Best Campgrounds near Merritt Island, FL

Merritt Island and the surrounding area has good camping options for anyone looking to stay outdoors. Blue Spring State Park Campground gives you good-sized sites and all the basic facilities you need without a lot of fuss. About 10 miles away in Cape Canaveral, Jetty Park Campground sits right by the beach with spots for both tents and RVs. Manatee Hammock Campground, 18 miles from Merritt Island, has nice water views and plenty of shade trees. Watch out for the local wildlife when you're camping here – you'll see manatees and lots of birds, but you'll want to store food properly to keep other critters away from your site. Check for any fire restrictions or burn bans before lighting a campfire. It's smart to book ahead, particularly in busy seasons, so you don't miss out on the site you want. Most of the campgrounds around here have restrooms and showers. You can find quiet, out-of-the-way spots or more social camping areas around Merritt Island, depending on what you're after.

Best Camping Sites Near Merritt Island, Florida (93)

    1. Jetty Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Cape Canaveral, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (321) 783-7111

    $24 - $100 / night

    "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."

    "Breakfast/lunch place, a restaurant with bar within walking distance. Bathrooms are basic but clean. Staff is wonderful. You can see space launches, close to KSC, beach, jetty. Spectacular."

    2. Manatee Hammock Campground

    35 Reviews
    Sharpes, FL
    18 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. Wickham Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Melbourne, FL
    7 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."

    4. Encore Space Coast

    5 Reviews
    Rockledge, FL
    5 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
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (321) 494-4787

    $10 - $30 / night

    "Nice wooded lots. .. nice change of scenery here on the Florida coast. Quite and Peaceful. Not a “party “ campground like Long Point . The Staff in the office was helpful and friendly."

    "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."

    6. Jetty Park Canaveral Port Auth

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

    7. Sonrise Palms RV

    3 Reviews
    Cocoa, FL
    9 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."

    9. Joy RV Park

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

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

    10. Long Point Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Grant, FL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (321) 952-4532

    $30 - $44 / night

    "Adjacent island for hiking. Less than a mile from the ocean. In a quiet part of Florida. Not close to stores, though."

    "This 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. "

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Recent Reviews near Merritt Island, FL

431 Reviews of 93 Merritt Island Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground

    Laid back camping

    Nice spot to just get away and relax. Lots of hiking trails and some wildlife. Deers all around even among the campsites. Some tours available close by for airboats. We will be back here again.

  • L
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Orlando/Kissimmee KOA

    Nice child friendly campground

    Very Friendly staff. Several activities possible for children eg pool, skating jumping etc. Late arrival possible. Good WiFi and laundry facilities and even a gym. Very close to Disney world and to restaurants or supermarkets.

  • 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.


Guide to Merritt Island

Camping near Merritt Island, Florida, offers a unique blend of outdoor fun and proximity to some of the state's most famous attractions. Whether you're looking to explore nature or enjoy family-friendly activities, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the springs: Visit Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground for hiking and swimming. One camper mentioned, "The trails are absolutely gorgeous. Natural palms growing among tall pines."
  • Wildlife watching: At Blue Spring State Park Campground, you can see manatees and other wildlife. A visitor shared, "The fresh crystal spring is teeming with manatees, which are best to view and swim alongside."
  • Fishing and kayaking: Head to Manatee Hammock Campground for great fishing and kayaking opportunities. One reviewer noted, "Great fishing and kayaking in the lagoon with a view of Cape Canaveral."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Reservations recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground advised, "We hope we can get reservations again!"
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Florida Jetty Park Campground noted, "The sites are tight, but the location made up for it."
  • Bugs can be a nuisance: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. A camper at Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground mentioned, "The no-see-ums are so bad we had to spend most of our time indoors."

Tips for camping with families

  • Family-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One camper at Orlando/Kissimmee KOA said, "Lots for the kids to do!"
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check out nearby restaurants. A visitor at Long Point Park Campground suggested, "If you grow tired of cooking, there are nearby drive-thru options."
  • Pack bug spray: Protect your family from bugs. A camper at Long Point Park Campground warned, "The bugs are awful so bring bug spray or a bug light if you can."

Tips from RVers

Camping around Merritt Island, Florida, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds on Merritt Island, FL?

The top campgrounds near Merritt Island include Long Point Park Campground, offering waterfront sites where dolphins and manatees swim alongside kayakers. It's situated in a quiet area less than a mile from the ocean. Manatee Hammock Campground is another excellent option with easy highway access, friendly staff, and convenient facilities. For those seeking additional options, consider Wickham Park Campground near Melbourne or Jetty Park at Cape Canaveral, both offering various amenities for different camping styles.

Are there any free camping options near Merritt Island?

Bull Creek WMA offers free camping options for those willing to travel a bit from Merritt Island. This wildlife management area provides primitive camping with basic pit toilets where you can park anywhere in the designated camping area. It's particularly popular with hunters and offers extensive land to explore with proximity to the Florida Scenic Trail. For those needing just an overnight stop, Cracker Barrel — Titusville allows free overnight parking, making it a convenient option for travelers along I-95 who need a place to pull over for the night.

What amenities are available at Merritt Island campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Merritt Island offer diverse amenities to enhance your stay. Crystal Lake RV Park provides convenient highway access and accommodations suitable for large RVs. Orlando/Kissimmee KOA features well-maintained facilities including a pool, clean bathrooms, and showers. Many area campgrounds provide water hookups, electrical connections, and dump stations. Some offer laundry facilities, WiFi access, and camp stores. Waterfront campgrounds frequently include boat ramps, fishing piers, and kayak launches. Bathroom and shower facilities vary in quality and availability across locations.