Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

Star4.83
30 reviews
100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy FL 32667
Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

121 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Florida State Parks site

Official Website
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Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
$6.00 - $6.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Park entrance fee listed on page: $6 per vehicle. Camping fees are not itemized on the park page; see the Florida State Parks reservations site for...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Florida State Parks
Provider
352-466-3397
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What Campers Say

4.83

Top-Rated

Based on 30 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

showersshadesites

Some mention

noisebugsroad noise

"Visitors praise Paynes Prairie for its abundant wildlife (bison, wild horses, diverse birds), well‑shaded and private campsites, extensive trails and a strong visitor center/observation tower. Campground facilities such as showers and the dump station receive positive mentions. Common negatives are reservation difficulty, some tight/older sites, seasonal insects, and limited services for long‑term RV stays."

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Campground Map

100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy FL 32667

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy FL 32667

Nearby places
Gainesville (park is located south of Gainesville)

Best Time to Camp at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5
Above Average

Open prairie and trails are available, but Florida summers can be hot/humid (limited data).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Average

Fall likely pleasant for trails and wildlife; reviewers praise scenery (seasonal specifics limited).

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Spring suitable for hikes and wildlife viewing; reviewers note trails and scenery (few season details).

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Average

Mild winters and good stargazing mentioned; preserve is open year-round (limited season data).

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; park hours 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

About Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

Nestled near the tranquil shores of Lake Wauburg, this heavily shaded woodland retreat offers the perfect base camp for your prairie adventure. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, you'll find thoughtfully equipped sites with limerock pads, lantern posts, fire rings with grills, and picnic tables—plus modern restrooms with hot showers and convenient dump station access.
The campsite near Lake Wauburg accommodates tents, trailers and RVs (RV sites are back‑in; tent sites are a short walk from parking). A primitive group/equestrian campsite and a separate primitive campsite are available along the Chacala Trail (the primitive group site accommodates up to 20 people).
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Amenities available

Showers
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Multiple recreational opportunities including hiking on eight trails (including the paved Gainesville‑Hawthorne State Trail), bicycling on park drive and specified trails, fishing and canoeing on Lake Wauburg, and abundant wildlife viewing/birdwatching from trails and overlooks.
HikingEight trails traverse pine flatwoods, hardwood forest, hammock, baygall, ponds and fields; includes the 16-mile paved Gainesville‑Hawthorne State Trail.
FishingFishing and canoeing on Lake Wauburg are popular activities.
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife present in the preserve include bison, wild horses and alligators (also deer and many bird species); visitors should observe standard park safety around wildlife and remain on designated trails and observation areas.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

Reviews

4.8
30 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors praise Paynes Prairie for its abundant wildlife (bison, wild horses, diverse birds), well‑shaded and private campsites, extensive trails and a strong visitor center/observation tower. Campground facilities such as showers and the dump station receive positive mentions. Common negatives are reservation difficulty, some tight/older sites, seasonal insects, and limited services for long‑term RV stays.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Wildlife viewing (bison, wild horses, many bird species), shaded/private campsites with picnic table and fire ring, ADA-accessible bathhouses with hot showers, visitor center and observation tower,...
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Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book early (reservations can be hard to get). Check site length limits for large rigs (maximum RV length listed as 58 feet). Bring long power cords/extension cords where needed, insect protection,...
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Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

“The tent sites are somewhat private with trees and brush separating most. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit.” — Google review “Our site (#17) had 30 amps and water hook up, fire ring and a...
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Based on 30 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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