Glamping close to Cocoa Beach, Florida offers a middle ground between tent camping and resort accommodations. With average winter temperatures around 70°F and summer highs in the 90s, the area's weather supports year-round camping. The coastal location along Florida's Space Coast means campsites can experience occasional wind gusts up to 15-20 mph, especially during afternoon thunderstorms from June through September.
What to do
Launch viewing preparations: At Manatee Hammock Campground, position yourself for clear sightlines of rocket launches. "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.
Local dining exploration: Visit nearby Port Canaveral restaurants with easy access from camping locations. "Make sure you visit Port Canaveral and eat at the many excellent restaurants," recommends Dave D. from Manatee Hammock Campground.
Bird watching opportunities: Watch for native Florida birds throughout the camping areas. "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 Wendy W. about Manatee Hammock.
Fishing excursions: Fish from the docks or piers at waterfront campgrounds. "The dock is also the perfect place to catch some redfish or snook," mentions Wendy W., highlighting the fishing opportunities at Manatee Hammock.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Cape Kennedy RV Resort provides excellent viewing areas for water activities. "Great view as soon as it cleared the trees. Trees on-site have some beautiful Spanish moss," shares Daniel G.
Dog-friendly facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated pet areas for four-legged campers. "There is a large fenced Dog Park on the riverfront. Near Titusville, FL," explains Dennis J. about Manatee Hammock Campground.
Wildlife sightings: Watch for local fauna during your stay. "We watched the manatees and dolphins swim right by us on the real nice fishing dock," Robin M. says of her experience at Manatee Hammock.
Pool access: Boggy Creek Resort & RV Park provides swimming facilities for cooling off. "The pool is very nice. We go every day," reports Shawn M., who stayed for a month.
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience railway disruptions. "Downside is freight train noise every night in the early morning hours and traffic noise, specially with campsites near the busy US-1," warns Jorge F. about Manatee Hammock Campground.
Fire pit regulations: Check campground-specific rules about fires. "Quiet campground. Must rent fire ring or bring your own," advises Angela S. about Manatee Hammock.
Site conditions vary: Vero Beach Kamp and other locations may have different quality sites within the same campground. "Sites are decent size. Lots of sites with shade. Close to Indian River and the beach," notes Amber H.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and cleanliness vary between locations. "Bathroom was a little bit unkempt. Showers a little claustrophobic," mentions Daniel G. about Cape Kennedy RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability check: Confirm pool operations before booking if swimming is important. "The park advertises a pool and restaurant, but both were shut down during COVID-19 restrictions and have not yet re-opened," reported Cindy W. about Boggy Creek Resort & RV Park.
Wildlife education opportunities: Prepare children for viewing local animals safely. "There is an abundance of wildlife including Sand Hill Cranes (which serenaded us every morning and barked their unhappiness when we walked near them during our daily treks around the park), Peacocks (which was an unexpected surprise, but very enjoyable), Herons, Tortoises, and Alligators," explains Cindy W.
Noise preparation: Pack earplugs for light sleepers if staying near highways or railways. "The only downside of the campground is its proximity to railroad tracks and airport. The noise seemed to be constant on weekdays," warns L O. about Manatee Hammock.
Check site size for family equipment: Lake Toho RV Resort and similar locations have varying site sizes. "The sites were large however had a lot of ruts," observed Cynthia D. at a nearby campground.
Tips from RVers
Late check-out possibilities: Ask about flexible departure options, especially for launch viewing. "They allowed a late check out just in case the shuttle did launch," mentions Cynthia D.
Escort services: First-time RVers should utilize staff assistance at Indian River County Blue Cypress Campground and others. "Kind of a weird location, but clean and nice with all the necessary hookups," notes John R.
RV washing services: Some campgrounds offer vehicle cleaning. "There's a guy who will wash your coach and vehicle for a nominal fee. He did a great job for us," shares Tonya B. about Cape Kennedy RV Resort.
Site selection importance: For larger RVs, request specific sites. "The west side has nice wide concrete sites, the east side is on dirt and gravel and not so nice. When I made my reservation I missed the pick your site ($30 add on?), but given the difference between the two sides, it would have been worth it," advises Mark S. about Cape Kennedy RV Resort.
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