At Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, the only designated dark sky site in Florida, campers experience night skies free from light pollution about 70 miles northeast of Sebring. This region features diverse ecosystems from oak hammocks to river frontage with elevation rarely exceeding 100 feet above sea level, creating distinct microclimates for wildlife viewing and camping options. Winter temperatures average 50-75°F while summer months can reach above 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Fossil hunting along rivers: Peace River Campground offers specialized equipment for finding prehistoric remains. "I found a ton of shark teeth," reports Jennifer L., who visited the site. Many campers use wire mesh baskets available at some locations to sift through river sediment.
Astronomy activities: Kilpatrick Hammock Campground provides unmatched stargazing opportunities as a certified dark sky location. "Be sure to ONLY use flashlights with red lense so that you do not disrupt the star gazers," advises Annell N. The campground even has a designated area specifically for astronomers.
ATV and dirt bike trails: Multiple off-road vehicle trails exist around certain campgrounds. "Lots of trails for dirtbikes, ATVs and UTVs!" notes JACKIE L. about Peace River Campground. These trails range from beginner-friendly to challenging terrain with mud holes and sand dunes.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: River Ranch RV Resort receives praise for its layout. "My family and I stayed here for a little over a week and wish we could stay longer. The lots were beautiful, spacious and private," writes Katie F. Sites frequently include concrete pads with ample room between neighbors.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Camping areas throughout the region offer close encounters with native animals. "Our 6 teenagers were so excited to stand face-to-face, only a few feet from gentle deer, bunnies, and turkeys. We even saw some lazy baby alligators sunning on the Military Trail," shares Roxxy G. about her experience at Kissimmee Prairie.
Clean facilities: Peace River Oaks maintains high standards according to visitors. "This place is brand new and very clean. The owners/operators are extremely friendly and helpful," writes Brad P. Many campgrounds in the area feature regularly maintained bathhouses with hot showers.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Some campgrounds experience water issues during rainy periods. "Although we enjoyed our time here there were some serious concerns with flooding. Many large rigs were parked in the flood plane which encompasses a large section of the park," cautions Laura H. about Peace River RV and Camping Resort.
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in more remote locations. "Cell reception: minimal, it is put in the country for Florida, And the neighboring town is small. So there is signal but bandwidth is low," notes one reviewer about the Peace River area.
Distance from supplies: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park requires advance planning. "Be sure to fuel up and have plenty of groceries," recommends Annell N. Most glamping locations near Sebring are 15-30 minutes from the nearest town with substantial shopping options.
Tips for camping with families
Bring portable recreation: Pack bikes or scooters for exploring campground roads. "Great bicycle paths walking trails, canoeing fishing and actually quite in the evenings on the eastern side of the grounds," suggests Thomas E. about Peace River RV and Camping Resort.
Consider rental options: Lake Rosalie Campground offers glamping structures that can accommodate families without extensive equipment. "We fished off the dock, which was a lot of fun," shares April F. about activities that kept her family engaged during a 13-day stay.
Plan for insects: Mosquito protection is essential in these humid environments. "Have to watch out for the mosquitoes so bring a lot of bug spray," warns dean G. about River Ranch. Some campers recommend bringing screened shelters for outdoor dining areas.
Tips from RVers
Reserve utility sites early: Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo fills quickly, especially sites with full hookups. "The camping area is wooded with hookups. They recently renovated the whole place," notes Christy C. Many RV sites throughout the region require reservations 3-6 months in advance during winter season.
Check road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can present challenges. "It had just rained a lot due to Hurricane Eta and there are huge potholes. So go slow!!!!" advises Sherry P. about navigating Peace River RV and Camping Resort. Interior roads at many sites are unpaved and may become difficult after heavy rain.
Consider site placement: When glamping close to Sebring, Florida, request sites away from common areas if seeking quiet. "We chose D14, back in. All of their sites are back in and they stress that over and over," shares a reviewer about their site selection process at Peace River.
