Prairie Lakes Unit - Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Prairie Lakes Unit is a part of the larger Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area in Florida.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a beautiful nature reserve that attracts visitors with its diverse flora and fauna. The area covers about 62,000 acres, and it is home to many endangered species such as sandhill cranes, Florida panthers, and gopher tortoises.
One of the significant reasons to visit Prairie Lakes Unit is the chance to explore the unique and varied landscapes. Visitors can enjoy hiking or biking through pine forests, freshwater marshes, prairies, and wetlands. The area is also popular among birdwatchers, as it is home to over 180 species of birds.
Some specific points of interest to see in Prairie Lakes Unit include the Lake Jackson Observation Tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also see the old cattle pens and dipping vat, which was used to treat cattle for parasites. Another must-see attraction is the Indian Mound Trail, which features several ancient burial mounds.
One interesting fact about the area is that the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area was once a cattle ranch owned by the Bronson family. The area was used for cattle grazing until the state purchased it in the 1980s.
The best time of year to visit Prairie Lakes Unit is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this time, visitors can enjoy cooler temperatures and less rainfall.
In conclusion, Prairie Lakes Unit in the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful nature reserve in Florida that offers visitors the chance to explore unique landscapes, see endangered species, and learn about the area's history. With its diverse flora and fauna, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
River Ranch Property Owners Association
|
||
Buster Island Primitive Camp Site
|
||
Three Lakes Campsite
|
||
Fallen Oak Campsite
|
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Area
Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
Lake Kissimmee State Park