Child with telescope looking at a sky full of stars with a text overlay saying 6 Florida State Parks Where Stargazing Takes Center Stage
June 10, 2021

6 Florida State Parks Where Stargazing Takes Center Stage

Florida State Parks offer some incredible experiences, from playing on the white sand beaches to biking through pine forests and much more. But have you ever considered the Sunshine State to be an excellent place to go stargazing? 

Although Florida is home to an abundance of brightly lit cities and popular beach destinations, you can also find some incredibly remote locations perfect for viewing the night sky like you never have before. 

Check out these six Florida State Parks where stargazing definitely steals the show!

Lafayette Blue Springs State Park

This Florida State Park is located in northern Florida along the Suwannee River. One of its most remarkable features is its remote location. 

Taking in a quiet, peaceful evening staring up at the stunningly brilliant night sky in this park is a magnificent experience! 

Plus, primitive campsites are available for a truly rustic adventure. Or you can rent one of the state park's fully-furnished cabins along the Suwannee River with a spacious deck perfect for stargazing.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

On the eastern edge of Florida, a little more than a 90-minute drive from Orlando sits Sebastian Inlet State Park—a haven for surfers, kayakers, and anglers. The immaculate beaches are perfect for collecting shells and viewing wildlife. 

But at night, the stars come alive above the Atlantic Ocean at this Florida State Park! Also noteworthy is the tent and RV campground being only a short walk from the beach. 

Ochlockonee River State Park

Just 40 miles east of Apalachicola is the vastly remarkable Ochlockonee River State Park. With shorelines on both the Ochlockonee River and the Dead River, it's no surprise that this area carries immense ecological significance.

With minimal light pollution to hinder your view, this Florida State Park is another excellent spot for stargazing! The park offers 30 campsites with water and electricity available for tents and RVs. 

Big Lagoon State Park 

Along Florida's Gulf Coast, about as far west as you can go without crossing into Alabama, you'll find Big Lagoon State Park—home to a three-story observation tower and much more!

Here you can find stargazing programs being offered for people of all ages to enjoy. The well-kept tent and RV campsites will have you returning again and again just to get a glimpse of the stunning starlight! 

Curry Hammock State Park

If you are lucky enough to get the chance to travel to the Florida Keys, Curry Hammock State Park is a hot spot for those chasing dramatic views of the night's sky.

This secluded stretch along the heavily developed Keys offers a great deal of untamed, tropical beauty. Camp here on the weekend and you'll be invited to stargaze with a group of local experts! 

Both tent and RV camping is available here. 

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park 

How does being at the center of 54,000 acres of primitive prairie sound? Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is a must-visit park (and campground) for stargazing enthusiasts!

Located in south-central Florida, this park affords visitors a clear view of an abundance of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies, including the International Space Station and even rocket launches from the east coast's space centers! 

In 2016, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve was recognized as Florida's first Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association. All Florida State Parks close at sunset; however, they offer several ways to gain after-hours access to the preserve to enjoy the dark skies.

Stargazing Adventures Create Bright Memories

Wide-eyed adventurers seem to naturally find solace gazing up at a crystal clear night sky. If that's true for you then, these Florida State Parks won't disappoint. 

But you will be disappointed to return home without documenting the memorable highlights of your journey. Putting your thoughts, feelings, and ideas down in a Florida State Parks Bucket Journal is an excellent way to remember what you enjoyed most about your trip.  

Stargazing and journaling are two activities with the power to help us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. Combine them in your very own bucket journal and have a meaningful keepsake for years to come! 

Which of these Florida State Parks will you be adding to your travel bucket list? 

6 florida state parks with stargazing