Grape Hammock Fish Camp & Airboat Rides

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For Floridians seeking a truly authentic taste of "Old Florida," Grape Hammock Fish Camp & Airboat Rides offers an unforgettable experience. Nestled on the serene south end of Lake Kissimmee in Lake Wales, this family-operated destination is much more than just a campground; it’s a living testament to Florida’s natural beauty and a hub for outdoor adventure. Whether you're an avid angler, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Grape Hammock provides a unique blend of rustic charm, thrilling airboat tours, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's a place where "gators are everywhere," where the waters teem with fish, and where friendly, knowledgeable captains guide you through the untouched headwaters of the Everglades.

Grape Hammock Fish Camp & Airboat Rides is conveniently located at 1400 Grape Hammock Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA. This prime location places it directly on the south end of Lake Kissimmee, Florida's third-largest lake, renowned for its "lunker bass, plentiful pan fish, and spectacular scenery." While it feels wonderfully "far enough away from the city to enjoy tranquility and breathe fresh air," it remains remarkably accessible. For those coming from Central Florida attractions like Orlando, it's only about an hour and a half drive away, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

To reach Grape Hammock, you would typically travel 25 miles east of Lake Wales off of Highway 60 East, or 25 miles west of Yeehaw Junction. The drive itself transports you from urban landscapes into the heart of Florida's natural wetlands, setting the stage for your adventure. The camp has a dedicated boat ramp and parking area, making it easy for visitors to launch their own vessels. Its proximity to Lake Kissimmee means direct access to a vast aquatic playground, perfect for fishing, boating, and exploring unique freshwater islands like Brama Island. This strategic positioning allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment while still being within reach of supplies and other local conveniences in Lake Wales or nearby towns. It's truly a place where you can experience the "REAL Florida."

Grape Hammock Fish Camp & Airboat Rides offers a variety of services designed to make your stay comfortable, convenient, and truly enjoyable, catering to different preferences for experiencing the outdoors.

• Diverse Camping Options: The camp provides multiple accommodation types, including a mobile home park, an RV park, and rustic tent camping sites nestled under ancient oak hammocks. The rustic tent sites are spacious and come with water and electric hookups, and campfires are allowed.
• Cabin Rentals: For those seeking more comfort, cabins are available, nestled under the same live oak hammocks. These cabins are well-equipped with full kitchens (refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave & coffeemaker), bathrooms, basic kitchenware, linens, towels, cable TV, air conditioning/heat, and an outdoor grill.
• Airboat Tours: This is a flagship service! Grape Hammock offers thrilling airboat tours that typically last between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes. Tours are led by USCG Captains, who are native Floridians born and raised on Lake Kissimmee, ensuring impressive knowledge of the area and its wildlife. Headsets are provided for communication and ear protection.
• Boat Rentals: Pontoon and jon boat rentals are available for guests who wish to explore Lake Kissimmee independently, providing flexibility for fishing and leisurely cruises.
• Marina and Boat Slips: The camp operates a marina with boat slips for rent, catering to visitors bringing their own boats. Dry storage options are also available.
• Bait Shop & General Store: A well-stocked bait shop sells essential items like gas, ice, snacks, drinks, and a variety of bait including worms, minnows, shiners, and seasonal crickets. Fishing licenses can also be purchased directly on-site.
• Public Restrooms, Showers & Laundry: For the convenience of all campers, public restrooms, showers, and a laundry facility are available on-site, ensuring a comfortable experience even for those in tents.
• Dump Station: Use of a dump station is included for RV and tent campers with appropriate setups.

Grape Hammock Fish Camp & Airboat Rides is distinguished by several unique features and highlights that promise an authentic and memorable Florida experience.

• Unmatched Alligator and Wildlife Viewing: As highlighted by numerous reviews, the airboat tours are exceptional for spotting "gators everywhere!" Guests frequently report seeing a wide variety of wildlife, including "many different animals, even some rare," such as eagles, snail kites, wood storks, deer, hogs, turtles, turkeys, and snakes in their natural habitat. Captains are noted for being "impressively knowledgeable."
• Expert Airboat Captains: The USCG Captains are native Floridians with deep knowledge of Lake Kissimmee and its ecosystem. Their expertise enriches the tour, providing insights into the wildlife and the history of the area, making the experience both fun and educational.
• Prime Fishing Destination: Lake Kissimmee is famous for its excellent bass and panfish fishing. Guests have direct access to these rich fishing grounds, making it a dream spot for anglers.
• Authentic "Old Florida" Vibe: The camp maintains a rustic charm that harkens back to a simpler, more natural Florida. It’s a place where you can "get your adrenaline pumping" with airboat thrills but also enjoy the tranquility of breathing fresh air and being surrounded by nature, "without a home in sight."
• Family-Operated & Friendly: Being a family-operated business contributes to a welcoming and personalized atmosphere. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, making visitors feel "very safe and comfortable the entire time."
• Scenic Natural Landscape: The tours take you along the shoreline of Lake Kissimmee, through back-water marshes, and around unique freshwater islands, offering "spectacular scenery" and "a great view from every seat."
• Affordable Souvenirs and Snacks: The "nice little shop with snacks and souvenirs at affordable prices" adds a convenient touch for grabbing essentials or mementos.

For reservations, airboat tour bookings, or any other inquiries, please use the following contact information for Grape Hammock Fish Camp & Airboat Rides:

Address: 1400 Grape Hammock Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA

Phone: (863) 692-1500

Mobile Phone: +1 863-692-1500

It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially for airboat tours, as times can vary based on weather and wildlife activity, and to check for seasonal availability. Their website also provides valuable information for planning your visit.

Grape Hammock Fish Camp & Airboat Rides is an ideal destination for locals in Florida, offering a truly immersive and accessible outdoor experience right in their home state. For Floridians, especially those in Central Florida, it provides a perfect escape to the natural wilderness without the need for extensive travel. The direct access to Lake Kissimmee's renowned fishing grounds makes it a dream for local anglers, while the thrilling airboat tours offer a chance to witness the state's iconic wildlife, particularly the abundance of alligators, up close and personal – an experience that even seasoned Floridians will find captivating. The variety of accommodation, from rustic tent sites to comfortable cabins and RV spots, caters to diverse preferences and budgets, making it suitable for families, solo adventurers, and groups alike. The family-operated nature of the camp contributes to a warm, welcoming atmosphere where visitors feel safe and well-cared for. By offering a blend of exhilarating adventure (like the airboat tours) and serene natural beauty (like the quiet fishing and camping), Grape Hammock provides a well-rounded and authentic "Real Florida" experience. It's a fantastic local gem for creating lasting memories, embracing the outdoors, and discovering the wild heart of the Sunshine State.

Grape Hammock Fish Camp & Airboat Rides

1400 Grape Hammock Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA