Best Campgrounds near Merritt Island, FL
Campgrounds near Merritt Island, Florida provide a range of accommodation options within the Space Coast region. Several established facilities like Jetty Park Campground in Cape Canaveral and Wickham Park Campground in Melbourne offer full-service sites for tent and RV camping. Most parks include cabin accommodations as alternatives to traditional camping. Manatee Hammock Campground in Titusville and Long Point Park in Melbourne Beach feature waterfront sites along the Indian River Lagoon system, positioning campers between the mainland and barrier islands that border the Atlantic Ocean.
Most campgrounds in the Merritt Island area maintain year-round operations but experience peak occupancy from November through February when snowbirds migrate to Florida. Full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections are standard at nearly all established campgrounds, with many offering 50-amp service for larger RVs. Reservations are highly recommended during winter months, as highlighted in visitor feedback about military facilities: "You are encouraged to call ahead as 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."
Campers consistently mention the region's unique proximity to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral as a major draw, with rocket launches visible from many campgrounds. Sites at Brevard County parks like Wickham and Manatee Hammock receive positive reviews for their natural settings despite being near urban areas. According to one visitor, "It's a great place with lots of bike/walking paths and wide open, quiet spaces." Waterfront camping locations provide opportunities for fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing, particularly manatee sightings during cooler months. While beachfront properties like Jetty Park offer direct ocean access, others provide river and lagoon frontage with boat ramps. Most campgrounds maintain clean shower facilities and offer amenities like swimming pools, recreation halls, and proximity to local attractions.
