Melbourne, Florida and its surrounding area feature several established campgrounds offering various accommodation types. Brevard County Park Wickham Campground and Jetty Park Campground provide options for tent, RV, and cabin camping within accessible distances of the city. Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground, located on Melbourne Beach approximately 15 miles south of downtown, offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping facilities with year-round availability. The region includes both county-managed and privately operated facilities, with most providing electrical hookups and basic amenities.
Access to campgrounds remains consistent throughout the year due to Florida's mild climate, though summer months bring higher humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Many campgrounds in the area maintain full or near-full capacity during winter months when northern visitors seek warmer weather. As one camper noted, "Potential guests are highly encouraged to call ahead and inquire about availability during November through February when campgrounds traditionally maintain close to full capacity." Most developed campgrounds feature paved roads accessible to standard vehicles, with select locations offering waterfront camping along the Banana River or Atlantic coast. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays and during the peak winter season.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Melbourne area. Long Point Park and Manatee Cove Family Campground provide direct water access, with the latter offering views of the Banana River. Several visitors mentioned shoreline views as key highlights of their camping experience. A recent review described one location as having "waterfront sites available with amazing views watching the sunset in the evening." Wildlife viewing opportunities include alligator sightings at Space Coast RV Resort's pond and gopher tortoises at Wickham Park. Melbourne's proximity to Kennedy Space Center provides unique experiences, as campers occasionally witness rocket launches from their campsite. The camping experience varies between family-oriented parks with numerous amenities and quieter locations catering to long-term visitors, particularly in 55+ communities like Camelot RV Park.
$30 - $44 / night
"My husband and I happened upon this park 4 years back while working in Melbourne, and happened to book a spot due to a cancelation."
"Adjacent island for hiking. Less than a mile from the ocean. In a quiet part of Florida. Not close to stores, though."
$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."
"The location of this park is perfect for us. We have family in Melbourne so we love staying here when we visit. Everything is kept clean, nice fishing ponds and nice and quite."
"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."
$28 / night
"Melbourne FL PROS · Sites are shell · Good water views · Shore Fishing · Boat Launch · Fishing Museum · Birds · Pavement biking in camping area · Playground
CONS · No-See-Ums · Swimming &"
"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."
$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."
$60 - $90 / night
"We had a soccer tournament in Melbourne Beach so we were on a search for a place to stay in our travel travel for the weekend. Outdoor Resorts was the perfect choice!"
"Fantastic 55 plus resort very near beach Very Quiet including Water/ Electric and cable internet. Cons, extremely expensive, booked for all 2022"
$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."
"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."
GuideGreat service and friendly campground. Across from the inner channel...nice view. Level and full hook up. Clean park. Nice pool. If staying awhile they do different activities...nice. Only complaint...lot was too small.
LegendThere is something instantly calming about pulling into Sonrise Palms RV Park (you will want to note that misspelled 'Sonrise' otherwise you won't find this place on your GPS), tucked just off I-95 in Cocoa, where the pace slows down and the setting feels more like a quiet neighborhood packed with RVs than a busy campground, with spacious, mostly level sites, palm trees and greenery scattered throughout along with an EZ layout that makes settling in feel effortless. With around 80 to 90 full hookup sites, a heated pool, clean bathhouse and laundry, and even small touches like a dog park and canal fishing, this spot has all the essentials covered without feeling overwhelming. One evening, we grabbed a casual dinner nearby called The Grass Shack and came back to let the boys unwind at the pool while my hubby and I walked the grounds, spotting little bits of wildlife and enjoying that warm Florida night air before heading back for a cozy wind-down at our site. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families looking for a relaxed, low-key stay thanks to its quiet atmosphere, very clean bathroom and shower facilities as well as EZ access to nearby beaches, rocket launches and Space Coast adventures just a short drive away.
LegendThere is something comforting about pulling into a place that feels simple and straightforward after a long day, and JOY RV Park in Cocoa has that kind of easygoing charm, tucked just off I-95 with a modest layout of mostly level sites, wide enough spacing and full hookups that make settling in feel quick and stress-free. The campground leans more practical than resort-style, but with clean restrooms, a pool, laundry, and a small clubhouse, it covers the essentials well and while there is not a playground and shade can be limited (OK, to be honest, there's no shade anywhere, which is important to note, because you're in FL!), it still felt safe, quiet enough at night, and manageable for families. We grabbed a casual dinner nearby at The Filling Station Cafe (which was awesome) and let the boys wind down with snacks while talking about rockets and hoping to spot one of those famous Space Coast launches, which somehow made the whole stop feel a little more special. I would recommend this campground for families looking for a convenient, no-fuss place to stay thanks to its EZ access, full hookups, and proximity to beaches and space-themed adventures nearby.
LegendLooney Acres sits tucked just off US-1 in Mims and immediately feels like a throwback to truly primitive camping, with about three dozen simple sites scattered through the woods of what looks to be freshly cleared land that accommodate tents and smaller RVs, all on grass and dirt with minimal leveling. Amenities are extremely limited, with a portable toilet, a basic outdoor shower setup and very little in the way of landscaping or defined walkways, which made getting around on foot a bit tricky for the kids. The boys enjoyed a short wander through the trees and a bit of free-range exploring before we realized this spot wasn’t the best match for our family’s comfort level or setup needs. From what we saw, the quieter sites farthest from the entrance offer the best sense of seclusion, but for families wanting easier access, cleaner facilities, and a more relaxed stay, we ultimately recommend passing and heading down the road to Indian River RV Park in Titusville instead.
LegendWhile exploring Florida's 'Space Coast' we decided to pull into Willow Lakes Golf & RV Resort just off US-1 in Titusville, which immediately sets you up for a comfortable and relaxed stay, with well-maintained RV sites nestled among shady tree-lined paved pathways and plenty of space between rigs that feels restful after a long travel day. The resort itself is one of the most highly polished RV communities we have ever visited with thoughtful amenities like a small swimming pool, shuffleboard and bocce ball courts, offering clean bath and shower facilities, roomy paved sites that provide shelter for even the tallest and longest of RVs along with a peaceful layout that feels safe and welcoming for families – but one huge watch out: this is a 55+ community, so while we instantly fell in love with this place, we knew the only way we could stay was if we brought one set of grandparents! One of the highlights of our visit was taking the boys down to the Space Coast to watch a satellite launch from nearby Cape Canaveral, their eyes wide as the rocket lifted into the sky. Dinner at Shilohs Steak & Seafood, a short drive away on US-1, gave us all a chance to enjoy hearty meals and fresh local fare before heading back to our rig, where we eventually found a much better, family-friendly place to stay in Manatee Hammock CG. We’d recommend Willow Lakes for 55+ RV campers who appreciate EZ access from the highway, a friendly RV vibe with clean amenities and proximity to unique local attractions like space launches and great local dining that make every day feel like a part of the adventure. My hubby and I decided this is one of the places we would consider retiring to when our boys are all grown up!
GuideThis is a great location near the water for fishing & kayaking
GuideOther than the airplane noise overhead it’s fantastic large sites are amazing with water and electric.
GuideI only spent one night there, but it’s a small and peaceful campground with shaded spots. I lucked out with a good view of the nearby prairie, and woke up to a beautiful sunset with tall grasses and bird song. The listing says excellent coverage for T-Mobile but my phone alternated between one bar and no service at all.
GuideGreat spot near the Sebastian inlet. Great place to bring you fishing pole and kayak
Camping options in Melbourne, Florida range from oceanfront to riverside settings within flat coastal terrain. Waterfront campsites at Melbourne FL campgrounds typically sit at elevations under 10 feet above sea level, making them susceptible to strong winds during storms. Winter temperatures average 50-75°F while summer months reach 80-95°F with high humidity.
Fishing opportunities: At Long Point Park Campground, campers can fish directly from their waterfront sites. "We pulled our kayaks/paddleboards in and out of the water right at our site," explains one visitor. The park offers multiple water access points for anglers seeking different fishing spots.
Rocket launch viewing: Jetty Park Campground provides a prime location for watching space launches. "You can see space launches, close to KSC, beach, jetty. Spectacular," reports one camper. Launch schedules are posted at the campground office, and the best viewing spots are along the eastern side of the campground.
Mountain biking: Trails at Wickham Park Campground offer opportunities for cyclists of various skill levels. "Lots of trails to walk or mountain bike," mentions one regular visitor. The 5.2-mile perimeter trail connects to several inner loops ranging from beginner-friendly to more challenging terrain.
Waterfront access: The ability to bring boats directly to campsites ranks high with visitors. "We tied our boat up at our campsite. Great for kayaking, fishing and paddle boarding," notes a camper about Long Point Park. Sites along the water typically cost $5-10 more per night than interior sites.
Wildlife viewing: The natural habitat surrounding Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground attracts diverse wildlife. "We saw a giant sea turtle bigger than a manhole cover. We watched dolphins play at sunrise," shares one visitor. Morning hours between 6-8am offer the best dolphin sighting opportunities from waterfront sites.
Clean facilities: Melbourne campgrounds maintain well-kept shower and restroom facilities. "Bathrooms and showers are pretty good too! They get nice and hot!" reports a camper about Wickham Park. Most park bathhouses are cleaned twice daily and include coin-operated laundry facilities.
Seasonal insect challenges: No-see-ums (biting midges) present a significant issue in waterfront locations. "No-see-ums are almost unbearable in the evening. But that comes with the territory in Florida. Pack long-sleeves, pants, and serious bug spray," advises a visitor to Long Point Park. Evening hours from 5-9pm typically experience the heaviest insect activity.
Reservation timing: For Manatee Cove Family Campground, advance planning is crucial. "Reservations are not accepted except for active duty personnel and 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," explains one camper. Arrival on weekdays increases chances of securing a site.
Site privacy variations: Campground layouts offer differing levels of separation between sites. "Sites vary in sizes. Large number of water sites," notes one Long Point Park visitor. Sebastian Inlet sites are described as "close together with little privacy. But we could see the water from our site." Request corner sites or those bordering natural areas for more seclusion.
Playground access: Wickham Park offers family-friendly amenities beyond camping. "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," shares one parent. The main playground area includes equipment for various age groups and is located within walking distance of all campsites.
Beach proximity: Outdoor Resorts Melbourne Beach provides excellent access to ocean beaches. "We had a site right on the river and close to the pool. After a long day on the soccer pitch we would relax and fish right off the dock on our site," reports a family visitor. Most beach access points have outdoor showers for rinsing off sand before returning to camp.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming facilities as alternatives to ocean beaches. "Heated pool was very nice for the kids," notes a visitor to Space Coast RV Resort. Pool hours typically run from 9am-9pm, with most facilities offering shallow ends for younger swimmers.
Site selection strategy: For larger rigs, research specific site dimensions before booking. "Any one with a 42 footer or more might struggle in a few spots. Call the office, they'll let you know the better lots for the big rigs," advises an RVer at Manatee Cove Family Campground. Sites with pull-through access typically accommodate larger vehicles more easily than back-in spots.
Leveling considerations: Melbourne area campgrounds often have uneven terrain. "Gravel under the RV so not quite level," notes a visitor to Space Coast RV Resort. Carrying extra leveling blocks is recommended, as many sites slope slightly toward water drainage areas.
Hookup variations: Water quality differs between parks. "Sulfer well drinking water," mentions one Long Point Park visitor, suggesting campers may want to bring drinking water. Most full-hookup sites provide 30/50 amp service, water connections, and sewer hookups, though site-specific limitations may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free camping options available in Melbourne?
Free camping options are limited in the immediate Melbourne area. Cracker Barrel — Titusville, about 30 minutes north of Melbourne, offers free overnight parking for self-contained RVs—a convenient stopover for those traveling along I-95. For those willing to drive a bit further, Bull Creek WMA provides more primitive free camping opportunities. Most established campgrounds in the Melbourne area require fees, including county and state parks. Always verify current policies before planning a free stay, as rules and availability can change, particularly during Florida's busy winter season.
What RV parks are available in Melbourne, Florida?
Melbourne offers several quality RV parks for travelers. Outdoor Resorts Melbourne Beach provides an excellent option with friendly permanent residents and is perfect for weekend stays. Joy RV Park features helpful staff and well-equipped sites with water, electric, and sewage hookups. Lucky Clover RV & Mobile Home Park is a good snow-bird location for winter stays in the Melbourne area. These parks cater to various needs, from short visits to seasonal accommodations, with most requiring reservations, especially during Florida's busy winter season.
What are the best campgrounds in Melbourne, Florida?
Long Point Park Campground stands out as one of the best options in the Melbourne area. This hidden gem offers waterfront sites where you can kayak alongside dolphins and manatees. The park has friendly staff, an adjacent island for hiking, and is less than a mile from the ocean, providing a quiet Florida experience. Manatee Hammock Campground is another excellent choice with its beautiful waterfront views and convenient location. While most Melbourne area campgrounds fill up quickly during winter months, booking well in advance is recommended to secure the best sites.
Is tent camping available in Melbourne, FL?
Yes, tent camping is available in Melbourne, FL at several locations. Wickham Park Campground offers tent camping with clean facilities, fishing ponds, and a quiet atmosphere, making it a convenient option for visitors with family in the area. Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground also welcomes tent campers with shell sites, water views, and amenities including shore fishing, a boat launch, and a playground. The park features pavement biking in the camping area and beautiful wildlife viewing opportunities. Both parks provide a good base for exploring Melbourne and the surrounding areas.
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