Doreen G.
Guide
GuideMoss Park Campground
Clean and cheap!
Other than the airplane noise overhead it’s fantastic large sites are amazing with water and electric.
Top Rated Campgrounds near Cape Canaveral, Florida
Cape Canaveral, Florida features several campgrounds that accommodate various camping preferences. Jetty Park Campground stands as a popular option with access to the Atlantic Ocean and views of cruise ships and rocket launches. The campground provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Other options include Manatee Hammock Campground in Titusville and Sonrise Palms RV Park in Cocoa, both within a short drive of Kennedy Space Center. Most developed campgrounds in the area offer water and electric hookups, with many providing full RV services including sewer connections.
The campground infrastructure throughout Cape Canaveral varies with most offering basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. "We stayed at Jetty Park for three nights in December. The weather was gorgeous. We were in the inlet sites with just water hookups. Loved watching the cruise ships pass by!" notes one visitor. Weather considerations are significant, as Florida's summer heat and humidity can be intense from June through September, while winter months offer milder temperatures ideal for camping. Hurricane season (June-November) may affect travel plans, requiring flexible itineraries. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during winter months when seasonal visitors arrive from northern states, and during launch events at Kennedy Space Center.
The proximity to beaches and waterways characterizes many camping experiences in this region. Several visitors mention the unique opportunity to view rocket launches and cruise ships from their campsites as a major highlight. Campers appreciate the beach access at Jetty Park, where the fishing pier and protected swimming areas appeal to families. A camper remarked, "Sites are a bit small, but wow, it's got everything. Breakfast/lunch place, a restaurant with bar within walking distance. You can see space launches, close to KSC, beach, jetty. Spectacular." Some developed campgrounds report tight spacing between sites, though the prime oceanfront location compensates for the close quarters. The Cape Canaveral camping area is especially known for its unique combination of beach access and space program proximity, making it a distinctive camping destination in Florida. Seasonal patterns show highest occupancy during winter months and during major launch events, when reservations should be secured well in advance.
Best Camping Sites Near Cape Canaveral, Florida (85)
1. Jetty Park Campground
34 ReviewsCape Canaveral, FL1 mileWebsite+1 (321) 783-7111$24 - $100 / night
"Varied sites, walking distance from cocoa beach as well as watching rocket launches from Cape Canaveral and cruises ship launches. Sites vary from water only, water and electric to full hook ups."
"I stayed nearly three weeks here in December before heading back to the cold north, and I couldn’t have asked for much more."
2. Manatee Hammock Campground
38 ReviewsSharpes, FL13 milesWebsite+1 (321) 264-5083$28 - $39 / night
"Great fishing and kayaking in the lagoon with a view of Cape Canaveral."
"The downside it has is only loud noises at night from the highway racers or train that goes about 7 to 9 times per night and not having a playground for the kids but they have a pier that you can walk"
3. Jetty Park Canaveral Port Auth
5 ReviewsCape Canaveral, FL1 mileWebsite+1 (321) 783-71114. Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base
5 ReviewsPatrick AFB, FL11 milesWebsite+1 (321) 494-4787$10 - $30 / night
"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."
"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."
5. Encore Space Coast
5 ReviewsRockledge, FL10 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"Lots of long term RVers and very few sites for Thousand Trails Members. Very close to Cocoa Beach!"
"Located close to all attractions including disney, and the space center and lots of other great places to see. Park was nice, clean and such great people. The fishing was amazing."
6. Sonrise Palms RV
3 ReviewsCocoa, FL11 milesWebsite+1 (321) 633-4335"Friendly staff, close to the beach, and several points of interest. We will be back!"
"Lovely lady at reception helped us book over the phone few hours before our arrival but you can also drive up after the office closes, park in the overflow area & register/pay the next day."
7. KARS Park - NASA Members Only
1 ReviewCape Canaveral, FL5 milesWebsite+1 (321) 867-7967$10 - $20 / night
"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. Water/electric sites only, but there are two dump stations available."
8. Joy RV Park
3 ReviewsCocoa, FL12 milesWebsite+1 (321) 631-0305"The campground enjoys a strategic location with a nearby Sam's Club for shopping convenience."
9. Wickham Park Campground
6 ReviewsMelbourne, FL16 milesWebsite+1 (321) 255-4307"It’s a great place with lots of bike/walking paths and wide open, quiet spaces. Hope to take advantage of the fishing ponds, mountain bike trails and archery range in future visits."
"It’s very close to shops but it doesn’t feel like it when you’re in the campground. Close to beaches. Lots of trails to walk or mountain bike."
10. Mango Oak Manor RV Park
1 ReviewCape Canaveral, FL0 miles+1 (321) 508-6428
Recent Camping Photos near Cape Canaveral, FL
73 Photos of 85 Cape Canaveral Campgrounds
Erica S.
Jetty Park Campground
The Dyrt
Encore Space Coast
Melissa B.
Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base
Chris C.
Manatee Hammock Campground
Jannell B.
Seasons In The Sun RV Resort
BT E.
Hal Scott Preserve County Park
Stuart K.
Crystal Lake RV Park
Billy A.
Moss Park Campground
Tracy L H.
Lake Mills Park
Timothy S.
Long Point Park Campground
Stuart K.
Indian River Village RV
Stuart K.
Jackson Hole RV Fish Camp
Recent Reviews near Cape Canaveral, FL
372 Reviews of 85 Cape Canaveral Campgrounds
- Doreen G.Guide
Long Point Park Campground
Waterfront on the River
Great spot near the Sebastian inlet. Great place to bring you fishing pole and kayak
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendHal Scott Preserve County Park
Primitive Peace Beneath the Oaks
Tucked just east of Orlando, Hal Scott Preserve County Park feels like stepping into an older, quieter version of Florida, where primitive camping still means earning your spot by foot and being rewarded with real peace once you arrive. This is a small, hike-in, first-come / first-served primitive campground set beneath mature oak trees that create a beautiful natural canopy, with clearly marked trails that make the walk manageable but still adventurous, especially if you are hauling gear. Amenities are intentionally minimal with cleared campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and a non-potable well pump for water, so planning ahead is essential and a folding wagon or cart is a very smart move to haul things from the very large parking lot. Our boys treated the hike-in like a mini expedition, counting steps, spotting birds along the trail and proudly helping to carry gear, which made the payoff of settling into camp under the oaks feel even sweeter. The best campsite is one slightly set back from the main trail under the thickest oak cover, as it offers the most amount of shade and a stronger sense of seclusion. We would recommend Hal Scott Preserve for families who enjoy primitive camping, hiking and wildlife watching, but it is best suited for those comfortable with basic facilities and a little extra effort in exchange for quiet and connection to nature.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Seasons In The Sun RV Resort
Palm Trees, Pools and Proximity to I95
Pulling into Seasons In The Sun RV Resort just off I95 in Mims felt like exhaling after a long drive, with wide internal roads, neatly kept grounds and that unmistakable Florida sunshine filtering through palms that instantly soften the hum of the interstate nearby. This is a large, well established RV resort geared squarely to the RV crowd, offering full hookups, paved sites, a clubhouse, a pool complex with jacuzzi, shuffleboard and pickleball courts as well as clean, well-maintained restrooms and showers – in short, this place lives up to its name as a ‘resort.’ One evening we walked the loop at sunset while the boys rode bikes ahead of us, racing to see who could spot the first rabbit darting between sites, then ended the night around our portable bonfire roasting s’mores back at our rig as Jimmy Buffet music drifted softly from neighboring patios. While there’s 3 distinct areas to choose from, the best sites are those deeper inside the resort and farther from the entrance road because they feel quieter, more shaded and removed from passing traffic. While the amenites are expansive, the only downside is that this location feels somewhat fabricated and removed from nature, so if that's important to you versus having something 'turnkey' then you might want to manage your expectations. We recommend Seasons In The Sun for families looking for a comfortable overnight or short stay thanks to its EZ I95 access, resort level amenities and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that makes kids feel welcome without sacrificing convenience.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Christmas RV Park
A Holiday-Themed Stop Complete with Santa, Reindeer and Joy
Rolling into Christmas RV Park felt a little like stepping into a snow globe flipped upside down in the middle of Florida, with a giant Santa Claus welcoming us at the entrance and instantly setting the tone that this place is all about fun, family and leaning fully into its festive namesake. This is a well-kept, family-oriented RV park just outside the tiny town of Christmas, thoughtfully laid out with roomy RV sites and internal roads charmingly named after Santa’s reindeer, which had our boys calling out “turn left at Donner” like it was the most normal thing in the world. Amenities are clearly designed with families in mind, including clean restrooms, a cozy communal fire pit for group s’more roasting, a fantastic swimming pool with spacious patio deck, seasonal activities like Santa’s workshop and plenty of open space for kids to ride bikes and burn off energy while parents relax. One evening, we joined a handful of other families around the fire pit as the boys roasted marshmallows and debated whether Santa really lived nearby. From what we saw, the best sites are those closer to the central common area because they offer EZ access to the activities while still feeling tucked in and peaceful at night. We would absolutely recommend Christmas RV Park for families because of its playful holiday theme, strong sense of community and kid-forward amenities that make it feel less like a stopover and more like a memory in the making.
Andrea E.
TravelerDonald MacDonald Campground
Relaxing
This camp is amazing ! Quiet , has a new fishing deck , hot showers ! And an amazing hostess Amazing sunsets Is closed to an airport ! Love this camp so much
Nathaniel D.TravelerGeneva Wilderness Area
Extremely long hike
Extremely long hike, long ways from car, muddy, sandy, cold showers (only an outpost), long grass away from fishing, inconveniences in cold weather, camp super far, take only a bag but secluded scenery, wild hogs and great skies if willing to take a long hike to camp.
Adam and Suzanne B.GuideManatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base
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.
- KKimberly Y.
ScoutManatee Hammock Campground
Great location....but major issues
We were scheduled to spend two nights here with our 32 foot motorhome. The campground itself is nice, however the spots are pretty close together and not private. The campground is close to train tracks, which I did not know when booking. It woke me up at 4 am, then two or three more times before I finally gave up. The horn from the train is so loud that it woke me from a deep sleep. It is so loud we left and hit the road before our second night as we will all sleep better at a Cracker Barrel a couple hours down the road. Also, we had booked 119, a site far towards tge front, however, more private and away from activity. When we came to check in, we were told there were electrical issues and they had to move us. They moved us right next to the pickle ball courts, which is a very active area of the campground. Due to having an extremely anxious dog, I asked for something more out of the way. We were told there was nothing available (there was an entire row without campers). After we checked in and set up, we drove out of the campground and what do you know, 119 has a camper set up including electric! I was furious as my dog really struggles with our site in such a popular area. We went in and asked the office person about this, the same person who checked us in. She didnt remember us or the situation, had to look it up. We mentioned we dont appreciate being lied to as we were lied to, there were no electrical issues on the site as that camper was there and hooked up before we finished our set up. She became rude. I asked for a partial refund and she refused, called my husband a liar. We will never stay here again. Integrity isnt hard. We would have accepted the truth, whatever that was, but we were lied to. amp store minimum. Dog park area is only one fence, not two separate areas, so unusable for us with anxious and reactive dogs as there is always a dog in there. The bathrooms are always dirty from sand being tracked in, which is gross.
Guide to Cape Canaveral
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Cape Canaveral?
What campgrounds are available in Cape Canaveral?
Cape Canaveral offers several excellent camping options. Jetty Park Campground is the most prominent, featuring sites for all camping styles from primitive to full hookups, and even cabins. Military personnel can access Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base along the Banana River, though reservations are primarily for active duty. For those seeking additional options in the surrounding area, there's Mango Oak Manor RV Park and various campgrounds throughout Brevard County that provide convenient access to Cape Canaveral's attractions.
Are there RV parks and facilities available near Cape Canaveral?
Are there RV parks and facilities available near Cape Canaveral?
The Cape Canaveral area offers several quality RV accommodations. Crystal Lake RV Park provides convenient access just off I-95 and is particularly suitable for larger RVs. Riverwood Park Campground sits just off Route 1 within easy reach of Canaveral National Seashore. For those seeking water-based activities, Indian Mound Fish Camp and Oak Hill Fish Camp offer RV sites with direct water access, plus amenities like SUP boards, canoes, and kayaks, all within driving distance of Cape Canaveral's attractions.
Where can I find camping near Kennedy Space Center?
Where can I find camping near Kennedy Space Center?
Manatee Hammock Campground provides excellent views of Cape Canaveral across the Indian River Lagoon, making it perfect for watching rocket launches. The campground features waterfront access, fishing opportunities, and kayaking in the lagoon. Encore Space Coast is another option close to Cocoa Beach with good proximity to Kennedy Space Center. While sites can be narrow, the landscaping is attractive and the location offers easy access to nearby attractions. Both campgrounds provide a great base for exploring Kennedy Space Center and the surrounding Space Coast region.
What amenities are offered at Jetty Park Campground in Cape Canaveral?
What amenities are offered at Jetty Park Campground in Cape Canaveral?
Jetty Park Campground offers diverse camping options ranging from primitive sites to full hookups. Amenities include clean bathhouses, a well-stocked camp store, playground, and excellent fishing opportunities. The location provides prime viewing for both rocket launches from Cape Canaveral and cruise ship departures. The campground features strong security and helpful staff who assist in site selection. For families, the park's recreational facilities and beach access make it particularly appealing. The inlet area offers more privacy than the main campground while providing front-row views of maritime activities. Note that the campground does not allow dogs.
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