The sencery was like you were looking at a picture! The wildlife is beautiful if you get lucky enough to spot the wild buffalo and horses! The trails are very peaceful. I recommend to walk instead of bike otherwise you miss so much! But I do have to say that there is no wheelchair access, unlike Wetwater.
Amazing area! Super fun to learn how this landscape was shaped! Large variety of animals including Gators! Huge trees. Lots of birds! Staff was there when I went to answer questions! Very nice visit!!!
This place is magical. There is much to see. Many species of birds can be observed here including herons, cranes, eagles, hawks, and many more. Many large while animals can be seen here as well such as bison, wild horses, deer, alligators, and wild boar. This place is very diverse in wildlife as well as plants. There are many entrances to the park and many changes in environment. Most of the Prairie is marshland, then there is a more swampy side, a drainage sink, and some slightly higher dry ground as well. Currently, since hurricane Irma, a large percentage of the Prairie is flooded more than its been in many years. However, most of the entrances and lookouts are still accessible. Now is a great time to visit of seeking wildlife observation because so much is flooded that many animals are forced to roam on the edges where the parks are.
What struck me when I first walked out into the prairie was how vast it is—majestic and huge and beautiful. We parked at several of the various entrances and walked bits of trail, and we loved every minute of it. Unfortunately, the prairie is flooded right now (November 2017), so many of the walking trails, and both of the observation towers in the north of the prairie are flooded and inaccessible beyond a short distance. However, in the short distance we could walk, we saw many different species of bird and we saw five or six white tailed deer. It wasn't until we parked near the visitor center (which has an impressive observation tower next to it) that we saw horses. We also walked on Cone's Dike trail, and we saw a mare and her foal, which was awesome! We saw two more deer on this trail, as well. Never did see bison, sadly, but the park ranger said they haven't been in the prairie recently, probably due to flooding. Such a cool and refreshing natural place to walk and be; definitely check it out!
Great state park. Trails galore. Wildlife. And I mean wild life. Gators bison gators birds snakes turtles just to name a few with no fences or barriers between you and the animals. Have a great time and respect the land.
Do not feed or mess with the alligators!!!! If you're not from here you don't understand the risk you put everybody who stops there in very grave Danger including children animals and even a grown man. If you want to see a real Gator go to St Augustine Gator Park or other places where they are under control. Thank you from all of us who have to live here and who have had many losses to respect this request.
Nice place to take a nature walk to see the wildlife. Didn't see any buffalo this time (they probably avoided the late-morning heat) but there were plenty of alligators (though luckily none were on the trail). Botanists should enjoy the varieties of plants found in the marshlands.
I finally got to see bison from the observation tower! Wild hoses and lots of other wildlife, too. Feels more like a national park than a state park. Lots of great camping and recreation amenities.
There is something about being able to witness wildlife in their natural habitats that just strikes you. Walking through the trails under the canopy of twisted trees and moss made me truly appreciate the beauty of this environment. I highly recommend this to anyone seeking an adventure in the wild. It is the perfect mix of danger and excitement for individuals or families. Please know that bringing water with you is a great idea.
Camping at its finest. Lots of wildlife, great trails and plenty of foliage for shade. Nature at its best. You don't feel like your neighbor can see your every move. Unlike Silver River and looking out seeing controlled burns on all the sites. You also don't have to worry about sleeping and walking on gravel. Fellow campers are friendly and down to earth. The staff is great very friendly, helpful and accommodating. This is camping is all about. It not a state park being made into a resort.
Friendly staff. I also ran into a few friendly hikers at the north entrance. I saw tons of alligators and a wild horse very close by (maybe 10 feet off of the trail). Like the rest of Florida, it's very flat, so it doesn't make for that exciting of a hike but that's to be expected. If you want to see wild alligators, look no further; they're everywhere here
I love this park. It's large with lots of trails of varying lengths, and the scenery is beautiful. There's also opportunities to encounter bison and wild horses. Since the park is so large there multiple entrances depending on what trails and activities you'd like to experience.
Great site. Shaded but hot. Many bike trails, picnic areas, and history. Loved the observation tower and the north entrance to the prairie. We also recommend visiting the Marjorie Rawlings home in Cross Creek.
Ric & Diana Houle
Its a good place to go if you want to be one with nature. But dont go in the spring/summer unless you like it very hot. I recommend going in the fall and winter time.
Great trails for all skill levels. Awesome views from the observation tower. Educational visitors center with air conditioned bathrooms. Indoor viewing area of the preserve when you need to take a break.