2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campers near Merritt Island, Florida have several natural camping options within driving distance of the island. Wickham Park Campground in Melbourne offers dedicated tent sites with mature shade trees and access to hiking trails, while primitive tent setups can be found at Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park about 30 miles northwest. Lake Mills Park provides 14 tent camping sites with picnic tables and nearby lake access, making it popular for weekend getaways.
Most tent camping areas near Merritt Island require advance planning due to limited site availability. Lake Mills Park features tent sites with picnic tables on cement pads surrounded by trees, though campers should note the sites don't accommodate RVs and lack hookups. Hatbill Park offers primitive tent camping with minimal amenities - only vault toilets and trash collection are available. Several locations like Little Big Econ State Forest provide hike-in tent sites that require carrying all gear to your campsite. A recent review noted, "Be prepared for a hike to the sites. Expect some areas of water covered trails, ankle deep, especially in the summer months."
Tent campsites in this region vary significantly in their setting and experience. Sites at Lake Mills Park provide family-friendly amenities including access to playgrounds and fishing piers, but campers should be aware of potential noise. One camper shared, "Traffic can be clearly heard on the main streets that border the campground," though many still find it enjoyable. For more secluded tent camping experiences, the primitive sites at Hal Scott Preserve offer better isolation, with sites "neatly cleared with mature oak trees that provide a canopy for shade." East Camp at Little Big Econ State Forest provides tent campers with more natural surroundings and trail access, though the camping area is not very secluded if visiting during busy weekends when many hikers pass by the sites.
"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."
"This was a special use event so we used the big open field areas in the day use part of the park near the lake. This was a very, very good and well run event on everyone's part. "
"The good: This is a beautiful clean campground attached to a nice community park. 14 sites total some closer to each other than others, but we had no neighbors."
"Hike out to this beautiful sight under the stars and dream of bygone eras...We started at the Barr Street Trailhead and hiked in to LE 39 where we found 2 fire rings."
"I definitely wouldn't recommend recommend getting there at night to set up, but otherwise it's fairly easy to get around."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when available"All camping is primitive, only 3 out here this weekend. Permit but no charge, county Park."
"There is one small hike in to primitive campsite on the far side of the lake from the nature center - on less than 2 mile loop trail. Site will hold approximately 5 guests comfortably."
"There were restrooms at the pavilion but no showers. The pavilion area had lights and a grill with a cooking area just off to the side. "
"It’s run by Middleton’s Fish Camp Park, so really this location on the map needs a name change. When you get here, you pay $10 per person to the bait shop for the night."
"There's no direct access to reach this primitive campground here in Bissette Bay. "
"Got a 6 man and a 2 man set up and could get a 4 man as well but who actually puts that many people in a tent, lol."
from $20 / night
from $9 / night
ScoutTim and Leisha were the best! Great campsite close to Disney is what we wanted.. clean and well organized. They make you feel at home and they even invited us to dinner at the pool and provided all the food. I will definitely be going back when I’m in town. They loved our kiddos too!
TravelerIts a great campground for longterm and short term alike, my wife and myself live out of pull behind full time and have been here since August. This campground is conviently located roughly 45 minutes from downtown Orlando and 30 minutes from Cocoa Beach. They have several buildings available for use to campers with kitchens inside some of the buildings, they have a beautiful pool open year round, a pool table nicely located right beside part of the Orlando wetland walking trails. Plus really who doesn't want to reconnect with their inner child and stay in a small little town like Christmas where the post office is decorated year round, there's a nativity scene up year round and parts of the park itself keeps some lights up year round.
LegendPulling into Cape Kennedy RV Resort just off I-95 in Mims felt like stepping into a haven of wide skies and gentle breezes, where the lush shade trees and relaxed layout of this RV park immediately invited us to exhale and settle into a slower pace after a long day on the road. The RV sites are roomy and shaded, giving you that sense of being tucked into nature even though you’re just minutes from the highway, and the clean, well-maintained facilities make set-up feel effortless. One of my favorite moments here was watching the boys gather sticks for a small, post-dinner campfire while fireflies blinked around the grassy edge of our site and the river reflected the last warm colors of sunset, laughter and simple chatter weaving into a perfect end-of-day memory. The best campsites are the ones located on the western side of the property where you can wake up to the chirping of birds, covered by solid shade while sipping your morning coffee, which makes lingering here feel like a little slice of calm amidst the journey. We’d recommend Cape Kennedy RV Resort for families who appreciate EZ interstate access, shady, beautifully spaced sites, and a blend of nature and convenience.
LegendArriving at Indian River RV Park just off US-1 in Titusville feels calm and unhurried, with a palm-lined setting near the Indian River that offers an EZ pull-in and a welcome sense of space after a day on the road. The park leans into a relaxed, old-school Florida vibe with grassy sites, mature trees offering tons of shade, clean restrooms and showers and a layout that feels friendly and low-key rather than overly polished. One of our favorite family moments here was loading the boys into the car after dinner and heading out to watch a satellite launch from Cape Canaveral, their chatter slowly turning into wide-eyed silence as the rocket lit up the sky and left a glowing trail we’ll never forget. Earlier that evening, we enjoyed a classic Space Coast dinner at Dixie Crossroads, where the family shared baskets of rock shrimp, hushpuppies and sweet tea, making it feel like a true Florida rite of passage. From what we saw, the best sites are those closer to the river side of the park, where gentle breezes and morning bird calls make early coffee feel especially peaceful. We’d recommend Indian River RV Park for families who value EZ access, a quiet and shaded campground atmosphere, and close proximity to unforgettable local experiences like waterfront dining, Cuban cafes (just out the back corner) and watching rockets soar into space.
ScoutThis campground is close to Kenedy Space Center and Merritt Island. It has full hookups and plenty of amenities. Restrooms are clean. Some of the sites are quite small, but there are plenty of large sites for big rigs.
GuideMy husband and I travel all over the southern United States for work. We live primarily in our 43 foot 2025 Jayco Pinnacle 38FBRK 5th wheel that we take great pride in. We research RV parks in the area in which we are moving so that we can stay in a good place. When we found this RV park via the internet we were encouraged by the pictures shown and the fact that it was a 55+ community. My husband, David, called and spoke with Niesha who presented herself as the Property Manager. David had explained our camper and our requirements for a RV lot as far as the size we needed and that we did not want to be under any trees. Niesha stated that the RV pad was“brand new and had fresh, level gravel. There is a tree all the way in the back but it should not be over your camper”. We did our due diligence and looked at the pictures and read the reviews provided on their site. We thought that was perfect and booked our reservation for a year and a half as that is how long our current job is projected to last. We made our necessary arrangements and headed out from Bay Minette, Alabama to this above mentioned RV park on September 19, 2026. Upon arrival to Enchanted Lakes at 1830 on the 18th of September, there were no signs directing us where to go for the RV spots, so we had to drive around the whole complex until we found our pad; and I use the term“pad” loosely. As we looked at this half a pad with a flooded out grass“driveway”, we were not sure that we would even be able to get the camper up on the pad. We did finally get it up there but it kept sliding off the side because this is the way the pad sloped. We tried to call the office but they do not work on the weekends and there is no emergency number to call should anyone have an issue. Our camper was leaning so badly that we had to leave it hooked up to David’s truck and took my truck to the local Home Depot for concrete bricks so we could set up for the night. After spending another$100, wewere finally able to finish at 2300 that evening and we were able to go to sleep for the night with the camper set up enough to do that and that alone. The morning of the 20th, we were back outside at 0830 to fix the pad. The process of fixing the pad consisted of shoveling/shifting gravel, placing concrete blocks and pavers under our outriggers and tires so that we could achieve a level and safe set up. All the while, we were being attacked by ants and other assorted pests as the grass had not been properly maintained, cut or treated. We were able to finish and call it a day at 1530 that afternoon. Never in our lives have we ever had to work so hard to ensure a proper set up for our rig. On the 21st, we again returned to Home Depot for bug treatments, ie…granules, spray, etc. When spraying the area under our camper, dozens upon dozens of roaches started to scatter. I had never seen so many roaches in my life! We were able to treat the whole area around our camper with the hopes that we treated it in time to avoid an infestation. Monday the 22nd, we went to office as instructed to sign our paperwork. My husband was extremely upset but agreed that we needed to keep level heads when talking face to face with Niesha. Our first attempt to get the paperwork done as dismissed by Niesha because she had interviews to conduct. She asked that we come back at 1400 which was more convenient for her and we agreed. When we did return, our paperwork was not even completed. She inquired about the site and I told her that we were not happy in the least with the pad. I explained what all we had done and she didn’t seem surprised. She just kept pointing to a printed email on her wall that showed which sites were newly graveled and leveled. I told her that someone was lying to her and that she should go out and look at the site. She replied,“That is above my pay grade and I don’t leave the office”. We explained that we have an acorn tree over the back of our camper that constantly drops acorns on my roof. She said,“I didn’t realize that your camper was going to go back that far”. We again stated what we told her over the phone prior to booking to which she assured us that the tree was not going to be a problem, so yes she should have known. Niesha then stated,“Well, I really don’t know anything about campers so I don’t really know what to tell you. You wanna move to another site?”. I explained that after all the work we have done to this site that I had no intentions of moving my camper anywhere else in this park. My husband then asked if she could provide more gravel for the end of the driveway as our trucks are sinking and rutting the grass to the point that we have to put our trucks in 4 wheel drive just to get out. She again stated,“Well that is above my pay grade and I don’t have anything to do with that. You can just tear up the grass. No one else complains about it so I’m not sure why you are. No one else complains about the pads and I don’t know anything about campers and what they need.” At this point, my husband and I signed for the month and just left the office because we knew we were not going to get anywhere with her. Her condescending tone and attitude was more than enough for us at this point. During all this weekend mentioned, we have had several of the neighbors stop and talk with us. They have all given us basically the same message,“Run!”. We have heard horror stories from them regarding the office’s indifference to any concerns or general maintenance of the park. We were warned about ant and roaches, mice and rats, and the fact that the maintenance man cannot perform the most basic of tasks. We were warned not to sign a lease. We were warned to make sure we had a surge protector, which we always use, because the electric poles are poorly done and have already burned up several of the residents surge protectors. These power pole incidents left residents without power for several days. We were warned that we need to make sure that we have extra water because when the water lines get hit, we could go as long as 24 hours or more without water. We were warned to keep an eye on our electric meter ourselves because they do not always read the meters as they should and will just charge what they charged the last time they read it. The water is for food human consumption and we have a state of the art three part filter system.
There are other parks that charge you the same amount but all utilities are included, the pads are actually pads and they have amenities.
TravelerLots of sites in a ring around the bath house, which has hot and cold water running. Spigots at every site and a fire ring, very secluded and I’m the only non-RV here. Dock leads out to a wonderful view of the river, gorgeous. Publix and Walgreens à ten minute bike ride away.
Lots of palmettos so the bugs are out full force with huge stick bugs and palmetto bugs. Mosquitoes galore, bring spray.
TravelerGrass is beyond high. Little dogs can get lost in the grass. Some of the pavers near the pool stairs are lifting to where you need to watch your step or it pinches your foot.
The pros- centrally located. Clean pool. Not too busy of a campground. Large places.
GuideLots of amenities with plenty to do, water park was nice, ice cream shop, marina, and skeet range were cool. Staff was inconsistent - some allowed the kids to have fun but others break out the measuring stick to deny activities. Head scratching at times but will probably go back.
Tent camping near Merritt Island, Florida offers access to diverse ecosystems where freshwater and saltwater environments meet, creating unique camping opportunities. The region sits at sea level with relatively flat terrain that experiences high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms during summer months. Water levels on trails can fluctuate seasonally, affecting both hiking conditions and mosquito populations at many primitive campsites.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Mills Park provides access to a fishing pier where visitors can catch various freshwater species. As one camper noted, "Most of the kids in the group tried to fish, some for the first time. We used worms and cut up hot dogs. We caught 7 fish in the short amount of time we were there before dinner."
Mountain biking trails: Wickham Park Campground offers dedicated trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. A visitor shared, "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."
Wildlife viewing: The trails at Geneva Wilderness Area provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. According to one review, "The trails are filled with wildlife! Gopher tortoise, raccoon, shore birds, deer and so much more. The wildflowers in the spring and fall are eye catching."
Bird watching: Bissette Bay in Canaveral National Seashore is accessible only by boat but rewards visitors with abundant bird sightings. A camper reported, "The lake is a birders paradise if you're into that. All along are big osprey nests in the trees."
Secure camping environments: Lake Mills Park offers extra security features appreciated by solo campers. One visitor mentioned, "I loved that the park gate closes and locks at night (with a code for campers to exit and enter) and the campground itself has a gate that is always locked as do the bathrooms so they stay fairly nice."
Accessible primitive experiences: Hal Scott Preserve provides an entry-level backcountry camping experience. A camper shared, "It's a long walk to a primitive site, but totally worth it. There's no real way of knowing if the sites are already taken, so be prepared for that. There's a fire pit, table and plenty of space for tents."
Nature center access: Geneva Wilderness Area offers educational opportunities. As described by a visitor: "There is an Education Center: Ed Yarborough Center on the property near the group site that was open for our group and was amazing."
Special events: Wickham Park hosts seasonal festivals that enhance the camping experience. One review mentioned, "We stayed here because we work the Brevard Show, and it was amazing! We loved the fallen tree, and so do kids to climb! It was a nice hidden surprise."
Weather preparations: Summer thunderstorms can impact tent camping conditions throughout the Merritt Island region. At East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest, "The second site, about 2 miles in, has a storm shelter nearby for those sudden afternoon thunderstorms."
Campsite availability challenges: Many primitive sites don't accept reservations and have limited availability. One camper at Hal Scott Preserve stated, "There's no real way of knowing if the sites are already taken, so be prepared for that."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby establishments. At Lake Mills Park, "There is an adjacent country bar, or 'honky-tonk' if you will with the sound system that was set up we could clearly hear everything that was going on there."
Transportation limitations: Some island camping sites require boat access. For Bissette Bay, a camper explained, "Launch at river breeze park, book through Canaveral National Seashore. 20 bucks a night your own island."
Playground access: Lake Mills Park offers recreation facilities for children. A camper mentioned, "This is a nice place to introduce kids to camping. It's not very far removed and there is a nice bathroom and a playground. There is a walking path and nice views of lake mills."
Fishing for beginners: Bissette Bay provides excellent fishing opportunities even for novice anglers. One successful camper shared, "By 6pm, I had 3 different fish being fired up on my campsite - red drum, silver mullet and spotted sea trout."
Educational opportunities: Geneva Wilderness Area includes nature programs. A reviewer noted, "They host family camp outs in this area 2 times per year."
Trail difficulty: Little Big Econ State Forest offers accessible hiking for families. A camper observed, "You could spend an entire day just getting lost around the trails. So much fun. Not a very difficult trial though."
Short-term stays: Wickham Park Campground accommodates RVs for both extended and brief visits. One camper stated, "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."
Site selection considerations: Choose locations away from long-term residents. A camper advised, "The sites are nice by the ponds. Good spacing between them and clean looking. The back sites (sect C) had rigs that have been there a while."
Amenity access: Hal Scott Preserve County Park offers limited RV facilities but proximity to natural features. A visitor noted, "The group site has a porta potty. The sites all have fire rings and two sites have pitcher pumps for water you can filter."
Full-time accommodations: Some locations welcome extended stays. One reviewer mentioned, "We're full timers so we took advantage of the community garden here for a season. Disc golf, food trucks, farmers market, playground the list goes on!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Merritt Island, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Merritt Island, FL is Wickham Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Merritt Island, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Merritt Island, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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