Camping near Sharpes, Florida centers around a collection of waterfront and inland campgrounds along the central east coast's Space Coast region. The area sits at near sea level with most campgrounds within 5-10 miles of the Atlantic Ocean. Winter temperatures range from 50-70°F while summer brings consistent 80-90°F days with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through September.
What to do
Watch rocket launches live: Manatee Hammock Campground provides direct views of Kennedy Space Center across the water. "We saw two rocket launches while here," reports Dave D., who recommends visiting "Port Canaveral and eat at the many excellent restaurants."
Fishing from dedicated piers: Jetty Park Campground offers access to its fishing jetty where various saltwater species can be caught. The park features "a pier for fishing and just serene eastern observation toward Cape Canaveral," along with "a kayak launch ramp as well," according to reviewer L O.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to see local wildlife. Robin M. at Encore Space Coast notes, "The fishing was amazing," while multiple campers report regular alligator sightings in the park's small pond.
Beach activities: Several campgrounds provide beach access. Kristina C. notes about Jetty Park: "For the price and how close the beach is you seriously can't beat it!" The beach is within walking distance of all campsites.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Jetty Park Canaveral Port Auth provides oceanfront sites with concrete pads. "Easy check in even though we arrived after hours! Very friendly. We had a shady spot with a concrete pad and full hookups," writes Cindy A., who adds, "Bonus activities include seeing cruise ships leave pier and space launches!"
Dog-friendly facilities: Multiple campgrounds cater to pets. Dennis J. notes that Manatee Hammock Park is "so nice, right on the Indian river. There is a large fenced Dog Park on the riverfront." Tony W. similarly reports that Sonrise Palms RV is a "very clean, pet and children friendly RV park" with a "gated dog park with lots of toys."
Convenience to attractions: Campsites provide access to nearby points of interest. Doug S. notes that Manatee Hammock "has a woodsy feel but it's right off a main road. Really close to the Space Center and easy access to SR528 and about an hour from the theme parks."
Pool and recreation options: Multiple sites feature swimming pools and recreational facilities. The pool at Sonrise Palms RV gets positive mentions with Annabel F. noting she "took a dip on a cold day" in the "nice heated pool."
What you should know
Site sizes vary significantly: Some parks have notoriously tight spaces. Ronald C. reports about Encore Space Coast: "spots are very tight and no dog park... the guy next door had to move his truck for me to get in and I only could park my truck in front of my door since there was no space any where else."
Train and traffic noise: Several campgrounds experience ambient noise. Jorge F. mentions Manatee Hammock has a "downside is freight train noise every night in the early morning hours and traffic noise, specially with campsites near the busy US-1."
Limited fire options: Fire restrictions apply at many parks. Jorge F. notes at Manatee Hammock, "no fires unless you bring your own fire pit and must be at least 6" off the ground." Other parks have complete fire bans.
Bathroom conditions vary: While most facilities are functional, quality differs. At Jetty Park, Denis P. notes: "Restrooms and showers were clean, but completely unventilated and without air conditioning. In summer temperatures, that made things uncomfortable."
Reservation requirements: First-come-first-serve options are limited. The KARS Park campground offers spots on this basis but "Only available to KSC/NASA employees and military though (and requires an annual membership of $15-20)," according to Eleanor the Airstream R.
Tips for camping with families
Choose shaded sites in summer: With Florida heat, shade makes a significant difference. Jorge F. recommends Manatee Hammock for its "lots of trees and shade," noting specific sites like "51, 13, 65-69, 169, 170" for better tree cover.
Consider off-season visits: Kristina C. mentions Jetty Park is less crowded in off-peak months: "For the past 3 years we have been going to the campground every year around August and have an amazing time!"
Check for kid-friendly amenities: Pools are important during hot months. Cape Kennedy RV Resort has "a pool and playground" according to Tonya B., who adds it's "pretty quiet considering it's right off the highway."
Book waterfront sites early: The most desirable family sites book quickly. Jorge F. notes Manatee Hammock has "beautiful water views from several campsites" but these premium spots fill fast.
Tips from RVers
Levelness considerations: Many RVers note varying site quality. Sven L. reports at Encore Space Coast: "Gravel under the RV so not quite level."
Hookup quality varies: Full hookups are common but placement differs. At Cape Kennedy RV Resort, Mark S. observed a "split personality" with "the west side has nice wide concrete sites, the east side is on dirt and gravel and not so nice." He recommends the site selection add-on fee might be "worth it" given these differences.
Navigation challenges: Some parks have tight roads. Mark S. notes at Cape Kennedy RV Resort: "the roads aren't very wide. The gentleman who escorted us to our site took us off the road and out into the grass to get around a tree to make the turn workable."
Check for extended stay options: Some parks cater to longer stays. At Joy RV Park, Amelie G. notes they "provide the flexibility of both short-term and long-term stays, a versatility that distinguishes them from neighboring campgrounds" and they also offer "onsite storage options."
