The Best Places to Camp Under the Stars in Florida: A Stargazer's Paradise
Florida's natural beauty isn’t just about its sunny beaches, sprawling wetlands, and tropical landscapes—it’s also about the night sky. Away from the bright lights of the cities, Florida offers a variety of beautiful spots for camping under the stars. Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent by the ocean, in a secluded forest, or under the wide-open sky of a prairie, the Sunshine State offers an abundance of fantastic places for camping enthusiasts to connect with nature. Here are some of the best places in Florida to camp under the stars, where you can relax under a sparkling sky and wake up to the natural beauty of this unique state.
1. Bahia Honda State Park: Camping by the Ocean
Bahia Honda State Park, located in the Florida Keys, is one of the most stunning places in the state to camp under the stars. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, this park offers a beautiful beachfront camping experience with incredible views both day and night. The night sky at Bahia Honda is particularly breathtaking, with stars reflected in the calm waters, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
Campers can choose from tent or RV sites, many of which are just steps away from the beach. The lack of nearby city lights provides the perfect conditions for stargazing. After a day of swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, you can relax by your campfire and watch the stars appear one by one in the darkening sky. The gentle sound of the waves lapping against the shore makes this an unforgettable camping experience.
Stay at one of the waterfront campsites for a true "camping on the beach" experience, and be sure to bring a pair of binoculars for some excellent stargazing opportunities. For dining, the nearby town of Big Pine Key has several local restaurants, such as No Name Pub, known for its quirky atmosphere and great seafood.
2. Everglades National Park: A Wilderness Adventure
Everglades National Park offers a unique camping experience unlike any other in Florida. The park is vast, covering over 1.5 million acres of wetlands, and provides campers the opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. While the Everglades may be known for its swamps and alligators, it also offers some amazing stargazing opportunities, especially in more remote areas where light pollution is minimal.
The Flamingo Campground is a popular choice for those who want to camp under the stars in the Everglades. Located near the southern tip of the park, Flamingo Campground offers wide, open skies perfect for stargazing. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way stretching across the sky, and listen to the sounds of nature that surround you—frogs, insects, and the occasional splash of a fish or an alligator. Another option is the Long Pine Key Campground, which is more accessible and located closer to the park's entrance. This campground is set amidst a beautiful pine forest and offers a peaceful spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the Everglades.
Be sure to pack insect repellent, as mosquitoes are plentiful, especially during the summer months. For those looking to grab a meal nearby, Everglades City offers a few local dining options, such as Triad Seafood Market & Café, where you can enjoy fresh seafood before heading back to your campsite.
3. Myakka River State Park: Under the Ancient Oaks
Myakka River State Park, located near Sarasota, is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks, and it offers an incredible camping experience under the stars. The park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including wetlands, prairies, and shady oak hammocks draped in Spanish moss. The Big Flats Campground and Old Prairie Campground offer campsites with easy access to the park’s many trails and waterways, providing campers the opportunity to explore during the day and enjoy the starry sky at night.
As the sun sets, the oak hammocks create a beautiful silhouette against the sky, and the wide-open prairie areas provide perfect stargazing conditions. The park’s remote location means very little light pollution, allowing the stars to shine brightly. During the day, you can hike the Canopy Walkway, which takes you above the treetops for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Myakka River State Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, deer, and numerous bird species, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers.
Stay at one of the park’s campgrounds for a peaceful and scenic experience, and bring a telescope if you have one to take advantage of the dark skies. For dining, head into Sarasota and try Owen's Fish Camp for a casual, Southern-inspired seafood meal.
4. Anastasia State Park: Ocean Breezes and Night Skies
Anastasia State Park, located in St. Augustine, offers a unique camping experience just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean. The park’s campground is nestled within a beautiful maritime hammock, providing shaded campsites with easy access to the beach. The park’s beach is an excellent spot for stargazing, with the sound of the waves in the background and a clear view of the night sky.
The Ancient Dunes Trail is a great place to explore during the day, offering a glimpse into the natural beauty of the park, with views of sand dunes, tidal marshes, and coastal scrub. As night falls, head to the beach with a blanket and watch as the stars begin to twinkle above the ocean. On clear nights, you may even be able to see the International Space Station passing overhead. The combination of ocean breezes, starry skies, and the tranquil setting makes Anastasia State Park one of the best places to camp under the stars in Florida.
Stay at one of the park’s campsites for a peaceful and scenic stay, and be sure to explore St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city. For dining, visit The Conch House Restaurant for Caribbean-inspired dishes with views of the marina, or try Salt Life Food Shack for a casual, oceanfront meal.
5. Jonathan Dickinson State Park: Stargazing in the Pine Flatwoods
Jonathan Dickinson State Park, located near Hobe Sound on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, is a fantastic destination for those looking to camp under the stars. The park offers a variety of landscapes, including pine flatwoods, sand dunes, and river swamps, making it a great spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. The Pine Grove Campground and River Campground offer campsites that are perfect for stargazing, especially in areas where the canopy opens up to reveal the night sky.
The park’s remote location away from the bright lights of urban areas makes it ideal for stargazing, and on a clear night, the stars shine brightly above the pine flatwoods. During the day, you can explore the Loxahatchee River by kayak or canoe, or hike to the top of Hobe Mountain, the highest natural point in South Florida, for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The park’s diverse habitats are home to a variety of wildlife, including gopher tortoises, deer, and numerous bird species, making it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts.
Stay at one of the park’s campgrounds for a peaceful and scenic camping experience, and bring a stargazing app to help you identify constellations in the night sky. For dining, head into Jupiter and try Guanabanas for a unique, tropical-themed dining experience or The Food Shack for fresh, locally inspired dishes.
6. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park: A Stargazer’s Dream
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, located in central Florida, is a true hidden gem for stargazing enthusiasts. The park is designated as a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association, making it one of the best places in Florida to see the stars. The wide-open prairie landscape provides unobstructed views of the night sky, and on a clear night, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even the occasional meteor.
The park offers primitive campsites, as well as a more developed campground, both of which provide excellent opportunities for stargazing. The lack of light pollution means that the stars shine brightly, and the peaceful prairie setting makes for a truly magical experience. During the day, you can explore the park’s extensive trail system, which winds through the dry prairie and provides opportunities to see wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, and the endangered Florida grasshopper sparrow.
Stay at one of the park’s primitive campsites for the best stargazing experience, and be sure to bring a telescope or binoculars. The nearby town of Okeechobee offers a few dining options, such as Lightsey’s Seafood Restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh, local seafood before heading back to your campsite for a night under the stars.
Tips for Camping Under the Stars in Florida
Check the Weather: Florida's weather can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season. Check the forecast before your trip to ensure clear skies for stargazing.
Pack Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in areas near water. Be sure to bring insect repellent to keep the bugs at bay.
Bring a Star Map or Stargazing App: To enhance your stargazing experience, bring a star map or download a stargazing app to help you identify constellations and planets.
Avoid Light Pollution: Choose campgrounds that are away from urban areas to minimize light pollution and get the best view of the night sky.
Bring Proper Camping Gear: Make sure to bring all the necessary camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, camping stove, and flashlight.
Camping under the stars in Florida is a magical experience that allows you to connect with nature and witness the beauty of the night sky. From the tranquil shores of Bahia Honda to the wide-open prairies of Kissimmee, there are countless places across the state where you can relax, unwind, and gaze up at the stars. So pack your gear, grab your telescope, and head out for an unforgettable adventure under the stars in the Sunshine State.