Camping near Cocoa, Florida offers convenient access to Florida's Space Coast with year-round average temperatures around 72°F. The area sits at a low elevation of just 36 feet above sea level with subtropical conditions that support diverse wildlife and water-based recreation. Seasonal considerations include higher humidity from June through September and occasional afternoon thunderstorms during summer months.
What to do
Rocket launch viewing: Find prime viewing spots at Manatee Hammock Campground with unobstructed views across the Indian River. "We saw two rocket launches while here. Make sure you visit Port Canaveral and eat at the many excellent restaurants," notes camper Dave D. about this riverfront location.
Kayaking the Indian River: Access the water directly from Manatee Hammock Campground where paddlers report wildlife sightings. "The Indian river lagoon provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing," with some campers even reporting "dolphin sightings during their paddling adventures."
Springs swimming and hiking: About an hour from Cocoa, Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground offers natural spring swimming and trail systems. "The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife!" according to Jenn B., who recommends weekday visits to avoid crowds.
What campers like
Pool facilities: Joy RV Park maintains a swimming pool that stays open year-round. Nearby, Cape Kennedy RV Resort has "a pool and playground" with "friendly staff" according to Tonya B., who added, "There's a guy who will wash your coach and vehicle for a nominal fee."
Fishing opportunities: The fishing pier at Manatee Hammock stays open 24/7 for anglers. At Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground, visitors find abundant wildlife and fishing. "Lots of hiking trails and some wildlife. Deers all around even among the campsites," reports Robert T., who plans to return.
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer larger sites than typically found in urban areas. "Site 19 was very large, mostly level, with beautiful trees surrounding the site and great privacy," notes Denise about her stay at Lake Kissimmee State Park, though she cautions about limited cell service.
What you should know
Tent camping options: While limited in some RV-focused parks, tent spots exist at several locations. At Vero Beach Kamp, "Small tent area enough for about 4 tents close together... but clean and very nice!" according to LA D. For more tent space, Sherwood Forest has designated tent areas though "placed on corner spots with traffic."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have ambient noise from nearby transportation. At Manatee Hammock, camper L.O. advises, "Tent folk: bring earplugs. The only downside of the campground is its proximity to railroad tracks and airport. The noise seemed to be constant on weekdays."
Site conditions: After heavy rains, drainage can be an issue at some locations. At Sherwood Forest, one camper noted, "all the sites are on grass. While you can't blame the park for the weather, recently there's been a lot of rain and rigs of all sizes are up to their rims in muck."
Tips for camping with families
Disney-adjacent options: For families wanting to combine camping with theme parks, Orlando/Kissimmee KOA sits about 45 minutes from Cocoa. "This is quite possibly the nicest KOA we have ever been to. The staff is super friendly, the interior roads and many sites are paved with level pads," reports Rick B., noting it's "convenient to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld."
Yurt camping Cocoa, Florida area: While traditional yurts aren't common, cabin and glamping alternatives exist near Cocoa. Joy RV Park offers glamping cabins with full hookups. For families seeking glamping yurts near Cocoa, Florida, Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers premium cabin accommodations about an hour away.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with recreational options. "Very Friendly staff. Several activities possible for children eg pool, skating jumping etc," notes L B. about the Orlando/Kissimmee KOA, adding it has "good WiFi and laundry facilities and even a gym."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Larger rigs may face tight turns at some campgrounds. At Cape Kennedy RV Resort, Mark S. observed, "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."
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Cocoa provide full hookups. At Joy RV Park, paul notes it's a "nice campground, clean, quiet, saw 2 nasa launches from our site. No frills, but a decent place." Each site comes equipped with "water hookups, electric connections, and sewage facilities."
Late arrival procedures: For those arriving after office hours, many parks have systems in place. At East Toho RV Resort (formerly Boggy Creek), Roya M. shares, "I was able to check in late easily via a lock box and found a great campsite close to clean bathroom/shower facilities."
