Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

About

Located within one of Florida's most unique natural areas, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground sits near Lake Wauburg, just south of Gainesville in Micanopy. The campground offers 50 sites divided between RV camping (sites 1-18 and 34-49 with 30/50-amp electric and water hookups) and walk-in tent camping (sites 19-33). All sites feature limerock surfaces, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and lantern posts. The heavily shaded setting under oak hammocks keeps things cooler during Florida's warm months. The campground facilities include flush toilets, hot showers, potable water, and a centralized RV dump station. Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host. The preserve itself spans over 22,000 acres of wet prairie, pine flatwoods, and hammocks, home to free-roaming wild horses and bison, along with alligators, deer, and over 270 bird species. Multiple trails provide hiking, biking, and horseback riding access into the prairie. The La Chua Trail offers prime wildlife viewing opportunities, including close encounters with alligators and the park's iconic bison herd. Lake Wauburg provides swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. The 50-foot observation tower near the visitor center delivers panoramic prairie views.

Directions

From I-75, take Exit 374 (Micanopy) and head east on CR 234. Turn north on US 441. The campground entrance is on the east side of US 441 near Lake Wauburg, approximately 10 miles south of Gainesville.