Best Tent Camping near Cape Canaveral, FL

State parks and wilderness areas surrounding Cape Canaveral, Florida provide several options for tent camping, from primitive backcountry sites to established campgrounds. Little Big Econ State Forest offers tent-only camping with multiple primitive sites accessible via hiking trails. Bissette Bay in Canaveral National Seashore provides boat-in tent camping on a secluded island, while Lake Mills Park in Chuluota features 14 tent campsites with basic amenities. Hal Scott Preserve County Park, located about 30 miles west of Cape Canaveral, offers free walk-in tent sites that require a 2-mile hike from the parking area.

Most primitive tent campsites in the region require permits obtained in advance. Sites at Little Big Econ State Forest feature fire rings but limited amenities, with campers needing to pack in water and supplies. Bissette Bay requires boat transportation and advance reservations through Canaveral National Seashore at $20 per night. Summer rains can make trails slick and cause river levels to rise at backcountry sites. Campers should prepare for Florida's wildlife, including alligators in waterways. Geneva Wilderness Area provides tent camping with picnic tables and fire rings, though sites are limited. Bug spray is essential during spring and early summer when yellow flies are active.

In early fall, tent campers find more comfortable conditions with fewer insects at most sites. According to reviews, Little Big Econ State Forest offers "several primitive camping spots which are pretty private" with well-maintained trails. One camper noted that Hal Scott Preserve features "sites neatly cleared with mature oak trees that provide a canopy for shade." Tent campers at Bissette Bay appreciate the isolation, with one visitor reporting it as "uninhibited paradise that very few venture to." Lake Mills Park receives praise for its clean facilities and spacious sites that accommodate larger tents. While some locations like Hatbill Park lack shade and can be noisy with airboat traffic, most tent campgrounds in the region provide good access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and wildlife viewing.

Best Tent Sites Near Cape Canaveral, Florida (14)

    1. Wickham Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Melbourne, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +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."

    2. Hatbill Park

    2 Reviews
    Christmas, FL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (321) 264-5037

    "All camping is primitive, only 3 out here this weekend. Permit but no charge, county Park."

    3. Hal Scott Preserve County Park

    4 Reviews
    Christmas, FL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 836-6200

    "Expect some areas of water covered trails, ankle deep, especially in the summer months. The second site, about 2 miles in, has a storm shelter nearby for those sudden afternoon thunderstorms."

    "It's a long walk to a primitive site, but totally worth it. There's no real way of knowing if the sites are already taken, so be prepared for that."

    4. East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest

    8 Reviews
    Oviedo, FL
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 971-3500

    "Hike out to this beautiful sight under the stars and dream of bygone eras...We started at the Barr Street Trailhead and hiked in to LE 39 where we found 2 fire rings."

    "I definitely wouldn't recommend recommend getting there at night to set up, but otherwise it's fairly easy to get around."

    5. Persimmon Mound

    Be the first to review!
    Rockledge, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 329-4404

    6. Lake Mills Park

    7 Reviews
    Oviedo, FL
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 665-2180

    "This was a special use event so we used the big open field areas in the day use part of the park near the lake.  This was a very, very good and well run event on everyone's part.   "

    "The good: This is a beautiful clean campground attached to a nice community park. 14 sites total some closer to each other than others, but we had no neighbors."

    7. Seminole Ranch Conservation Trailhead

    1 Review
    Christmas, FL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 329-4404

    8. Geneva Wilderness Area

    2 Reviews
    Geneva, FL
    38 miles
    Website

    "There is one small hike in to primitive campsite on the far side of the lake from the nature center - on less than 2 mile loop trail. Site will hold approximately 5 guests comfortably."

    "There were restrooms at the pavilion but no showers.  The pavilion area had lights and a grill with a cooking area just off to the side. "

    9. Bissette Bay — Canaveral National Seashore

    2 Reviews
    Oak Hill, FL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 428-3384

    $20 / night

    "There's no direct access to reach this primitive campground here in Bissette Bay.  "

    "Got a 6 man and a 2 man set up and could get a 4 man as well but who actually puts that many people in a tent, lol."

    10. Mangrove Cove RV Park

    1 Review
    Oak Hill, FL
    37 miles
    +1 (386) 345-1054
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cape Canaveral, FL

5 Photos of 14 Cape Canaveral Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Cape Canaveral, FL

304 Reviews of 14 Cape Canaveral Campgrounds



Guide to Cape Canaveral

Tent camping near Cape Canaveral, Florida, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and convenient access to local attractions. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are great options available.

Tips for tent camping near Cape Canaveral

  • Wickham Park Campground provides a variety of amenities, including picnic tables, showers, and access to trails, making it a well-reviewed choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out Wickham Park Campground

  • With its proximity to scenic Route A1A and a range of activities like disc golf and food trucks, Wickham Park Campground is perfect for those who enjoy both relaxation and recreation.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Mangrove Cove RV Park, you’ll find essential facilities like electric hookups and clean restrooms, along with a friendly atmosphere that encourages neighborly connections among campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cape Canaveral, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cape Canaveral, FL is Wickham Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Cape Canaveral, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Cape Canaveral, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.