If you are going to sleep outside, sleep somewhere AMAZING!

There’s nothing better than waking up in the Great Outdoors, especially if you find yourself on Florida’s Space Coast. When you’re looking to launch into Florida’s camping season, you’ll want to check out these 4 uniquely Space Coast Campgrounds. Where else in the world can you surf, hike, swim and catch a rocket blasting into space all with time to make it back to camp for a s’more? 

SEBASTIAN INLET STATE PARK

Developed Tent Camping + RV
9700 South Highway A1A
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
321-984-4852

Photo by @veteransaerialmedia

Located at the southernmost point of the Space Coast, the Sebastian Inlet State Park has 51 developed tent and RV camp spots complete with picnic tables, grills, water, and electrical hook up. Pack in, primitive camping is also available at the Bayside Marina! And, it’s a pet-friendly park.

This camp spot is so amazing because it’s sandwiched in between the two best parts of the Space Coast, the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Wake up to see a sunrise on the beach, which also happens to be part of the Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important turtle nesting grounds in the world! Spend the morning surfing some of the most advanced waves on the Space Coast, or try your hand at pier fishing to see if you can hook into some dinner! You can also spend the day hiking or biking paved trails through a unique maritime hammock filled with oaks, palms, and tropical plants. There’s also the kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating and fishing awaiting you in the Lagoon. You’ll want to make sure you’re on or near the calm waters of the lagoon for a breathtaking sunset. Oh, and we can’t forget about the swimming “lagoon” perfect for the little ones in your party to splash around in without worrying about currents, tides, fishing lines, or surfers! There’s something for everyone at Sebastian Inlet State Park! Make your reservation today. 

MANATEE HAMMOCK PARK

Developed Tent Camping + RV
7275 S. US Highway 1
Titusville, FL 32780
(321) 264-5083

Sitting on the shore of the Indian River is one of the Space Coast’s most popular campgrounds for families: Manatee Hammock Park. There are 26.45 acres of land to explore, and over 180 available campsites including RV spots with Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, water, electric, and sewer hookups, and a group tent camping area. Manatee Hammock is the perfect place for any kind of camper, from novice to the caravanning expert. The campground is shady and spacious with its hammock of palms, pines, and Florida foliage supplying sanctuary for a variety of coastal creatures – not to mention that the park also has some of the best space launch views from the Kennedy Space Center.

Being on the shore of the Indian River, the park offers a secluded oasis where campers can enjoy shoreline fishing, as well as a 197 ft. fishing pier. From shuffleboard to horseshoes, swimming or volleyball, the activities are nearly endless. So, grill up your favorite foods, bask in the glow of a campfire, and finish out the night with a therapeutically hot shower the park provides. Manatee Hammock is great to stay on its own, but is centrally located with parks, beaches, attractions, mere moments away should you like to venture out.

JETTY PARK

Developed Tent Camping + RV
9035 Campground Circle
Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920
321-783-7111

Rocket Launch from the Jetty Park Campground Photo by @avengastro11

Did you know that Jetty Park is one of the closet campgrounds to the Canaveral Space Force Station, with some of the most stunning views of rocket launches in the area? It’s true! In fact, even when launches aren’t scheduled, campers can enjoy the vast 35-acre park that stretches along the Atlantic Ocean coast with a plethora of activities, including the tranquil observation of the Port, watching cruise ships as they majestically move past the jetty on their way out to sea. Additional water-related activities include all things beach: boogie boarding, surfing, kayaking, swimming, and even fishing from the 1,200-foot paved and well-lit fishing pier. It’s perfect for happy campers of every age and ability!  

But what about “where to sleep?” Camping options range from rustic tent sites to full-service RV locations, complete with free Wi-Fi, shower and laundry facilities, as well as modern restrooms and hookups for water, sewer, and electricity. When not seeking refuge in your tent or RV, Jetty Park truly is your “exploration destination” as there are places to bike, parties to be had in the picnic area or pavilion, food to be enjoyed on the grill, and even a friendly game of volleyball. So, whether relaxing during the day or chilling at dark, you will easily enjoy the sights and sounds of Jetty Park. Check out more campground details here! 
 

CANAVERAL NATIONAL SEASHORE

15 Primitive Island Camping Sites
Canaveral National Seashore Headquarters,
212 S Washington Ave
Titusville, FL 32796
1-877-444-6777

Beach at Canaveral National Seashore Photo by @dreamketchers

Wanting a remote and rustic camping experience where you wake up on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Continental United States? Look no further than the Canaveral National Seashore.

Camping at the Canaveral National Seashore is a bit different than any other primitive camping you’ve done. First, all the campsites are scattered on islands throughout the Mosqutio Lagoon. You will need to rent a kayak or bring your own boat to get to your camp site. It doesn’t get much more remote than that! And, there is no other place along the Atlantic Coast that has 24 miles of continuous, undeveloped, white-sand beaches on an unspoiled barrier island. As part of the U.S. National Parks, Canaveral National Seashore is open to backcountry camping, with no developed facilities or amenities. This pack-in, pack-out style of camping is perfect for adventurers who love to explore the natural world far away from other campers. Kayaking, fishing, and swimming are permitted and encouraged on the Seashore, and of course there is plenty of opportunity to explore nature trails and observe local wildlife.

With roughly 15 scattered backcountry island campsites, only tents are allowed for temporary dwelling, with strict rules about proper cleanup of supplies brought, for conservation and preservation purposes. For this particular location, a reservation and permit are required. From there, you can rough it in the wild along the pristine waters of the Mosquito Lagoon, the red fish capital of the world, and explore the wonders of Playalinda Beach and the adjacent Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.  Make sure you check out this website for all important camping, permitting, and reservation information.  

No matter if you’re looking to camp with the family, grab your tent and go out on your own, or plant your RV somewhere spectacular, these uniquely Space Coast campsites are the perfect spots to rest your head and launch your vacation! Go ahead, Take advantage of the beautiful weather and camp on Florida’s Space Coast where there’s plenty of space for adventure.

1. Camping near the ocean in Brevard County, FL. traveltips.usatoday.com. https://traveltips.usatoday.com/camping-near-ocean-brevard-county-fl-111241.html Accessed January 5 & 6, 2021
    
2. Experiences & Amenities. floridastateparks.org. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/sebastian-inlet-state-park/experiences-amenities-0 Accessed January 5, 2021

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