
Best Backpacking Destinations in Kissimmee, Florida, United States
1. Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho), Kissimmee
Experience the largest lake in Kissimmee offering fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Enjoy the stunning sunsets over the lake.
- Water Sports: Offers various water activities like fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
- Nature Viewing: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, bird watching, and enjoying pristine natural beauty.
- Sunset Point: Boasts one of the most beautiful sunsets in Kissimmee.
2. Lake Cypress, Kissimmee
Explore this unique lake with cypress trees growing out of the water. Go for a peaceful paddle and spot wildlife.
- Peaceful Paddling: Provides an opportunity for a tranquil kayak or canoe trip.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers chances to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife up close.
- Natural Beauty: Features cypress trees growing directly out of the water, creating a unique and beautiful scene.
3. Canaveral National Seashore
Discover untouched beaches, dunes, and wildlife at this national park. Explore the Kennedy Space Center from a unique perspective.
- Untouched Beaches: Offers pristine, undeveloped beaches for swimming and sunbathing.
- Kennedy Space Center Views: Provides a unique vantage point to view the Kennedy Space Center from afar.
- Wildlife Spotting: Allows for wildlife viewing, including sea turtles, birds, and other marine life.
4. Osceola National Forest
Hike through this vast forest, camp under the stars, and explore the historic Fort Drum site.
- Hiking Trails: Features multiple hiking trails for backpacking enthusiasts.
- Stargazing: Provides a dark sky area ideal for stargazing and camping under the stars.
- Historic Sites: Offers opportunities to explore historic Fort Drum, a remnant of the Second Seminole War.
5. Shingle Creek Regional Park
Experience a guided airboat ride through the swamp, spot wildlife, and learn about the local ecosystem.
- Airboat Rides: Offers guided airboat tours to explore the wetlands.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities for viewing alligators, birds, and other wildlife up close.
- Educational Tours: Allows visitors to learn about the local ecosystem and wildlife from knowledgeable guides.
6. Blue Spring State Park
Swim with manatees in the crystal-clear waters or hike through the beautiful forested trails.
- Manatee Swimming: Offers opportunities to swim with the gentle giants of the sea.
- Nature Trails: Features scenic hiking trails through lush forests and wetlands.
- Crystal-Clear Waters: Provides a chance to swim in the clean and inviting waters of Blue Spring.
7. Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Embark on a backpacking adventure through diverse ecosystems, from pine flatwoods to sandhill habitats.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Offers an opportunity to explore various ecosystems within the forest.
- Backpacking Trails: Features backpacking trails for overnight camping trips.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides chances to spot wildlife such as the Florida scrub-jay, gopher tortoise, and sandhill crane.
8. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Explore this expansive wildlife refuge with diverse habitats, including marshes, forests, and beaches.
- Habitat Variety: Features a variety of habitats, including marshes, forests, and beaches.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to spot various wildlife, such as birds, alligators, and manatees.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides excellent photo opportunities for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
9. De Leon Springs State Park
Relax on the beach, swim in the spring-fed pool, or cook your own pancakes at the historic restaurant.
- Spring-Fed Pool: Features a spring-fed pool perfect for swimming.
- Beach Access: Offers a chance to relax on the beach and enjoy the sunshine.
- Historic Restaurant: Allows visitors to cook their own pancakes at the historic Sugar Mill restaurant.
10. Hickory Tree Trail at Green Mountain Scrub
Explore this unique trail featuring a massive hickory tree and diverse wildlife.
- Unique Hickory Tree: Features a massive hickory tree that serves as a landmark for the trail.
- Diverse Wildlife: Offers opportunities to spot various wildlife, such as gopher tortoises and scrub jays.
- Scenic Trail: Provides a scenic hiking experience through diverse landscapes.
11. Chassy Creek Preserve
Discover this peaceful preserve with picturesque boardwalks, wetlands, and wildlife viewing areas.
- Boardwalks: Features scenic boardwalks ideal for easy exploration.
- Wetland Habitat: Provides a habitat for various wetland species, such as birds and alligators.
- Picturesque Views: Offers beautiful views of the wetlands and surrounding landscape.
12. Twin Rivers Wildlife Management Area
Embark on a backpacking adventure through this expansive wilderness with opportunities for fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
- Backpacking Trails: Features backpacking trails for overnight camping trips.
- Fishing and Hunting Opportunities: Offers chances to fish, hunt, or explore the various water bodies within the area.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer, alligators, and a variety of birds.
13. Upper St. Johns River
Experience white-water rafting or kayaking on the Upper St. Johns River and explore nearby wildlife.
- White-Water Rafting and Kayaking: Offers opportunities for thrilling white-water rafting or calmer kayaking experiences.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides chances to spot wildlife, such as birds, alligators, and manatees along the river.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning natural beauty with cliffs, rapids, and peaceful stretches of water.
14. Wekiwa Springs State Park
Relax by the spring-fed pool or go on a hike through the scenic trails, spotting wildlife along the way.
- Spring-Fed Pool: Features a refreshing spring-fed pool perfect for swimming.
- Scenic Trails: Offers beautiful hiking trails through diverse landscapes.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot various wildlife, such as deer, alligators, and birds.
15. Wekiva Island
Spend a day picnicking, tubing, or swimming in the Wekiva River while enjoying the pristine beauty of this protected area.
- Tubing and Swimming: Offers opportunities for relaxing tubing trips or refreshing swims in the Wekiva River.
- Picnicking: Allows visitors to enjoy a picnic while taking in the scenic beauty of the area.
- Protected Area: Lies within a protected area, ensuring the preservation of the local ecosystem and wildlife.