Campsites near Mims, Florida offer visitors prime viewing locations for rocket launches and access to diverse natural areas. The region sits between the Indian River to the east and I-95 to the west, with camping options scattered along this corridor at elevations just a few feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter provides mild days typically ranging from 60-75°F.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: Located approximately 20 minutes from Mims camping areas, the refuge offers designated wildlife trails. At Little Big Econ State Forest, campers can enjoy "tons of trails, and interesting wildlife" with primitive camping sites right along the Econlockhatchee River.
Watch rocket launches: Many camping areas provide excellent viewing points for Cape Canaveral launches. At Cape Kennedy RV Resort, a camper shared that they got a "Great view as soon as it cleared the trees" during a SpaceX rocket launch. The resort's location in central Mims provides convenient access to launch viewing.
Fishing opportunities: Several campsites offer direct water access for fishing. At Indian Mound Fish Camp, visitors can spend "an afternoon on the deck with a beverage. There will likely be some folks fishing, and there's a good chance you'll see Dolphin, and maybe Manatee." The camp provides a lighted fishing pier and is situated directly on Mosquito Lagoon.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Camping with water views ranks high among visitor preferences. At Manatee Hammock Campground, sites "51, 13, 65-69, 169, 170" offer particularly good "beautiful water views," making it popular despite its compact 26-acre size.
Dog-friendly facilities: Many campgrounds accommodate pets with dedicated areas. Manatee Hammock Campground features "a large fenced Dog Park on the riverfront," while campers note the park is "very dog friendly."
Convenient location: Proximity to attractions without long drives appeals to many visitors. One camper at Little Big Econ State Forest appreciated that it's "close by, has numerous trail heads, and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities" within easy reach of populated areas.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Railroad tracks and highways create ambient noise at some locations. At Manatee Hammock, visitors should expect "freight train noise every night in the early morning hours and traffic noise, specially with campsites near the busy US-1." Selecting interior sites can minimize these disturbances.
Site selection matters: Quality varies considerably between sites even within the same campground. At Jetty Park Campground, a camper noted, "The sites 100-144 aren't as shady. The red knot circle is the most shady," highlighting the importance of researching specific site locations when booking.
Wi-Fi availability varies: Internet access is inconsistent across campgrounds. At Indian Mound Fish Camp, "the wifi's not good," while at Cape Kennedy RV Resort, campers report splitting the park into sections with varying quality: "The west side has nice wide concrete sites, the east side is on dirt and gravel and not so nice."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Crystal Lake RV Park maintains a "community pool" in "pretty good shape" according to visitor reviews, and also offers paddleboat rentals and bicycle rentals that families can enjoy on the 3-acre lake.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Jetty Park Campground provides a "playground" on site, while Cape Kennedy RV Resort has a pool and playground mentioned by several reviewers.
Budget-friendly stays: For families watching costs, Manatee Hammock offers "Decent rates, full hook ups, great location" with one visitor noting they "Paid 55$ for full hook-up" even for a last-minute January booking.
Tips from RVers
Site surface considerations: RV sites vary from concrete pads to sand/dirt surfaces. At The Great Outdoors RV Resort, sites feature "concrete pads" while some visitors at Cape Kennedy RV Resort specifically recommend paying the "$30 add on" for site selection to ensure you get one of the "nice wide concrete sites" on the west side.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have tight interior roads. At Indian Mound Fish Camp, RVers should prepare for "multi point turns to navigate the park" as "the sites are a little narrow" despite accommodating larger rigs.
Long-term options: Several campgrounds accommodate extended stays. The Great Outdoors RV Resort has "over 3K acres of natural areas" with amenities like "a golf course, 2 pools, 2 restaurants" making it suitable for seasonal visitors looking for more permanent arrangements.
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