Kissimmee River Restoration Paddle
March 9-15, 2026
Start: Town of Kicco Campground
River Ranch, FL 33867
End: Kissimmee River Public Use Area S65D Boat Ramp Facility
Lorida, FL 33857
Total Distance: 73-84 miles
Full Trip Fees:
Includes camping, meals, and shuttle.
$675/Adults
$650/Seniors (65+) and college students
Registration Deadline: January 8, 2026, or when the trip capacity of 36 paddlers is reached.
Official Outfitter: please email janice@paddleflorida.org
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES – please email janice@paddleflorida.org
Photo Credit: Doug Alderson
Paddling Itinerary:
Welcome to the Kissimmee Waterway… one of the most beautiful and exciting recreation areas in the state where you are sure to witness some of Florida’s most spectacular natural areas. The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and the Kissimmee River offer sites and experiences enjoyed by Floridians and visitors for generations. A new era is under way for the Kissimmee RIver Basin as the ongoing Kissimme River Restoration project restores habitat that will benefit more that 320 species of fish and wildlife.
Instead of a straight, deep and wide canal dug 40 years ago, sections of the Kissimmee River are already once again meandering through its historic and wetland-rich floodplain. This restoration created opportunities for improved fishing, wildlife viewing and nature study.
The river and floodplain have improved in remarkable ways, surpassing at times the environmental response anticipated by scientists working on the project. Comprehensive monitoring has shown: wading bird populations in the restored river and floodplain have more than tripled, Duck species have returned after being absent for 40-plus years, with many simular benefits seen in the restored river.
On our 58 mile journey along this amazing river we will paddle through some of the most remote and beautiful places that Florida offers. We will stay at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park for an evening and enjoy a “night sky” presentation from local experts. The Riverwoods Field Lab will also offer an optional educational pontoon exploration, which paddlers really enjoyed during the inaugural trip.
| Day | Lunch Stop | Lunch Miles | Campsite | Daily Miles |
| 1 | N/A | N/A | Town of Kicco Campground | 0 |
| 2 | 10 | Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park | 10 | |
| 3 | To Bluff Hammock | 12 | Riverwoods Field Lab | 12 |
| 4 | Bluff Hammock to Riverwoods Field Lab | 12 | Riverwoods Field Lab | 12 |
| 5 | Riverwoods to S-65D Boat Ramp | 13 | Riverwoods Field Lab | 13 |
| 6 | Arbuckle Creek | 12 | Riverwoods Field Lab | 12 |
| 7 | End: After Breakfast | N/A | - | 0 |
| Total Miles | 59 |
Evening Programs
Evening programs will include educational speakers and live music.
Refund Policy
Due to the financial outlay and costs incurred by Paddle Florida during event planning, any force majeure, which includes but is not limited to water levels, inclement weather, and any other Acts of God not mentioned herein, shall not result in the refund of any fees paid to Paddle Florida. Absolutely no fees will be refunded after 15 days before the event begins. Before each trip registration deadline, requests for fee refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
***You will receive a confirmation email message 7 - 10 days before the event with all the latest details on the trip***
Shuttle Details
All paddlers will come to the Town of Kicco Campground on the 1st day of the trip.
Boat & Gear Recommendations
For this trip, we recommend sit-in kayaks of 14 feet or more in length equipped with a rudder or skeg and a spray skirt (for rain). You should also have solid kayaking, rescue, and swimming skills. If you have any questions about the kind of environment you will encounter on this trip, please contact Janice Hindson at janice@paddleflorida.org.
Paddle Florida Policies
All paddlers must attend the trip overview and orientation on the first evening. Paddlers must adhere to the safety guidelines presented.
Every Paddle Florida participant must wear a Coast Guard-approved NON-INFLATABLE personal flotation device while on the river (no ifs, and, or buts).
Every kayak and canoe should have a bow line, 8-10 feet in length, secured in such a way that it is readily accessible, but cannot come loose accidentally. Loose ropes increase the risk of entanglement in the event of a capsize.
Kayaks should have grab-loops at both bow and stern.
Paddlers under age 18 are the responsibility of and must be accompanied by, a parent or guardian. No more than two children under the age of 12 per adult guardian.
Sorry, no pets allowed.
All paddlers must provide emergency contact information and sign a Waiver of Claims and Release of Liability form. Parents must sign for their children under the age of 18.
People-powered watercraft only.
Paddle Florida adheres to all rules put forth by the public parks we stay in, including the ban on alcoholic beverages.
All paddlers must respect private property along waterways.
All paddlers must have basic paddling and swimming skills
Violations of any of these policies can result in the paddler being removed from the event without a refund.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1/Monday, March 9:
Town of Kicco Campground, Paddling Miles: 0
Paddle Florida participants will arrive between 1-5 PM at Town of Kicco Campground to check-in for the trip, set up their tents, eat dinner, and receive an orientation and safety briefing for the adventure to come. White-tailed deer, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, turkeys and bobcats have been seen in the area located on the shores of the Kissimmee RIver.
We’ll be comping for the first night, nestled under coastal oak trees., where the dark skies make stargazing a popular nighttime activity for campers.
The park is located off State Road 60, 15 miles east of Lake Wales.
Keep in mind that this area at this time of year can be chilly, at least by Florida standards. Temperatures can range from 60-80 degrees during the day and 35-55 degrees at night, so bring layers to dress in. The fire each night will provide heat, light, ambiance, camaraderie, and maybe a marshmallow or two. Dinner will be served at 6 PM each night, followed by an evening program at 7 PM. Nightly entertainment ranges from musicians to educational speakers who will provide insights regarding the flora, fauna, and ecology of the region we’re paddling through. Be sure to bring cameras to capture and preserve some great moments.
Day 2/Tuesday, March 10:
Town of Kicco Campground to Kissimmee Prairie State Park, Paddling Miles: 10
After a hearty breakfast, paddlers will get ready for the 10-mile paddle to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. We will be treated to beach camping and a night sky presentation as we relax on this remote part of the river.
Day 3 / Wednesday, March 11:
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park to Bluff Hammock- shuttle to Riverwoods 15 min, Paddling Miles: 12
On this day we will paddle 12 miles to Bluff Hammock, where we will be shuttled to the RIverwoods Field Lab where there will be the opportunity to learn from their staff. On today’s paddle, you will notice the river widen and see more cypress and oak trees. We will set up camp in anticipation of dinner at 6 pm, followed by our evening program.
Days 4-7/Thursday, March 12 to Sunday March 15:
From our base-camp at the Riverwoods Field Lab, we will explore the Kissimmee RIver via kayak or optional educational pontoon tour, and take a trip to Arbuckle Creek!
Day 4/Thursday, March 12 : Paddling Miles 12
After breakfast, we will shuttle to Bluff Hammock to launch for the paddle to Riverwoods Field Lab. On this segment you will enjoy wildlife and birds. We will have dinner at 6pm and hear from our speaker at 7pm.
Day 5/Friday, March 13 : Paddling Miles 13
After breakfast, we will paddle the most scenic section to the Kissimmee 65-D Boat Ramp, returning to the Field Lab for dinner and the evening program.
Day 6/Saturday, March 14 : Paddling Miles 12
Today is Arbuckle Creek Day!.
Day 7/Sunday, March 15 : Paddling Miles 0
After breakfast, you will load your vehicle for the journey home, taking with your memories of this restoration experience.
Photo Credit: Florida Rambler
photo credit: Florida Conservation Corps ~ Arbuckle Creek
Day 5/Friday, March 13:
Riverwoods Field Lab to Kissimmee River S-65D Ramp, Paddling Miles: 13
We'll paddle the beautiful last segment to our destination, at the S-65D Ramp (before the locks).
Mission Statement
PADDLE FLORIDA is a non-profit corporation that promotes water conservation, wildlife preservation, springs restoration, and waterways protection via fun and educational multi-day paddling trips in Florida’s most spectacular river and coastal environments. The vehicle for carrying out this mission is the staging of the multi-day paddling/camping trips in each of Florida’s five water management districts from October to April each year. Paddle Florida also seeks to promote Florida as an international destination for nature-based tourism in general, and paddling in particular.
Ranging from three to six days, trips are open to all paddling skill levels and designed to maximize enjoyment of Florida’s natural environments while engaging and empowering citizens so that they may become involved in the protection and restoration of our waterways.
If you wish to be pampered by professional guides, this isn’t the trip for you. But, if you want to experience a real community brought together under a common goal and by the thrill of adventure, Paddle Florida is the trip for you
The Meal Plan
Your Paddle Florida trip fee covers the meal plan, which provides hearty catered breakfasts and dinners, plus daily lunch snacks of assorted fruits, sandwich items, snacks, and drinks.
General Guidelines
Baggage:
Each paddler is limited to two bags and a total of 40-pounds of luggage. You have to haul your baggage and place it in the gear truck each morning, and haul it back to your campsite each evening of the trip. After paddling all day (about 8,000 paddle strokes per day), a 40-pound bag is really heavy. We recommend you pack as lightly and tightly as possible. This saves your back and the backs of your fellow paddlers. Everyone is expected to assist with the loading and unloading of the truck during the week.
Items we would rather not see in your luggage include bulky chaise lounge chairs, framed bedding/cots, and boxes without tops. Your gear should be packed so that it will not get wet. In the afternoon, your baggage may be removed and placed outside the gear truck where it will be exposed to the elements. Overnight rains may result in gear being packed up wet. A wet tent on top of your clothes bag will result in wet clothes. Plan on inclement weather and make sure you have a bag that will protect important gear in the event of rain.
Please place a label on your luggage with your name on it and make sure your bags are secure.
Suggested Packing Lists
For Water: [Note: Unless you’re wearing it, every item you bring should be secured to your boat. Carabiners and bungee cords can be handy devices for this purpose.]
Boat and paddle. Need to rent? Please see top of page.
PFD. Every Paddle Florida participant must wear a Coast Guard-approved NON-INFLATABLE personal flotation device while on the river (no ifs, and, or buts).
Every kayak and canoe should have a bowline 8-10 feet in length, secured in such a way that it is readily accessible, but cannot come loose accidentally. Loose ropes increase the risk of entanglement in the event of a capsize. Kayaks should have grab-loops at both bow and stern.
An extra throw rope in case of emergencies should be stored safely in each boat.
Attach a whistle to your PFD or body to signal for help in case of emergency.
A knife.
Waterproof matches or another fire source in a waterproof covering.
First aid kit—each vessel should bring a first aid kit stored inside a waterproof covering.
Repair kit—each vessel should be able to make its own repairs (i.e., duct tape, sealant, waterproof tape).
Rain gear—be prepared to get wet and potentially cold. Every participant should have access to a lightweight jacket or fleece, rain jacket, and rain pants or kayak skirt.
Dry change of clothes—be prepared to take an unexpected swim. Every participant should have access to a dry change of clothes kept in a waterproof covering.
Appropriate close-toed footwear that will protect your feet from unseen underwater hazards and permit you to walk comfortably on slippery and jagged limestone when launching and taking out. Flip flops do not meet these criteria.
Sun protection—sunburn might be the trip’s biggest hazard. Bring ample sunscreen and wear a protective hat and sunglasses.
Water—drinking water will be readily available along the Paddle Florida route. Bring sufficient water bottles for the day’s paddle for everyone in your boat.
Food—there is little access to restaurants or grocery stores along the Paddle Florida route. Lunch snacks each day are provided to registered participants. You may also want to bring along your own snacks.
Dry Bag or Ziploc—bring a waterproof bag to protect additional items you don’t want to get wet, like your camera or cell phone.
GPS unit? We’ll give you a map, but a GPS unit might also be handy to note the locations of campsites and springs.
For Land:
Tent
Sleeping bag, pad, and pillow
Camp chair
Clothes to keep you comfortable in temperatures generally ranging from 50-85 degrees. Think layers. You’ll likely be wearing more during potentially chilly mornings, then peeling off layers as the day progresses. Remember dry shoes for when you’re in camp and keep in mind there are often hiking trails available at the parks we camp in.
Bathing suit, plus maybe a mask, snorkel, and/or fins. You will be paddling and camping near some of the state’s most beautiful first-magnitude springs on this trip. Enjoy them!
Headlamp and/or flashlight.
Toiletries and medications.
Other tent items: reading materials, iPod, ear plugs…?
A camera to record the awesome memories you’ll be making!