Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Cocoa Beach? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
The East Camp Zone is located within Little Big Econ State Forest (Seminole County), about 40 miles east of Orlando, FL. The East Camp Zone is only accessible by boat and consists of six suggested camp zones. There is no water, electric or amenities... Recreational activities featured here are: boating, fishing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, wildflower viewing and nature study. The Little Big Econ State Forest offers two camp areas for primitive camping. The West Camp Area is located near the Barr Street hiking trailhead and can be accessed only from the hiking trail and by canoe or kayak from the Econlockhatchee River Paddling Trail. The East Camp Area can be accessed only by canoe and kayak at this time. Overnight camping is allowed by obtaining a State Forest Use Permit available at the Little Big Econ State Forest office. For more information and to get a State Forest Use Permit, please contact the forest at (407) 971-3500 or email the Little Big Econ State Forest.
Hatbill County Park allows primitive camping by permit on weekends. Please call (321) 264-5037 for camping permit. Boat ramp open 24 hours a day.
This vast property straddling portions of four counties was the first acquisition in Florida funded by the Save Our Rivers program. It includes 12 miles of the St. Johns River and is part of a large group of publicly owned conservation lands in the area that includes the Little-Big Econ State Forest, the Tosohatchee State Reserve and the St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge. Within the property are more than 4 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
The property helps to filter nutrients during seasonal flooding; 96 percent of the area is part of the St. Johns River floodplain.
One of the special highlights of this property is that its unique plant community that is supported by naturally salty water, which flows from small springs near Harney and Puzzle lakes. The salinity of small lakes in the area approaches one-third that of seawater. Many salt-tolerant and marine-dwelling organisms present here are not found anywhere else in the St. Johns River.
Visitors often say they enjoy this property because of the sheer size of it and how open and vast much of the landscape is. There are huge marshes, miles of open water, shady hammocks, piney woods, and much more. They’ll also tell you it’s a big enough place to easily feel like you are lost – a treasure of remoteness in the busy central Florida area. Wildlife viewing
Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting district lands. These are wild animals. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal. A diversity of migratory and resident wading birds and waterfowl is frequently found at the conservation area. Occasional sightings include white ibis, roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, southern bald eagles and sandhill cranes. Recreational activities
The southwestern 6,000 acres of this conservation area comprise the Seminole Ranch Wildlife Management Area, which is seasonally hunted.
Year-round activities include fishing, horseback riding, primitive camping east of the river, hiking (4.3 miles of Florida National Scenic Trail — hikers, please check hunt dates), canoeing, boating, bicycling, wildlife viewing, picnicking and nature study.
The trails are seasonally flooded.
This conservation area includes lakes Washington, Winder and Poinsett. St. Johns River water flow is regulated at one point — a fixed-crest weir located just north of Lake Washington — to help ensure water supply to Melbourne. The area was acquired as part of the Upper St. Johns River Basin Project, undertaken jointly by the district and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as a long-term flood control project to revitalize the upper basin. The Upper St. Johns River Basin Project reclaimed drained marshlands by creating reservoirs and replumbing existing canals. The goals were numerous: to improve water quality, reduce freshwater discharges to the Indian River Lagoon, provide for water supply, and restore or enhance wetland habitat. The area contains extensive wetland communities, typically dominated by emergent species such as sawgrass, smartweed, arrowhead and maidencane. One of the special highlights of this property is its numerous primitive camping sites (accessible by boat) along the river and access to more than 7 miles of trails. Other special features include open vistas dotted with palms, seasonal wildflowers and grasslands that change colors with the seasons. Portions of the hiking trail are unshaded, and portions go through dense shaded hardwood and palm hammocks. Eastern meadowlarks are plentiful here. St. Johns River Water Management District lands are natural, wild and scenic places. While camping on district lands, you may have an opportunity to see various wildlife, sit under the stars, listen to a soft evening breeze rustling tree leaves and experience Florida much as some of the earliest settlers did. However, be prepared to rough it. Only primitive tent camping is allowed on district lands and only at designated locations. No travel trailers, campers or RVs are allowed. Most properties offer no amenities such as rentals, restrooms, potable water or shelters. Many of the campsites are in remote areas and can be reached only by hiking, bicycling, boating or horseback riding. Campers should use the designated campfire rings for fires and should carry out all garbage with them when they leave. Check the notices section of this website for updates on any current burn bans. First come/first serve and reservable camping sites are available at most district properties. All camping is limited to a maximum of seven days per visit and you may camp no more than 30 days on a property per year.
For visitors wishing to backcountry camp in the seashore, primitive camping is available on designated islands throughout the Intracoastal Waterway and Mosquito Lagoon. These campsites are available by reservation only and require a permit. You may reserve campsites for $20 per night and up to six months in advance. RV or vehicle camping is not permitted within the seashore.
The following conditions apply to all backcountry camping permittees: The permittee identified on this permit shall retain and present the permit upon request to the National Park staff.
$20 / night
Guide
This is a 54 site campground with hook ups at each site, fire ring, and picnic table. The trees provide a good amount of privacy from adjacent campers. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. This is about 15 min from the airport yet very removed from Orlando. Water on three sides, gates that close and lock from 6pm to 8 am (Nov-March) but an easy access code is given at check in to be able to come and go after hours. No pets, no alcohol, and quiet after 10. I will stay again! It was a mix of RVs, trailers, camper vans, car camping, and tents when I stayed. The personnel were very nice and helpful at check in.
Scout
I stayed for 3 months, the place was lovely. But there is something very important to me I have a very docile golden retriever poodle. While I was there there was many pitbulls without muzzle witnessed a pitbull get loose from its owner and attacked two small dogs the dogs had to go to the veterinarian hospital I had to take my dog and pick him up and run and hide this happened right in front of me it was horrible. I don't know the fate of the other dogs but one couldn't walk. The man that was walking the Pitbull lost control of it because the Pitbull wanted to attack the other dogs in the park he slipped right out of his collar. I believe they shouldn't allow aggressive breeds and if they do they should be muzzled until then I would never come back here I love my dog I can't imagine the situation if it would have been my dog it scares me just the thought
Traveler
Great county park for our holiday weekend trip. Sites are a little tight and park is open to none campers, but otherwise no complaints (and really those aren’t a big deal). Decent rates, full hook ups, great location, friendly staff, clean bathhouse, and beautiful views of the Indian River. We plan on coming back.
Scout
One of the best little places to get your youngins out into nature for the first time... It's small but has everything that a campground should have. Nice pier to fish off of, little nature trail, and a boat launch. And to top it all off it was cheap! A little small for my taste but over all a very nice place .
TravelerWonderful staff and well maintained Park, sites and facilities. Great fishing and kayaking in the lagoon with a view of Cape Canaveral.
Traveler
Sebastian Inlet State Park near Melbourne, FL. We stayed for stopovers on way down and back from Miami area. Most campsites do not have water views but are just a short stroll away. Most sites have limited privacy but some have more vegetation buffer. The campgrounds were quiet, clean and pleasant. With a Northern and Southern section, this park offers several access points to the ocean beach, the inlet itself and the River. We were delighted to stroll the long beaches and watch the surfers, watch fishermen in the river in the morning and evening, and watch the many pelicans feeding from the bridge structure over the river. The swimming area behind the jetty on the north side creates an almost man-made tide pool which is perfect for swimming and for younger children to play in the shallows without waves or currents. We hope we can get reservations again!
TravelerThis place was a good place for a beginner camper like me. It’s close to a Walmart, to get things I forgot. It has a few trail heads and lots of boat docks. I enjoyed fishing and wild cranes.
Scout
Have been camping there many times quiet and peaceful
GuideNice park and amenities. Maintained well enough. Spaces are closer together but the amount of trees and foliage make it seem more private. Don’t ask for an early check in. Even if your spot is empty. The staff was extremely rude and unfriendly. I understand policy is policy but being rude doesn’t help enforce the policy.
Scoutits nice to relax .. if you are a camper ... for first time it dont have nothing plan its not good...
Ranger
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. Boat launch just outside the campground as well. Bath houses were clean and there is a small camp store.
Spots are all first come, first serve. Only available to KSC/NASA employees and military though (and requires an annual membership of $15-20). The campground does update open sites on their facebook page daily (https://www.facebook.com/KARSPark).
ScoutWell ran. Quiet place.
Guide
Close enough to walk to the ocean, stores close enough to drive to. Sites closer than I would like. I wish this county park would put a 2 week limit on your stay. Seem like lots of people stay several months, which it can Seen cluttered in some sites, plus hard to find available because some people stay so long.
TravelerThis small campground was very full in middle of Florida winter season. While most sites appeared flat, there is not privacy between them and no shade in hot Florida sunshine. We were lucky with a quiet location in Site #3, and only 1 neighbor next to us. The only sites with open water views were in very tight and crowded section that was crowded with lots of big rigs. Park personnel were very gracious, helpful and accommodating. It was not convenient from I-95 for just a 1-night stopover, but we had a good night's sleep to refresh us for another day of driving! Fishermen and kayakers must love this location for easy access! Price was fairly steep compared to other local and state parks. We did enjoy the nearby beaches!
We stayed here on February 22, 2004.
ScoutIce park
TravelerHas been wonderful clean and quiet. We have a truck tent.
Traveler
This campground has a split personality. 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. This is definitely a KOA Journey, hookups work, good for a night or two, but not a destination. I didn't think it is quite as close to the Space Center as described.
Some long term residents, many on the east side, and the roads aren't very wide. The gentleman who escorted us to our site took us off the road and out into the grass to get around a tree to make the turn workable. Most of the staff was friendly and helpful.
Oh, if you look at this campground on Google's satellite view, be aware that there is a different campground that wraps the KOA on the west, and south. If you see tennis courts, you're looking at the wrong campground.
Given the history of this area I had high expectations. If you get one of the nice new sites, then I think it's worthwhile, otherwise this is one of the few KOAs that I don't think I will recommend for more than a night maybe two.
Traveler
For what it is, this place is perfect. I stayed nearly three weeks here in December before heading back to the cold north, and I couldn’t have asked for much more. Staying out on the inlet, although primitive, does offer a bit more privacy compared to inside the campground. It also gives front row seats to the ships coming to port as well as any launches from cape Canaveral which are much more frequent now. The staff was very friendly and I would absolutely stay here again.
Traveler
Lake Mills has 14 sites to choose from, some being bigger than others. All sites were clean and very well cared for. The whole park was nice. Kids enjoyed the playground and fishing from the dock. We will definitely be back! Great for first timers, quick get away, or even an extended stay. Other reviews mentioned the park being too loud at night due to the local bar and traffic. We were on site number 1, which is right by the entrance and road. No complaints whatsoever. Bathrooms are currently being remodeled, but there was a temp trailer bathroom that was kept cleaned by a local company.
TravelerSites are a bit close together but the vibes were good and everyone was really nice. Family friendly camping for sure. The bugs are awful so bring bug spray or a bug light if you can. Me and my dog had fun walking around the site and exploring the island next to it. They just renovated one of the bathroom houses too which made everything a bit easier and a bit more clean.
Traveler
This is camp for hunters it's free and has pit toilets open area park anywhere in the camp. Lots of land to explore, hiking very close to Florida scenic trail.
GuideThe views are amazing, it is so peaceful and serene. We love it
LegendThis is another KOA on our extended road trip around Florida. This one is a little older, and shows wear, but they are doing some construction, rebuilding some of the sites. The internet was hit or miss, mostly miss! The bathroom/showroom is dated, but adequate. It reminded me of a high school shower room. There is a small office/store with basics. Also a pool and laundry (most of the washers were out of order) Some of the roads are rough, and a few sites don’t look like they are useable. We were here in late October, between the summer family crowds and the winter Snowbirds. They do have long term rates for Snowbirds. It’s about 20 minutes from a manatee rehabilitation park, and also a manatee overlook pier. It is 30 minutes from Cape Kennedy and the NASA Space Center.
Legend
If you’re looking for one of those gemstone RV locations that are so far out of sight that you’d drive by the place at least a few places before you actually saw the roadsign that would steer you to this very place, then look no further than Lathrom’s Landing RV Park & Marina. If you’ve got watercraft and are looking for a place to either park here for the night, or better, get her wet by actually going for a spin in the local waters, then this RV pebble-strewn parking lot might just be for you.
And while the spots are narrow and tight, you will be beaming about the absolute amazingly quick access to water you have here. Placed in front of Florida’s famed Mosquito Lagoon in Oak Hill, this place have 30 / 50 amp electric hookups (along with sewer and water) as well as a clubhouse complete with full kitchen (oven, stovetop, refrigerator, cooking utensils, wet sink, coffee maker), kayaking and wave runner rentals, pristine shower and restroom facilities, library, microwave, outdoor covered patio, rooftop sundowner happy hour oasis, gas grilles, ping pong table and laundry-O-mat. The place even offers up fishing and shrimping gear off their own 260 foot long pier.
While onsite private dock and boat ramps as well as fishing pier come standard, Lathrom’s also offers up private 1 BR, 2BR & 3BR cabins, each with their own private BA and LR as well as a free-standing home. What I enjoyed most about this place was the absolute warm welcome from the owners as well as the very strong camaraderie from both locals and those passerby’s that I came into contact with.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) This place, while a bit crowded and tight, offers immediate ocean access to some of the best fishing Florida has. Period; (2) Add to this the simply outstanding friendly vibe you’ll feel here, I’m sure anyone will enjoy their stay; (3) If you’re looking for star-gazing, I dare you to find a better place that has the option to check out the constellations as well as trek the satellites and rockets that routinely blast off from this Space Coast haven.
Happy Camping!
ScoutExcellent grounds easy-to-use helpful personal the convenience of the amitities were excellent
ScoutIt was so quiet and pieceful. Site was beautiful and secluded
GuideWe called Vero Beach Camp the morning of our stay and they welcomed our reservation for 1 night. Beautiful shaded campground, nice swimming pool, clean and quiet. We will definitely come back. The rocket launch was scrubbed so we will try again!
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cocoa Beach, FL is Wickham Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Cocoa Beach, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.