Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base

Military families and retirees with larger RVs gravitate to this 156-site campground positioned directly along the historic Banana River. The facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis except for active duty personnel, with staff recommending advance calls during November through February when snowbirds maintain near-full capacity. Sites accommodate rigs up to 50 amp with full hookups, though reviewers note that units over 42 feet may find maneuvering challenging on some lots.

The wooded sites provide a contrast to typical Florida coastal camping, with ten primitive beachfront spots available for those preferring waterfront placement. Two shower houses and laundry facilities serve the campground, with reviewers consistently noting their cleanliness and convenient placement. Aircraft activity from nearby runways brings regular C-130 and helicopter traffic, which some families find entertaining while others consider it part of the military base atmosphere.

Base amenities include a commissary, bowling alley, swimming pool, and dining facilities accessible to eligible campers. Paula C. notes the appeal of hearing "reveille and taps as well as the sound of freedom" from the active runway operations. Atlantic beaches lie just outside the base gates, while Satellite Beach sits a few miles south for additional coastal access.

Call ahead during peak season months, as the combination of reasonable rates and waterfront sites creates high demand among military retirees.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsManatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base is located in Florida near Patrick AFB

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Take Pineda Causeway, I-95 Exit 188 (new eastbound connection to Pineda Causeway that will not show up on GPS), to A1A (continue on Pineda Causeway past THE FIRST Patrick AFB GATE) turn left, truck entrance is about 1 miles on left on Anvil Ave. After hours, CALL 1-321-494-2008 Law Enforcement 30 minutes prior to arrival to get truck gate opened. The main gate and back gate CANNOT be used for large RVs. Once inside and through the inspection, take this road to the end and turn right onto S. Patrick Rd. Continue on S. Patrick Rd. for 1.1 miles. Near end of runway, it bears left and name changes to Atlas Ave. Go thru stop sign, second left onto Rescue Rd for about 2 miles. It dead ends at Famcamp.

Coordinates

28.223808056557658 N
80.61618558805446 W

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Connectivity

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    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base

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5 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the scenic waterfront sites and comprehensive base amenities in a peaceful setting. Several visitors appreciated the helpful staff and clean facilities, though larger RVs may face space limitations.

Reviewed Jan. 2, 2026

Great location

Nice military campground on the Banana River. Atlantic Beach across the highway from the base. Clean bath houses. Quiet with a lot of retirees and big rigs.

Site13
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base by Adam and Suzanne B., January 2, 2026
  • Review photo of Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base by Adam and Suzanne B., January 2, 2026
Reviewed May. 3, 2021

Beachfront Camping

The FamCamp at Patrick is great. They have waterfront sites available. Amazing views watching the sun set in the evening. The view faces west. Ocean beaches are right outside of the gate.

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base by Richard , May 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base by Richard , May 3, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 8, 2021

Quiet Military Family Campground

This location reminded me of the TV show ‘I Dream of Jeannie’. Located near Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral it is directly along the historic Banana River. Reservations are not accepted except for active duty personnel and you are encouraged to call ahead as sites are only available on a first-come, first-served basis especially during the months of November thru February when the campground traditionally maintains close to full capacity with retiree snowbirds. This Famcamp has 156 well maintained full-service sites with 30/50 amp capability and ten primitive camping sites along the beach front. Two shower houses and laundry facilities are clean and convenient to all campsites. Patrick AFB has a large PX/Commissary as well as a bowling alley, swimming pool, Class VI store, and you can eat at the DFAC. Love the sound of reveille and taps as well as the sound of freedom as the C-130's and helicopters come in and out on the nearby runway.

Site30
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base by Paula C., April 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base by Paula C., April 8, 2021
  • Rocket launch as seen from my campsite
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Reviewed Sep. 29, 2020

Nice “woodsy” feel .

Nice wooded lots. .. nice change of scenery here on the Florida coast. Quite and Peaceful. Not a “party “ campground like Long Point . The Staff in the office was helpful and friendly. The lots ran on the small side. Any one with a 42 footer or more might struggle in a few spots. Call the office , they’ll let you know the better lots for the big rigs. Great view of launches if you luck out on the right day ! Dixie crossroads seafood is only 5 mikes away. Famous for their shrimp. A nice place for a quit stay and close to restaurants and attractions.

  • Review photo of Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base by Melissa B., September 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base by Melissa B., September 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base by Melissa B., September 29, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2018

Manatee Cove Patrick AFB FamCamp

Nice campground if you want to travel around the Cocoa Beach area.  Located directly along the historic Banana River, the campground currently has 156 full-service sites with 30/50 amp capability, ten primitive camping sites, two laundry and shower facilities, a 24-hour community center and a private beach. Placement is on a first-come, first-served basis with the exception of active duty personnel. Potential guests are highly encouraged to call ahead and inquire about availability during the months of November thru February when the campground traditionally maintains close to full capacity.  Lots of amenities on Patrick AFB such as a pool, bowling alley, PX, etc.  We enjoyed Satellite Beach which is a couple of miles south of the base.  Right along the eastern coast too!!  Be prepared for aircraft activity such as C-130's and helicopters coming in and out, as the FamCamp is near the end of one of the runways.  Kids really liked this part.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base by Jason B., August 30, 2018
  • Review photo of Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base by Jason B., August 30, 2018
  • Review photo of Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base by Jason B., August 30, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Patrick Space Force Base (formerly Patrick AFB) Manatee Cove Campground's facilities and amenities?

Manatee Cove Campground offers extensive facilities including 156 full-service sites with 30/50 amp electrical hookups, ten primitive camping sites, and two laundry and shower facilities. The campground features a 24-hour community center and is situated directly along the historic Banana River, providing scenic waterfront views. The peaceful, wooded setting creates a quiet atmosphere that many campers appreciate. Additional amenities include waterfront sites perfect for enjoying sunset views over the Banana River. The campground environment is generally calm and less crowded than some other coastal Florida options.

Can civilians stay at Manatee Cove Campground on Patrick Space Force Base?

Manatee Cove Campground operates as a FamCamp (Family Camp) on a military installation, with priority given to active duty personnel. While not explicitly restricted to military personnel only, the reservation system prioritizes active duty service members. Civilians with proper military affiliations or veterans may be accommodated on a space-available basis. If you're interested in staying but aren't active duty military, it's strongly recommended to call ahead to inquire about current access policies and availability.

What RV accommodations are available at Manatee Cove Campground?

Manatee Cove Campground features 156 full-service RV sites equipped with both 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups. The sites are described as wooded, providing a pleasant natural setting unusual for coastal Florida campgrounds. While accommodating for most RVs, some sites may be challenging for larger rigs over 42 feet in length. Those with larger RVs should call the office ahead of time to ensure appropriate site assignment. The campground offers full hookups, and some premium sites are situated along the waterfront, offering beautiful views of the Banana River.

Where is Manatee Cove Campground located near Cocoa Beach, Florida?

Manatee Cove Campground is located on Patrick Space Force Base (formerly Patrick Air Force Base) directly along the historic Banana River. It's situated very close to Cocoa Beach, with ocean beaches accessible just outside the base gate. The location provides an ideal base for exploring the Space Coast area, including Cape Canaveral. The setting evokes the classic Florida coastal atmosphere (reminiscent of the TV show 'I Dream of Jeannie' which was set in the area). With its strategic position between the Banana River and Atlantic Ocean, the campground offers easy access to both waterfront activities and beach enjoyment.