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The best secluded Florida spots for seeing the Perseid meteor shower

By Orlando Weekly Staff on Wed, May 26, 2021 at 6:54 pm

Due to excessive light pollution, even on a clear night you can barely see the stars in Orlando. However, we're not that far from places where the stars always shine bright. If you're looking to see the Perseid meteor shower this week, we've gathered a few nearby places where the night sky is always on full display.

A few tips:

The peak of the Perseids is Wednesday night into Thursday morning, from after midnight until dawn.
The nearest, easily recognizable constellation to Perseus (the constellation from which the meteors take their name) is Cassiopeia. Cassiopeia looks a bit like a staircase in the northeastern sky.
Bring a chair,. You'll want to sit for a while to let your eyes adjust.

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Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

33104 Northwest 192 Ave, Okeechobee, FL, 863-462-5360, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 51 minutes
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve was recognized as Florida’s first Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association, this mean that this park may be one of the very best places for celestial views. During the day though there are extensive trails for hikers, bikers and even horses. Making a reservation at least a day prior is advised.

Photo via fl.statesparks/ Instagram

Chiefland Astronomy Village

5251 NW 52 Ct, Chiefland, FL , 305-439-1351, Chiefland Astronomy Village
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 9 minutes
If you go to Astronomy Village, stargazing might be your first priority, but it doesn’t need to be your only activity while you are there. Both Manatee Springs State Park and Nature Coast state bike trail are nearby. Be prepared for advanced stargazers with large telescopes and binoculars and camping on site is reserved for members only.

Photo via jefferyvball/ Instagram

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sebastian Inlet State Park

9700 South Highway A1A, FL, 321-984-4852, Sebation Inlet State Park
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 45 minutes
Sebastian Inlet State Park has a ton to do if you enjoy the ocean. It has kayak rentals for those who want to get out there, is near a solid surf break and has reefs to scuba dive or snorkel just south of it. You should call at least one day in advance to make a reservation.

O’Leno State Park

410 Dogwood Trail, High Springs, 386-454-1853, O’Leno State Park
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 7 minutes
One of Florida’s oldest state parks, O’Leno offers RV, tent and hammock camping. The park has a ton of outdoor activities from bike trails, springs, the Santa Fe River, tours and you can even get married there.

Shell Mound Campground

17650 SW 78 Pl, Cedar Key, FL, 352-221-4466, Shell Mound Campground
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 24 minutes
With it’s view over the Gulf Coast, Shell Mound not only offers clear, dark skies at night for stargazing, but also beautiful sunsets over the ocean. They have a small dock that allows for saltwater fishing and the calm gulf water makes for an ideal kayaking area around the campground. No reservation required to stay.

Doe Lake Campground

Ocala National Forest, Umatilla, FL, 352-625-2520, Doe Lake Campground
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 17 minutes
Overlooking Doe Lake, this campground offers an old-school summer camp vibe, complete with a large dinning hall. Bring your tent, RV or rent one of their upscale, and structurally solid tents that come with Wifi. No need to make reservations, unless you’re group camping.

Dowling Park River Camp

233rd Mayo, FL, 800-868-9904, Dowling Park River Camp
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 3 hours
It’s hard to find and rather secluded, but sometimes that's just what you’re looking for. They have five screened shelters to rent, restrooms and hot showers, but not much more. This is your basic wilderness camping where you can enjoy the river and relax. If you are interested in the shelters it is best to call in advance to reserve one.

Photo via Paddle Florida/ Facebook

Suwannee River Cove Campground

8749 288th St Branford FL, 954-661-0888, Suwannee River Cove
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 2 hours 30 minutes
Suwannee River Cove Campground has cabin and RV camping, but what makes them different is that they have 40 acres dedicated just to primitive camping. With that 40 acres being both near the river, where they rent canoes and kayaks, and stretching deep into the woods. It will give you a sense of being in the wilderness and you will be only a minutes drive from several springs where you can swim or snorkel. There are only three cabins to rent so better call ahead if you want one of them, but other than that no need.

B’s Marina & Campground

6621 Riverside Dr, Yankeetown, FL, 352-447-5888, B’s Marina & Campground
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 53 minutes
As you might guess from the name, B’s Marina & Campground is located on the water. The majority of their activities revolve around the ocean, such as fishing docks, boat tours and a fish cleaning shed. There is also hiking and biking and is both RV and tent friendly. Making a reservation is a must and it should be two weeks in advance.

Flamingo Campground

Flamingo Lodge Hwy, Homestead, FL, 305-242-7700, Flamingo Campground
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 5 hours 43 minutes
The large open space of the Flamingo Campground allows for strong, ocean breezes. The marina offers boat rentals, where you can go through the waterways for saltwater fishing and can see wildlife such as, manatees and crocodiles. Better to reserve a spot during the high season, November 20 to April 15.

Fort Pickens Campground

1446 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL, 850-934-2622, Fort Pickens Campground
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 7 hours 2 minutes
Situated on Santa Rosa Island and only a mile from the historic Fort Pickens that once defended Pensacola Bay, Fort Pickens Campground allows for great hiking on miles of white sand beach on the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The warm Gulf water makes itself ideal for swimming and snorkeling, as well as fishing. It is required to make reservations at least one day before arrival.

Photo via choolian/ Instagram

High Springs Campground

24004 Old Bellamy Rd, High Springs, FL, 386-454-1688, High Springs Campground
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 1 hour 56 minutes
This sleepy little campground is located near Gainesville and has modern amenities such as showers, a pool and free WiFi. The campground itself doesn’t have much for activities on site, but you are located near several springs in the area and the Ichetucknee River were you can rent an inner tube and float for hours. Both RVs and tents welcome, no need to call ahead.

Monument Lake Campground

50215 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141, 877–444-6777, Monument Lake Campground
Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 4 hours 7 minutes
Located in Big Cypress National Preserve, Monument Lake Campground offers a way for both RVers and primitive campers to get away and live with the most basic amenities. Plenty of birds and gators to be spotted here on the small lake the campground is located on. You can call ahead for reservations or take a site that is strictly first come, first serve.