Natural Features | Cultural Heritage | Preserve Management | Recreation
Trails
Paynes Prairie has over 30 miles of multi-use trails.
Please see:
Visitor Center
The Preserve's award winning visitor center contains exhibits illustrating the cultural and natural history of Paynes Prairie. A twenty minute video is shown on request. Books, t-shirts, posters, and patches are on sale. All proceeds go to support the Friends of Paynes Prairie.
A short walk, from the visitor center, will take you to a 40 foot tall observation tower that provides a panoramic view of Paynes Prairie.
The Visitor Center is the information center for the preserve visitor. You may also contact the Visitor Center for information on Ranger-led Activities.
Camping
The campground has 50 sites. All sites have electric, water, a picnic table and a ground grill. Walk in tent sites as well as RV sites are available. The RV sites are suitable for tents. The campground has two modern rest rooms, with showers and flush toilets. A dump station is available for the use of campers. Campers have the combination to the park gate which, for their security, is locked from sundown to 8:00 A.M.
Reservations -
A valid Master Card or Visa Card is required to make a camping reservation. Reservations may be made up to one year before your arrival. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit:
Reserve America.
Fees -
Camping fees are $15.00 per night with water and electricity included.
Campground Location -
The campground is accessible from the main park entrance which is located 10 miles south of Gainesville on U.S. 441 or 3 miles from exit 374 of I-75. Both highways have signs to direct you to the park.
Picnicking
Park visitors can use the two picnic pavilions and a large covered grill located near the campground and recreation area. Each pavilion can seat 60 people and may be reserved with a $30.00 prepayment. Addition picnic tables and grills are available at the Lake Wauberg Recreation Area and the Visitor Center Picnic Area.
For more information or to make a reservation contact the park office at (352)466-3397.
Canoeing-Boating
Lake Wauberg is open to any type of boating activity that doesn't involve the use of a gasoline engine. Please remember that the lake has numerous large alligators, swimming is not encouraged. The park has no swimming area. For the protection of wildlife there is no canoeing within the Paynes Prairie marsh.
Fishing
Lake Wauberg provides excellent fishing. Dense shore vegetation limits the opportunities for bank fishing. Large alligators makes fishing while wading inadvisable. The park does not rent boats but a boat ramp is provided. To prevent the spread of noxious weeds the use of gas engines is prohibited. Electric tolling motors are more than adequate on Lake Wauberg's 300 acres. Lake Wauberg can be reached through the main park entrance which is located 10 miles south of Gainesville on U.S. 441 or 3 miles from exit 374 of I-75. Both highways have signs to direct you to the park.
Bank fishing is available along Camps Canal. Camps Canal can be reached from county road 234. County road 234 crosses U.S.441 in Micanopy. The intersection has a flashing caution light and is 11 miles south of Gainesville on U.S. 441. County road 234 crosses State road 20 in Rochelle. Rochelle is located 4 miles east of Gainesville on State road 20. Click here for a map.
Natural Features | Cultural Heritage | Preserve Management | Recreation
