Kissimmee River Restoration Paddle
March 2-8, 2025
Start: Lake Kissimmee State Park
14248 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales FL 33898
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: February 2, 2025, 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 84 mile journey along this amazing river we will paddle through some of the most remote and beautiful places that Florida offers. There is also an optional “0” day to explore Lake Kissimmee State Park instead of paddling the 11-mile Buster Island Loop.
| Day | Lunch Stop | Lunch Miles | Campsite | Daily Miles |
| 1 | N/A | N/A | Lake Kissimmee State Park | 0 |
| 2 | Lake Kissimmee State Park | 0-8 | ||
| 3 | Coleman Landing & Shady Oaks | 13.5 | ||
| 4 | Kicco Campground | 12.4 | ||
| 5 | Bluff Hammock (shuttle to Riverwoods 15 min) | 16 | ||
| 6 | Riverwoods | 18 | ||
| 7 | End: Kissimmee River Public Area S-65D Boat Ramp | 13 | Kissimmee River Public Area S-65D Boat Ramp | 13 |
| Total Miles | 72.9 |
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
Paddlers can choose a pre-or post-trip shuttle. Those choosing the pre-trip shuttle will park their vehicles near the trip's ending point, the Riverwoods Field Lab, by 1 PM on March 2nd. After boats are loaded onto trailers, they'll be shuttled to the trip's launching point at Lake Kissimmee State Park in Lake Wales. Their vehicles will be waiting for them at the trip's end. Those choosing the post-trip shuttle will leave their vehicles at the trip’s launch point at Lake Kissimmee State Park and be shuttled back there at the trip’s end.
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/Sunday, March 2:
Lake Kissimmee State Park, Paddling Miles: 0
Paddle Florida participants will arrive between 1-5 PM at Lake Kissimmee State Park to check-in for the trip, set up their tents, eat dinner, and receive an orientation and safety briefing for the adventure to come. At Lake Kissimmee State Park Florida's heritage comes alive with living history demonstrations of the early Florida cow hunters in an 1876-era cow camp (we’ll experience this on Monday). White-tailed deer, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, turkeys and bobcats have been seen in the park, located on the shores of lakes Kissimmee, Tiger and Rosalie.
Visitors enjoy boating, canoeing and fishing in the picturesque lakes. Nature students can hike over 13 miles of trails to observe and study the abundant plant and animal life. Six miles of trails are open to equestrians.
We’ll be comping for two nights in the full-facility campsites 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/Monday, March 3:
Buster Island Loop from Lake Kissimmee State Park, Paddling Miles: 11
After a hearty breakfast, paddlers will get ready for the 11-mile Buster Island Loop and before dinner, we will be treated to the historic enactment at the Cow Camp. Lake Kissimmee State Park is known for its 1876 Cow Camp. When the United States acquired Florida in 1821, there was an abundance of wild cracker cows, and thus the Florida cattle industry was born.
Jacob Summerlin, “The Cracker King of Florida,” was one of the wealthiest men in Florida and made his fortune hunting cattle in the Kissimmee and Peace River areas. Summerlin hired people that would later be known as cow hunters to go out into the wilds of Florida to catch and mark the cattle as his own. These cow hunters could be gone for weeks at a time, traveling from cow camp to cow camp.
The camps would consist of a small chickee with a couple of cow pens and usually built in an oak hammock. The following photos are historical pictures of structures that were on the property prior to the state ownership and no longer exist at Lake Kissimmee. We will be visiting the Cow Camp to learn about its history from Lake Kissimmee State Park experts.
Day 3/Tuesday, March 4:
Lake Kissimmee State Park to Coleman Landing, Paddling Miles: 13.5
Today we’ll embark on a 13.5-mile paddle to Coleman Landing / Shady Oaks.. You will pass Peacock Bridge on your way to lunch at Johnny Boy Landing. There are a few shoals between Peacock Bridge and Johnny Boy (water level dependent) and the Look & Tremble is between Johnny Boy and Lamb Eddy County Park. You can relax and set up camp at Coleman Landing before dinner at 6 pm and the evening program at 7 pm.
Day 4/ Wednesday, March 5:
Coleman Landing to Kicco Campground, Paddling Miles: 12.4
Today we will have a scenic paddle to KICCO campground and lunch will be served when you arrive. This is a nice easy paddle with a wide-open river. You will see horses and a wildlife on this segment. We will be camping at KICCO, where you can enjoy dinner and the evening presentation.
Day 5/Thursday, March 6:
Kicco Campground to Bluff Hammock- shuttle to Riverwoods 15 min, Paddling Miles: 13
On this day we will paddle 15 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.
Day 6/Friday, March 7:
Bluff Hammock to Riverwoods Field Lab, Paddling Miles: 18
After breakfast, we will shuttle to Bluff Hammock to launch for the paddle to Riverwoods Field Lab (where we will spend a 2nd night!), so there is no need to strike camp. On this segment you will enjoy wildlife and birds. We will have dinner at 6pm and hear from our speaker at 7pm.
Day 7/Saturday, March 8:
Riverwoods Field Lab to Kissimmee RIver S-65D Ramp, Paddling Miles: 13
We'll paddle the beautiful last segment to our final destination, at the S-65D Ramp (before the lockes). We’ll conclude our paddling adventure with a final celebration barbeque at the take-out before the shuttle back to Lake Kissimmee State Park.
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!