Canaveral National Seashore manages a boat-in and paddle-in campground spread across islands in the lagoon, with sites numbered 1 through 14. Sites 1 through 5 are accessible by rented canoes from the visitors center, while sites 6 through 14 require launching your own vessel. Each site sits directly on the water and includes a fire ring and picnic table. Raccoons are present, so food storage matters. Pets are permitted, and firewood is available on-site at $25 per night.
Fishing for trout and wildlife sightings, including ospreys and dolphins, are well-documented by campers who have stayed here. A canoe trail through the interior salt creeks provides a sheltered route when winds pick up. The Atlantic-facing barrier strip has beaches accessible by foot. Anglers, paddlers, and campers comfortable with water-based access will find this setup at Canaveral National Seashore Permits a useful starting point for planning a multi-night stay, and campgrounds near Canaveral National Seashore can supplement options for those wanting land-based alternatives.
Description
Overview
Canaveral National Seashore is located midway along Florida's east coast where warm waters and a temperate climate meet to host species as diverse as bald eagles and alligators or bromeliads and mangroves. The national seashore was designated in 1975 to preserve and protect this special area. Visitors to the seashore will discover its rich and diverse history, from its fertile estuaries once supporting Timucuan Indian populations to the area's first orange groves in the 1830s. Today, Canaveral National Seashore offers an inviting place to relax along the shores of the Atlantic, fish in an open lagoon, enjoy a self-guided hike, watch for wildlife like the West Indian manatee or even participate in a guided sea turtle tour. Backcountry Camping on the Islands For visitors wishing to backcountry camp in the seashore, primitive camping is available on designated islands throughout the Intracoastal Waterway and Mosquito Lagoon. These campsites are available by reservation only and require a permit. You may reserve campsites for $25 per night and up to six months in advance. RV or vehicle camping is not permitted within the seashore. Fourteen island campsites are available for reservation and include both natural island and spoil island campsites. All fourteen island campsites are accessible by campers with their own watercraft, such as a motor boat, kayak, or canoe. Canoe rentals are available (weather permitting) for campsites #1 - #5 only. Canoe rentals are $25 per night for individuals 18 years and older. Canoe capacity is two adults per canoe, plus gear. For canoe rentals, please inquire at the Apollo Beach Visitor Center or call (386) 428-3384, ext. 0 for more information. Campsites - Group Size (# of People): Orange Island - 6, Homestead - 8, Shipyard - 10, Headwinds - 10, Government Cut - 20, Jones Canal - 20, Brickhouse Cove - 60, Bissette Bay - 15, Middle Dredge - 25, South Middle Dredge - 25, Scout Island - 20, South Dredge - 40, East Winds - 20, and County Line - 20. Reservations. Begin booking on-line by selecting 'Build Itinerary' at the top right.
Charges & Cancellations
Backcountry Overnight Primtive Island Camping Fees: $25 per nightIsland Capacities vary from 6-60 people. Refund and Cancellation PolicyReservations cancelled prior to 12:00 am ET the day before the reservation start date will be refunded all fees paid minus a $10 cancellation fee. Reservations cancelled after 12:00 am ET the day before the reservation start date will forfeit the first night's fees plus a $10 cancellation fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Full refunds will only be given in the event of park closure due to inclement weather or administrative purposes. Reservation Changes:Once your permit is printed no changes are allowed. Changes in the number of people with the same dates and campsites are allowed when available and completed prior to printing your permit. Changing the date of entry requires a new reservation. Cancel your current permit and reserve a new permit.No-Shows:No refunds will be given in the event of a no-show.
Fee Info
Camping Use Fee: $25 per nightEntrance Fee: Canaveral National Sea shore charges an entrance fee (separate from the camping fee). You may pay the fee upon arrival during Operating Hours or purchase in advance. The park also honors valid America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands annual or lifetime pass (also known as an interagency pass, e.g., Senior, 4th Grade, Military, etc.). For more information, please visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCanaveral National Seashore is located in Florida near Oak Hill
Directions
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Coordinates
28.9272222 N
80.8243333 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/13/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 49 min from Deltona, FL
- 1 hr 16 min from Orlando, FL
- 1 hr 48 min from Sebastian, FL
- 1 hr 49 min from Wildwood, FL
