Camping at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park near Okeechobee

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park was recognized in 2016 as an International Dark Sky Park. This is the first Florida State Park to be recognized with such a prestigious award. The overnight astronomy pad campsites were designed and installed for those avid and thoughtful astronomers with telescopes who wish to avoid light pollution and share in the cosmic viewing bounty.
Star party etiquette is observed in the Astronomy area. To respect the quality astronomy outdoor recreational experience we ask the renters of the astronomy pad campsites to observe the following rules:

• Due to light pollution campfires are not allowed in the astronomy sites. All other campsites have fire rings for ground fires.
• Lights other than red filtered/colored are not permitted. To include; tent/trailer camping equipment, campers and camper guests equipment, flashlights, cellphones, etc.
• Limit each site to a max of 8 people, one camping unit, or 2 tents, and one vehicle. Screen room is permitted and will not count if not used for sleeping. Additional overflow vehicle parking is available nearby.
• Camping equipment size may not exceed 17 ft. in length and 11 ft. in height.
• Vehicles and camping equipment must be located on the west side of the astronomy campground, the east side is for observation equipment only.
• Vehicles and equipment must not block the main drive between campsite and viewing pad.

It is recommended that campers using the astronomy sites arrive well before dark to facilitate setting up the campsite and astronomy equipment before sunset. The astronomy sites are narrow and can have added difficultly to navigate after dark if neighboring astronomers have equipment set up.