Best Campgrounds near Cocoa Beach, FL

Campgrounds along Florida's Space Coast near Cocoa Beach range from oceanfront facilities to riverside retreats within a 30-minute drive. Jetty Park Campground in Cape Canaveral stands out for its proximity to both beach access and rocket launch viewing opportunities, offering sites with various hookup levels. Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base provides military families and veterans with waterfront camping along the Banana River. Several RV-focused parks like Encore Space Coast in Rockledge and Sonrise Palms RV in Cocoa cater primarily to larger rigs with full hookups, while tent camping options are more limited in the immediate area.

Reservations are essential during winter months when snowbirds flock to the region, particularly from November through February. As one camper noted, "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 with retiree snowbirds." Most campgrounds offer full hookups with 30/50 amp electrical service, though site sizes vary considerably. The subtropical climate means hot, humid summers with afternoon thunderstorms and mild winters that rarely see freezing temperatures. Insects, particularly mosquitoes and no-see-ums, can be problematic year-round, especially near water features. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with campers reporting good coverage for major carriers.

Wildlife viewing opportunities rank high among visitor experiences, with manatees, dolphins, and various bird species frequently spotted from waterfront sites. One visitor to Long Point Park mentioned, "Dolphins and manatee swim alongside your kayak. Adjacent island for hiking. Less than a mile from the ocean." The region's unique appeal includes the chance to witness rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center, with several campgrounds offering unobstructed views of liftoffs. Many sites feature tight spacing, particularly in the more popular waterfront areas. Noise can be an issue at some locations, with railroad tracks, highways, and aircraft operations affecting certain campgrounds. Most facilities maintain clean restrooms and showers, though amenities vary widely from basic county parks to resort-style RV communities with pools and organized activities.

Best Camping Sites Near Cocoa Beach, Florida (81)

    1. Jetty Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Cape Canaveral, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +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."

    "Love that the beach is only steps away. White sand, beautiful!1 Nice Jetty and multiple restaurants close by. Staff very friendly. Bathrooms are ok. One of my favorite campgrounds."

    2. Manatee Hammock Campground

    35 Reviews
    Sharpes, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (321) 264-5083

    $28 - $39 / night

    "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"

    "We checked in around midnight and they had security at the gate that just kept an eye on things."

    3. Jetty Park Canaveral Port Auth

    5 Reviews
    Cape Canaveral, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (321) 783-7111

    4. Encore Space Coast

    5 Reviews
    Rockledge, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +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."

    5. Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base

    4 Reviews
    Patrick AFB, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +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 campground if you want to travel around the Cocoa Beach area.  "

    6. Wickham Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Melbourne, FL
    12 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."

    7. Sonrise Palms RV

    3 Reviews
    Cocoa, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. Joy RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Cocoa, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (321) 631-0305

    "The campground enjoys a strategic location with a nearby Sam's Club for shopping convenience."

    9. Brevard County Park Wickham Campground

    2 Reviews
    Melbourne, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (321) 255-4307

    10. KARS Park - NASA Members Only

    1 Review
    Cape Canaveral, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +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."

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Recent Reviews near Cocoa Beach, FL

341 Reviews of 81 Cocoa Beach Campgrounds


  • D
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Vero Beach Kamp

    Absolutely the worst choice

    Watch out for these predators — they will charge for anything they can, they won’t give refunds for early departures even when it’s family medical emergencies, the staff is wildly rude in the front office (you’d think at least one person who worked there wouldn’t be a complete horror show of a human, but no such luck). And they hose down their bathrooms which is just plain gross. The sites are too close together, and even in summer (low season) they’re too stupid to put any space between guests.

    If you can possibly stay anywhere else, do yourself a favor and keep away from this nightmare of a place.

  • George W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Mango Oak Manor RV Park

    Not really for camping

    For those with long term placement in the area with an RV this is one of the options, not great

  • Denis P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Jetty Park Campground

    Quiet Midweek Stay, Helpful Staff, Rustic but Clean Facilities

    We stayed here with a tent in mid-June, during the week. The campground was quiet, with about two-thirds of the sites unoccupied— a peaceful atmosphere overall. I originally booked site#30 based on the photos, which showed some tree cover. In reality, the site was mostly exposed, likely due to outdated imagery. Thankfully, the staff was understanding and allowed us to move to a shaded spot directly across the road. The full shade was much appreciated in the heat, though it made our solar panels essentially useless— and since rustic sites don’t include water or electricity, that did limit options. Restrooms and showers were clean, but completely unventilated and without air conditioning. In summer temperatures, that made things uncomfortable and is the main reason I’m deducting a star. Overall, it’s a quiet and well-kept campground. If you’re prepared for the rustic setup and come midweek, it’s a pleasant place to stay.

    STARLINK 10/10

  • S
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground

    Beautiful place

    The inlet has friendly, helpful rangers, easy to access campsites, and is in a beautiful location. Great for fishing, surfing, boating, and going to the beach. It’s Florida though, so bring bug spray for the no-see-ums and mosquitoes.

  • Kevin K.
    May. 28, 2025

    Camp Shiloh

    Very friendly

    I ride with my bicycle to this campground without an reservation. No problem. Christin let me stay for one night in my tent. Very helpful and friendly.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2025

    Cape Kennedy RV Resort

    Always an excellent experience

    I’ve stayed at this campground many times never had a bad experience. Staff is wonderful if you ever need anything all you do is ask. They’re right on top of it. Clean sites level sites. Even the tent camping is level and clean.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2025

    Long Point Park Campground

    Great location and affordable

    Pros: Location, price, wildlife, fishing, nice sites with tons of water access. Boat Ramp and trailer parking. Some sites have shore anchoring.

    Cons: No-see-ums are almost unbearable in the evening. But that come with the territory in Florida. Pack long-sleeves, pants, and serious bug spray

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2025

    Manatee Hammock Campground

    Nice campground!

    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. Make sure you visit Port Canaveral and eat at the many excellent restaurants.


Guide to Cocoa Beach

Camping sites near Cocoa Beach, Florida range from riverside parks to space-viewing destinations, with most options concentrated within a 20-mile radius of the popular beach town. During summer months, afternoon temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making early morning and evening the most comfortable times for outdoor activities. Most campgrounds in the region offer stronger cell service than other Florida camping areas, with Verizon and AT&T providing consistent coverage even at more remote sites.

What to do

Watch rocket launches up close: KARS Park provides prime viewing for rocket launches directly across from Kennedy Space Center. "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," notes Eleanor from KARS Park. While this campground requires NASA or military affiliation, several other campgrounds offer launch visibility.

Fish from dedicated facilities: Manatee Hammock Campground features a fishing dock on the Indian River with active marine life. One camper reported, "We watched the manatees and dolphins swim right by us on the real nice fishing dock." The park's location makes it ideal for anglers targeting redfish and snook.

Explore mountain biking trails: Wickham Park Campground offers unexpected trail systems for cyclists in this coastal region. A visitor mentioned, "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." The park maintains several miles of mountain bike paths suitable for beginners through intermediate riders.

What campers like

Access to beaches: Campers consistently praise the proximity to ocean access, particularly at Jetty Park Campground. "Great location, good sites. Easy access to restaurants/bars. Good beach biking, fishing, watching the cruise ships come and go," reports Angela S. The beach access typically requires a short walk from most campsites.

Waterfront wildlife viewing: The waterfront camping options offer exceptional wildlife encounters. At Manatee Cove Family Campground, a military-only facility, one camper noted, "Nice wooded lots... nice change of scenery here on the Florida coast. Quite and Peaceful. Not a 'party' campground like Long Point." The campground sits directly on the Banana River with regular wildlife sightings.

Shade availability: Despite Florida's reputation for sun exposure, several campgrounds offer well-shaded sites. A Jetty Park camper mentioned, "The staff was understanding and allowed us to move to a shaded spot directly across the road. The full shade was much appreciated in the heat." However, shade distribution varies significantly across campgrounds and specific sites.

What you should know

Seasonal capacity challenges: Winter months bring significantly higher occupancy rates at most Cocoa Beach area campgrounds. At Manatee Cove, a reviewer noted, "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."

Site spacing considerations: Many campgrounds feature tight site spacing, particularly at Encore Space Coast in Rockledge. One camper reported, "The place is big and about 50% seasonal campers, spots are very tight and no dog park. They put me in the back like a sardine LOL the guy next door had to move his truck for me to get in."

Environmental factors: Summer heat and insects are significant factors. A tent camper at Jetty Park mentioned, "Restrooms and showers were clean, but completely unventilated and without air conditioning. In summer temperatures, that made things uncomfortable." Mosquitoes are prevalent near water features, particularly during evening hours.

Tips for camping with families

Pool access: Joy RV Park offers family-friendly amenities including a pool. One visitor commented, "They provide onsite storage options, complimentary wifi, a refreshing pool, impeccably maintained showers and restrooms, and a convenient laundry facility." Several campgrounds in the area maintain pools, though availability and maintenance quality vary.

Dog-friendly options: Multiple campgrounds accommodate pets with dedicated facilities. At Sonrise Palms RV, a camper noted, "This is a very clean, pet and children friendly RV park. Gated dog park with lots of toys." Most campgrounds allow pets but enforce leash requirements throughout common areas.

Activity planning: Wickham Park Campground offers diverse recreation options beyond camping. A visitor shared, "We love camping here! 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." The park also features disc golf courses, playgrounds, and seasonal events.

Tips from RVers

Hookup quality varies: Full hookup sites offer different capabilities across campgrounds. At Jetty Park, a camper observed, "Sewer water electric all working and placed as no extension would ever be needed. Being on ocean and prime real estate explains the width of sites."

Site selection strategy: Requesting specific sites can significantly improve your experience. At Brevard County Park Wickham Campground, a visitor reported, "The park rangers were so friendly and also moved me to a more shaded area when requested!" Most campgrounds maintain site maps with specific amenities and characteristics for each site.

Noise considerations: Environmental noise affects several campgrounds. A Manatee Hammock visitor noted, "Downside is freight train noise every night in the early morning hours and traffic noise, specially with campsites near the busy US-1." Aircraft noise can also impact campgrounds near Patrick Space Force Base (formerly Patrick AFB).

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds located in Cocoa Beach, Florida?

While Cocoa Beach itself has limited camping directly in town, several excellent options are located in the surrounding area. Jetty Park Campground is situated at Cape Canaveral, just north of Cocoa Beach, offering varied sites within walking distance of the beach and perfect views of rocket launches. Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base lies directly along the historic Banana River south of Cocoa Beach, though access is limited primarily to military personnel. Other nearby options include campgrounds in Melbourne, Titusville, and surrounding areas, all providing convenient access to Cocoa Beach attractions.

Is there a state park with camping facilities in Cocoa Beach?

There is no state park with camping facilities directly in Cocoa Beach. The closest state park camping options are found in neighboring areas. Long Point Park Campground is a county park about 20 minutes south that offers waterfront camping with opportunities to see dolphins and manatees. Many sites face the water, and it's less than a mile from the ocean. Sebastian Inlet State Park is about 45 minutes south of Cocoa Beach and offers oceanfront camping with excellent fishing opportunities. For true state park camping experiences, you'll need to venture slightly further from the immediate Cocoa Beach area.

What RV camping facilities are available in Cocoa Beach, FL?

The Cocoa Beach area offers several well-equipped RV camping facilities. Encore Space Coast is very close to Cocoa Beach and popular with long-term RVers, featuring full hookups, though sites are described as narrow with nice landscaping. Manatee Hammock Campground provides RV sites with easy highway access and is known for its friendly staff and convenient facilities including laundry rooms. Other nearby options include Mangrove Cove RV Park and several private RV parks in the broader area. Most facilities offer full hookups with 30/50 amp service, though reservation recommendations vary by season, with winter being particularly busy.

Can I find free camping options in Cocoa Beach?

Free camping options are extremely limited in the immediate Cocoa Beach area, as most facilities charge fees. For those traveling in self-contained vehicles, Cracker Barrel — Titusville offers free overnight parking about 30 minutes west of Cocoa Beach. For true free dispersed camping, Bull Creek WMA provides free primitive camping sites about an hour southwest of Cocoa Beach, primarily intended for hunters but open to all campers. This area features pit toilets and is located near the Florida Scenic Trail. Be prepared for minimal amenities at free sites, and always check current regulations before planning your stay.