Astronomy Pad

“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 park is remotely located in the northwest corner of Okeechobee county and the open vistas of the vast prairie provide incredible evening astronomical viewing and superior celestial opportunities from all of the 35 campsites. 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. Astronomy pad campsites include 15 amp electric service and water to both campsite and viewing pad. In addition, 30 and 50 amp electrical service is available at the astronomy camp site. Restrooms for astronomy campsites are located 1/10 mile away at the park office and shower facilities at the bath house 3/10 mile away in the family campground. See the park website under the events page for the next public interpretive astronomy program. 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: 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. 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. Vehicles and equipment must not block the main drive between campsite and viewing pad. Dumping grey water on the ground is prohibited. A dump station is located at the family campground entrance next to the garbage dumpster. Garbage dumpster and recycling containers are located at the family campground entrance next to the dump station. Office hours are 8 am to 4 pm Mon- Fri; 8 am to 2 pm Sat, Sun, and State holidays. o Check in time is 3 pm. Check out time is 1 pm, campers may be checked in early depending upon availability o All campers and guests must register or check in at office or with late field ranger o Campers are provided front gate lock code upon check in o Campers with reservations that will not arrive before closing should call office the day of to get gate code. 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.”

Florida State Parks' note for this site

Longest rig

17 ft

From Florida State Parks' site list.