Named for Lake Kissimmee, the third largest lake in the state, the 5,930-acre park is teeming with plant and animal life. The park offers outstanding fishing, bird watching, picnicking, camping, boating, and hiking on 13 miles of trails. An observation tower is located in the picnic area and provides views of Lake Kissimmee and its marsh lands. During the Civil War, the area was used for raising cattle that were shipped to the Confederate Army or traded with Cuba for supplies. After the war, cattle became the main industry and continues to the present day.
Things To See: White-tailed deer, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, turkeys, and bobcats have been seen in the park. The park's abundance of water, wetlands and numerous different habitats offer birders views of different water fowl and birds of prey. The scrub habitat throughout the park is home to the Florida scrub jay.
1876 Cow Camp:Florida's cowboy heritage comes alive with living history demonstrations of the early Florida “cow hunters” at the cow camp. As you meander down the trail, you go back in time. Cowboys cook, make coffee, tend the cattle, or just rest up until the next round-up.
The park is open 8:00am to sunset, 365 days a year. Cow Camp is open Saturdays from November to March (except Christmas Day) from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
FEES: $5 per vehicle (two to eight people)
Cache is placed with permission from Andy Noland, Park Manager.
The cache is located on the White Blazed Buster Island Loop. Parking at either the General Store or at the Kristen Jacobs (Yellow) Trailhead.
HIKE: 3.9 miles round trip
(If you want to complete the Buster Island Loop: 6.7 miles)
This is a Letterbox Hybrid cache. For anyone not familiar with Letterboxing, there is a log in the cache for you to sign and stamp (with your stamp), then you stamp your own log or paper (with stamp that is in the cache). If you do not have your own stamp, then stickers or hand drawn artwork are acceptable or if you do not have your own stamp, you can just sign the log. DO NOT TAKE THE STAMP WITH YOU; IT IS NOT A TRADE ITEM!!!
This geocache is a part of the Trek Ten Trails 2021-2022 program. Participation in that program, while a lot of fun, is not required to log this cache.
New validation game cards that participants stamp are available at various locations and are listed on the Friends of the Parks website and OUTPOST 27 CACHE. Trek Ten Trails 2021-2022 program maps, game cards, and other information about each of the featured nature trails may be downloaded from the Friends of the Parks website. Check out our Profile for more details.