Lake Kissimmee, Florida, USA

Lake Kissimmee’s massive 34,948 acre area earns the lake a spot as Florida’s third largest lake, finishing just behind Lake George and Lake Okeechobee. The Kissimmee Waterway consists of a chain of lakes including Lake Kissimmee. Boaters can enjoy the entire 56-mile long waterway starting at Lake Tohopekaliga in the north to Lake Okeechobee at the southern end. The route passes through Lake Kissimmee, then along the…
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    • All About Lake Kissimmee, FL

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Florida - East Central Florida - West Central Florida -

    Lake Kissimmee’s massive 34,948 acre area earns the lake a spot as Florida’s third largest lake, finishing just behind Lake George and Lake Okeechobee. The Kissimmee Waterway consists of a chain of lakes including Lake Kissimmee. Boaters can enjoy the entire 56-mile long waterway starting at Lake Tohopekaliga in the north to Lake Okeechobee at the southern end. The route passes through Lake Kissimmee, then along the Kissimmee River made passable via man-made locks and canals. Lake Kissimmee’s immense size spans two counties, Osceola and Polk, and two tourism regions, East Central and West Central.

    Prior to 1962, the Kissimmee River meandered over 103 miles that supported a rich ecosystem of fish and wildlife along floodplain wetlands. In an effort to control periodic river flooding, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers transformed the river into a straighter, 56-mile channel between 1962 and 1971. Although the channelization project achieved its flood protection goal, most of the wetlands wildlife habitat was eliminated. About 90 percent of the wading bird and wintering waterfowl populations disappeared.

    In order to restore the delicate wetlands ecosystem, the Kissimmee River Restoration project is currently underway with a scheduled completion date of 2010. Jointly managed by the Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District, the project will restore about 43 miles of the river’s historic channel along the canal’s midsection. The goal is to restore more than 300 species of fish and wildlife to the wetland-rich floodplain. The upper and lower portions of the canal will remain intact to preserve flood protection.

    Lake Kissimmee invites visitors to indulge in virtually any outdoor activity they could possibly imagine. Nature photographers, be at the ready: wildlife lovers enjoy the lake for its diverse animal life. White-tailed deer prance through the trees, spotted fawns trailing in their parents’ wake. Bald eagles swoop gracefully through the sky, scanning the ground from high above your head. Bobcats, a rare sight for many, tend to their young and stealthily hunt for their next meal. Sandhill cranes, reminiscent of the Great Blue Heron, choose their way carefully as they plod through the grass and forage for food in shallow waters. As you watch these animals, the peace and tranquility of Lake Kissimmee will surround you.

    One of the best ways to see the lake’s flora and fauna, as well as some stunning scenic vistas, is to take a hike through Lake Kissimmee State Park’s 13 miles of hiking and nature trails. A trip on the trails will weave you through oak hammocks and pine flatwoods, giving you unique perspectives of the lake’s marshes, winding shores, and beautiful views. Hikers have their pick between a 1/2 mile self-guided nature tour, two loops trails, and another spur trail leading to the lake. And of those 13 miles, six are open to equestrians and their beloved friends, so that all may see the wonders of Lake Kissimmee.

    Fishing is an ever-popular lake activity, offering some of the best fishing in Florida. Swimming beneath these waters are schools of bluegill, catfish, chain pickerel, crappie, and largemouth bass worthy of being your next angling boast. If you like to fish from a boat, you’ll be able to launch from within Lake Kissimmee State Park. If you don’t have a boat, no problem: the fish bite just as hard on the canal banks, in the marina, and by the dam.

    On a lake as large and beautiful as Lake Kissimmee, there is no better way to enjoy its offerings than by boat. Power boaters delight in taking a speedboat out into the open waters to enjoy a strong breeze in their hair, the sun on their face, and the adrenaline that pumps through their veins as they speed along the lake. Canoeists and kayakers take it easy and paddle through the coves, enjoying a more personal bond with nature. And all boaters enjoy dipping their toes into the lake on a hot summer day, cooling off in the best way possible.

    Lake Kissimmee is a year-round natural playground, offering its visitors a little bit of everything. Do yourself a favor, pack your bags, and head on down, whether it be for a short weekend or an extended stay. This trip is one you will never forget.

    Things to Do at Lake Kissimmee

    These are some activities in the Lake Kissimmee, FL area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Hiking
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • State Park
    • Playground

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Kissimmee?

    Lake Kissimmee has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Catfish
    • Chain Pickerel
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Pickerel
    • Pike
    • Sunfish
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Kissimmee

    If you’re considering a Lake Kissimmee lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Lake Kissimmee Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Kissimmee lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Kissimmee Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Water Level Control: South Florida Water Management District

    Surface Area: 34,948 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 51 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 49 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 53 feet

    Average Depth: 5 feet

    Maximum Depth: 20 feet

    Water Volume: 339,200 acre-feet

    Trophic State: Eutropic

    Lake Kissimmee Map
    Local Weather Forecast

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