Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park : Wild Horses, Bison, Hiking, & Solo Car Camping in Florida!

Did you know there's a place in Florida where you might encounter wild bison on your hike???
Come with me to explore Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy, Florida. You'll feel like you've been transported back to "old Florida" with the tons of mature oaks dripping in Spanish Moss, and it's easy to find yourself imaging what the settlers back in the 1500s must have thought when first discovering this Prairie and its vast expanse of wetlands. This parks is full of tons of beautiful and diverse hiking trails - 2 of which are actually at satellite locations outside of the main park entrance - and we will hike most of them during this trip. I'll introduce you to many of the critters you may be lucky enough to encounter on your visit! This preserve has wild horses, plentiful deer, tons of birds (including the endangered Snail Kites and migrating sandhill cranes by the thousands over winter!), innumerable large alligators you may find yourself inadvertently sharing a trail with, and of course the aforementioned wild roaming bison!!
I'll show you all over the park, the campground, and share my experiences with you from this trip... but I sure hope you'll be able to visit this awesome piece of Florida History for yourself one day!!
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy my video - thank you so much for watching, and I'll see you next time!!
You can follow along on all my other hikes and adVANtures by clicking here, and subscribing - I would love for you to join our growing community!
/ heathershikesadvantures

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Have you visited Paynes Prairie before? If so, did you get to see any bison or horses while you were there?? This park is a true gem in our Florida State Park System, so I hope you enjoy the video, and especially the cool wildlife encounter at the end! 💚

[@DivineMojo]

What a gorgeous park!! You said it right the first time 💜🤗🤗 mi kuh no pee I only know because it’s in the song Seminole Winds. 🤣💖 Wow your evening hike was magical. Thanks for sharing Sweet Friend! 🤗🤗🤗

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you for letting me know which way was correct... I thought that was it, but I always second guess myself LOL! It's really one of my favorite parks to visit - such a special place with such cool wildlife... but that evening hike was my best one there ever!! 💚🥰

[@curtisdettra5194]

Hi Heather 👋 What an awesome video! Man, you hit the jackpot on that last trail. With the horses 🐎 and the little buck. That is a beautiful place. And so quiet. How much is it to stay nightly with your annual pass? I'm thinking about going there. Oh and you are so right about the squirrels. Looking forward to your next AdVANture video. 😀 👋

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Yes!! I'm sooo glad I went on that last hike - I'd almost talked myself out of it, and just hanging at camp, so I'm so happy I made myself go anyways! It's technically only $18 for a campsite, but I think after utility fees/taxes it was closer to $30 a night in total. I've camped there a few times now though, and it's always so quiet and peaceful in the campground! It's really one of my favorite parks!! (Unfortunately our Florida State Parks annual pass only gets you free admission into the parks, but no discount on camping... although I'm pretty sure military and foster families get half off)

[@xx84gnxx]

Oh man! i want to go here so bad, but no available spots when i want to come. Glad you got to see the horses playing. yeah that was some big gators for sure. I seen other videos of this park, but none contained the historical museum, great share! You did a great spread of the park. Until we get to go ourselves, thanks for the great share!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it!! It's such a great park, and I love how diverse the trails & wildlife are - one of my favorites to visit! I hope you get a chance to stay there soon!!

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Enjoyed it

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it!!

[@hikewithmike4673]

awesome I have been to Paynes Preserve several times and I have seen the wild horses a couple of times..but I have yet to have seen the bison!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Try the Bolen Bluff Trail there, out on the prairie next time you go. That's where I've had the best luck spotting them so far - good luck! 🤞

[@mcdee1313]

Gators😳😳😳

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

When the water levels are lower, sometimes hundreds will gather around that sink area. I have a video clip somewhere of it I'll have to look for - it was a little intimidating to see so many in one spot!!

[@iknowbinary]

what time of the year is best to see bisons ang wild horses?

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I've honestly seen the horses in spring, summer, fall and winter. The bison are easier to spot from either wayyyy out at the observation tower, or when the water levels are higher they seem to stick closer to the trails instead of dispersing out into the Prairie more, so it's more hit or miss with them. Sometimes the rangers can give you a heads up on when/where they've been seenost recently