Best Campgrounds near Patrick AFB, FL

Camping options near Patrick AFB on Florida's Space Coast include military facilities and county parks that accommodate diverse needs. Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base provides 156 full-service sites with waterfront views along the Banana River, while Wickham Park Campground in Melbourne offers a more wooded setting with ponds and trails. Both facilities support tent and RV camping, with several parks also providing cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfort.

The region experiences high demand during winter months, particularly November through February, when snowbirds flock to the area. "The campground traditionally maintains close to full capacity with retiree snowbirds," noted one military camper about Manatee Cove. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though active duty military personnel may receive priority at Patrick AFB. Weather remains generally pleasant year-round, though summer brings higher temperatures and humidity. Proximity to beaches, Cape Canaveral, and rocket launches makes this area particularly appealing, with many campers reporting the ability to view space launches directly from their sites.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw across several facilities. Campers at Manatee Cove appreciate the sunset views over the Banana River, with one visitor noting, "They have waterfront sites available. Amazing views watching the sun set in the evening." Jetty Park Campground in Cape Canaveral receives praise for its beach access and fishing opportunities, where visitors can watch cruise ships pass by from their campsites. Long Point Park and Sebastian Inlet State Park provide additional waterfront options further south near Melbourne Beach. Despite somewhat close spacing between sites at many locations, reviews consistently highlight the convenient access to beaches, shopping, and Space Coast attractions as major advantages. Several campgrounds also feature amenities like laundry facilities, showers, swimming pools, and community centers to enhance the camping experience.

Best Camping Sites Near Patrick AFB, Florida (88)

    1. Jetty Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Cape Canaveral, FL
    11 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
    21 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
    6 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. Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base

    4 Reviews
    Patrick AFB, FL
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (321) 494-4787

    $10 - $30 / night

    "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."

    "Nice campground if you want to travel around the Cocoa Beach area.  "

    5. Encore Space Coast

    5 Reviews
    Rockledge, FL
    9 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."

    6. Jetty Park Canaveral Port Auth

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

    8. Long Point Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Grant, FL
    27 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. "

    9. Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Sebastian, FL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (321) 984-4852

    $28 / night

    "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."

    "If you happen to be in a site that shares a water spigot with an adjacent unit, make sure you bring a long water hose...we needed to borrow a nice neighbor's spare hose."

    10. Outdoor Resorts Melbourne Beach

    4 Reviews
    Melbourne Beach, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (321) 724-2600

    $60 - $90 / night

    "We had a site right on the river and close to the pool."

    "Fantastic 55 plus resort very near beach Very Quiet including Water/ Electric and cable internet. Cons, extremely expensive, booked for all 2022"

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Recent Reviews near Patrick AFB, FL

398 Reviews of 88 Patrick AFB Campgrounds


  • Lorilee S.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground

    Spent five nights at this beautiful campground. It is absolutely so peaceful. Tons of deer all over, all the time. The campground is definitely nice and pitch black at night. We walked over to the observation tower and could see the cow camp from there. We rode our bikes to the cow camp and snooped around. That was really interesting. Our site was really nice and big. All the palms around the site give it some privacy. Most of the trails are still flooded. Our rainy season just ended and we’ve had a lot of rain towards the end of it.

    Laundry is $1.25 per load. Bathhouse was clean each time we used it. Park rangers were friendly each time we saw them.

  • Emily A.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Lake Mills Park

    Secure and beautiful

    As a camper that often camps alone, 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. And a very good price with a beautiful lake and walking trails. Will visit again.

  • 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Patrick AFB

Camping near Patrick AFB, Florida occurs primarily along coastal waterways or within inland wooded areas. The region sits at near sea level elevation with sandy soil conditions and abundant subtropical vegetation. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with typical highs of 90°F in summer months and winter lows rarely dropping below 50°F.

What to do

View rocket launches from your site: Jetty Park Campground offers prime viewing for Cape Canaveral launches. "Perfect for space or ship enthusiasts... I stayed nearly three weeks here in December before heading back to the cold north, and I couldn't have asked for much more. Staying out on the inlet, although primitive, does offer a bit more privacy compared to inside the campground. It also gives front row seats to the ships coming to port as well as any launches from cape Canaveral which are much more frequent now," notes Jesse P.

Explore mountain bike trails: Wickham Park Campground provides access to multiple outdoor recreation options beyond beach activities. "Took my son camping this weekend to our hometown park. 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," shares Jeff F.

Fish from waterfront sites: Long Point Park Campground allows direct water access for fishing and kayaking. "Pros: Location, price, wildlife, fishing, nice sites with tons of water access. Boat Ramp and trailer parking. Some sites have shore anchoring," according to Spencer D. Sites along the water provide convenient fishing without needing to leave your campsite.

What campers like

Beach proximity: Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground offers direct access to both inlet and ocean beaches. "It is hard to stick the tent poles because it is gravel floor, so bring strings. They sell fire wood there, and there are shops nearby if you need anything," advises Andrea. The park combines ocean access with camping convenience just 45 minutes south of Patrick AFB.

Watching cruise ships: Jetty Park Campground provides views of both space launches and maritime traffic. "Great location, good sites. Easy access to restaurants/bars. Good beach biking, fishing, watching the cruise ships come and go," reports Angela S. The park's location at Port Canaveral allows campers to observe large vessels entering and exiting the harbor.

Waterfront privacy options: Long Point Park Campground offers varying levels of shoreline access. "We were lucky with a quiet location in Site #3, and only 1 neighbor next to us. The only sites with open water views were in very tight and crowded section that was crowded with lots of big rigs," explains Terry S. Site selection impacts both water views and privacy levels.

What you should know

Site conditions vary significantly: Jetty Park Campground has diverse site types with different amenities. "We stayed here with a tent in mid-June, during the week. The campground was quiet, with about two-thirds of the sites unoccupied. 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," reports Denis P.

Seasonal bug issues: Long Point Park Campground experiences intense insect activity during certain periods. "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," warns Spencer D. These tiny biting insects can significantly impact comfort levels, particularly near dawn and dusk.

Midweek availability: Space Coast RV Resort shows substantial occupancy differences between weekday and weekend periods. "Stayed here for 2 days. The place is big and about 50% seasonal campers, spots are very tight and no dog park. They have some nice spots but they put me in the back like a sardine," shares Ronald C. Making reservations for midweek stays may result in better site options.

Tips for camping with families

Bring insect protection: Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground requires preparation for biting insects. "It's Florida though, so bring bug spray for the no-see-ums and mosquitoes," advises Suzanne A. Families should pack both repellent and protective clothing for evening activities.

Consider camper spacing: Manatee Hammock Campground has sites with varying proximity to neighbors. "26 acres, small campground; most sites are relatively close to each other; lots of trees and shade; beautiful water views from several campsites, specially sites 51, 13, 65-69, 169, 170), pool and lots of parks within 30 minutes," explains Jorge F. Families seeking more privacy should request specific site numbers when booking.

Pack for noise issues: Manatee Hammock Campground experiences noise from transportation corridors. "The only downside of the campground is its proximity to railroad tracks and airport. The noise seemed to be constant on weekdays," notes L O. Noise-sensitive family members may need earplugs, particularly for tent camping without the sound insulation of RV walls.

Tips from RVers

Advance reservations essential: Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base maintains high occupancy during winter. "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 when the campground traditionally maintains close to full capacity with retiree snowbirds," explains Paula C.

Site size considerations: Space Coast RV Resort has tight spacing in certain sections. "Decent RV park close to the beach. Had a back in site. Gravel under the RV so not quite level. No fires allowed, heated pool was very nice for the kids," shares Sven L. Larger rigs may struggle with some sites, requiring careful advance planning.

Utility hookup variations: Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground offers limited hookup options. "Nice camp ground for fishing and bringing the boat along. Some spots are tight in the front row. The back loop has a little more room. Lots of no-see-ums. (tiny bugs that bite) bring a insect tent to sit out in!!!" recommends Melissa B. RVers requiring full hookups should verify availability before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Patrick AFB, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Patrick AFB, FL is Jetty Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.