Cape Canaveral's camping areas sit on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Banana River, with elevations rarely exceeding 10 feet above sea level. The region experiences strong coastal breezes throughout the year, creating cooler conditions than inland Florida camping sites. Summer thunderstorms develop almost daily between June and September, typically in the afternoon hours.
What to do
Rocket launch viewing: Find prime viewing spots at Manatee Hammock Campground where you can see Kennedy Space Center across the water. "This is a nice campground that's located right on the intercoastal waterway right across from Kennedy Space Center. We saw two rocket launches while here," notes Dave D.
Fishing from designated piers: Access fishing opportunities at parks with waterfront locations. A camper at Manatee Hammock mentions, "We watched the manatees and dolphins swim right by us on the real nice fishing dock." The jetty and ocean piers provide additional fishing access for campers.
Beach exploration: Many camping sites near Cape Canaveral, Florida offer beach access within walking distance. "Great location, good sites. Easy access to restaurants/bars. Good beach biking, fishing, watching the cruise ships come and go," reports Angela S. about Jetty Park Campground.
Wildlife observation: Look for manatees and dolphins in the Indian River at multiple campsites. "With so many gorgeous water birds and trees. The park sits off the Indian River and is the perfect place to catch a launch," shares one visitor about the natural surroundings.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Many campers appreciate sites with direct water views. At KARS Park, "Located on the river across from Kennedy Space Center, it's a great spot to view launches with 20 or so spots along the river," according to Eleanor.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom and shower cleanliness as important factors. "Bathrooms are basic but clean. Staff is wonderful," notes one camper at Jetty Park Campground.
Shade options: In Florida's heat, tree cover becomes valuable. At Manatee Cove Family Campground, campers find "Nice wooded lots... nice change of scenery here on the Florida coast. Quite and Peaceful."
Dog-friendly areas: Many campsites welcome pets with dedicated areas. "There is a large fenced Dog Park on the riverfront," mentions Dennis J. about Manatee Hammock, while another camper notes Sonrise Palms has a "Gated dog park with lots of toys."
What you should know
Site spacing varies widely: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Sonrise Palms RV, campers appreciate the layout, while at other locations, "sites are a bit small" according to visitor feedback.
Military base access restrictions: Some campgrounds require military credentials. At Manatee Cove Family Campground, "Only available to KSC/NASA employees and military though (and requires an annual membership of $15-20)."
Seasonal population changes: Winter months bring significant increases in campers. "Very busy in the winter," notes Donald M. about Jetty Park. Summer brings fewer campers but much higher temperatures.
Train noise at some locations: Some campgrounds experience railroad noise. At Manatee Hammock, one camper warns of "freight train noise every night in the early morning hours and traffic noise, specially with campsites near the busy US-1."
Fire restrictions: Rules about campfires vary by location. At Manatee Hammock, "no fires unless you bring your own fire pit and must be at least 6" off the ground," while some prohibit fires completely.
Tips for camping with families
Look for protected swimming areas: Families appreciate designated swim zones. "The beach is also a short walk away. The pier and protected swimming areas appeal to families," mentions one camper about Jetty Park's amenities.
Consider sites with playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Wickham Park Campground offers "lots of bike/walking paths and wide open, quiet spaces" with a playground nearby, according to Jeff F.
Pack for afternoon thunderstorms: Summer brings predictable afternoon storms. Plan morning activities and have indoor options for afternoons, especially with children.
Try disc golf courses: Some parks offer additional recreational options. "Disc golf, food trucks, farmers market, playground the list goes on!" shares Mikella about Wickham Park's family-friendly features.
Book weekday stays when possible: Campgrounds report quieter environments midweek. "We stayed here with a tent in mid-June, during the week. The campground was quiet, with about two-thirds of the sites unoccupied," notes Denis P.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: RV sites vary significantly in size. "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," advises Melissa B.
Concrete pad availability: Some sites offer concrete pads, which RVers prefer. "The sites were clean with concrete slab," mentions one camper about their experience.
Plan for summer heat impact: High temperatures affect RV camping without full hookups. "Being prepared for the rustic setup" is important, as one camper notes that shaded sites can limit solar panel function while making summer temperatures more bearable.
Storage options: Some campgrounds offer RV storage for long-term visitors. "On top of that, they provide onsite storage options," notes one camper about the convenience for seasonal RVers.
