Paynes Prairie State Park
Where wild critters roam.
Paynes Prairie is unique in the Florida State Park system. First off, at 21,000 acres, it is one of the largest parks in the state. But more unique than that, it is home to free roaming bison and wild horses.
The park has a vast expanse of prairie for the wild critters to roam. Seeing them is not a given. They can be elusive. The best viewing opportunities are from three observation towers around the prairie. While it is always hit or miss, the tower on the Bolton Bluff Trail seems to hold the most promise. I never did see the horses, but a small group of the bison were parked right on the trail when I visited.
I took pictures from a respectful 100-yards away. Bison don’t do much, just stand around or lay around on the prairie. Pretty easy for photographers to get their focus and snap away.
The prairie area of the park is eight miles long, and four miles wide at its widest point. Hiking conditions in the prairie are usually pretty muddy. At one time the prairie was actually a lake, traveled by paddle wheelers. A log dam held back the water, but when it was dislodged the lake drained, restoring the natural prairie.
Hiking is the most popular activity in the park. There are eight trails of varying lengths. The longest is the partially paved Gainesville to Hawthorn State Trail, which runs for 16 miles. It’s open for bike riders as well as hikers. Horses are also allowed on several of the trails in the park. Mountain bikes are recommended on the trails that allow biking.
Birders find lots to see in the park, especially during the winter months. The park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
The campground has 50 sites for RV’s with water and electric hookups. There are about a dozen tent camp sites in the woods, just off the parking lot. They do not have hookups. Tent campers who want electric and water need to reserve a RV site. The pads at the RV sites are pretty hard, making it difficult to pound in tent pegs. The campground is shrouded in trees, with plenty of shade.
I found the restrooms and showers to be immaculate. Campground hosts make sure the campground is kept clean and well maintained.
Campground reservations are recommended, especially on weekends in the winter months. Speaking of winter, this park is located in the Florida frost zone. Overnight freezes are fairly common. Tent campers need to be prepared.
There are Ranger-led hikes and nature programs during the winter months. That includes an overnight backpacking trip on the first Saturday, November-March. A well known Fiddle Festival takes place in March.
There is a Visitor’s Center, well stocked with t-shirts and helpful information.
Paynes Prairie State Park is located about 10 miles south of Gainesville, not far off Interstate 75 and Highway 441. The address is 100 Savannah Boulevard, Micanopy, Florida. The phone number at the ranger station is 352-466-4100.