle (two to eight people)
• $4 for single-occupant vehicles
• $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers

Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They’re also prohibited on certain trails due to wildlife encounters. 

*Entrance fees are accurate as of January 21, 2025.