Farm stays near Cape Canaveral, Florida 2025

Cape Canaveral is blasting off. Not far from Orlando, Cape Canaveral houses the Kennedy Space Center and the Air Force Space & Missile Museum. If you prefer the ground to the galaxy, check out the wildlife areas around the peninsula. With the Banana River and Atlantic Ocean as neighbors, the city boasts ample beach campsites and recreation areas. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll have your pick of beaches that range from relaxing sands to party shores. Settle into your seaside campground and get to know Florida’s Space Coast.

97% (446)

Top-rated campgrounds

Aerial shot of 5 acre property. Hip campers will be camping on the 2.5 acres to the right.

Cape Canaveral is blasting off. Not far from Orlando, Cape Canaveral houses the Kennedy Space Center and the Air Force Space & Missile Museum. If you prefer the ground to the galaxy, check out the wildlife areas around the peninsula. With the Banana River and Atlantic Ocean as neighbors, the city boasts ample beach campsites and recreation areas. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll have your pick of beaches that range from relaxing sands to party shores. Settle into your seaside campground and get to know Florida’s Space Coast.

97% (446)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Forever Young Farm

95%

(188)

23mi from Cape Canaveral · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mims, FL

Sean and Mari are avid back packers and we rely on hip camps across the country. We love and welcome you to our little 5 acre farm. My husband and I travel frequently and rely on little slices of heaven during out travels. We hope to share that with you all. Mari is a nurse and Sean is a pole vault coach. We actually got married on this very property.

2. Camp Wild Fern

97%

(170)

28mi from Cape Canaveral · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Mims, FL

Hey guys! As avid campers and adventure seekers ourselves, we know how important safe (and cost effective) space for a night or two is. That’s why we decided to offer a corner of our own rural paradise - amongst the mature oaks, blooming magnolias and palms. We have just under 7 acres with plenty of yard to share. It’s pretty basic space without a lot of amenities (yet), but we know you’d love it here. Our pricing reflects our humble start and we invite you to park your RV, pop open your tent and make yourself at home. A few things you can expect… ~Wherever you decide to set up camp, we will provide a picnic table, trash can and fire pit with wood. ~We are super pet friendly so bring your furry family members and we will ensure they’re safe and comfortable as well. ~There is access to water from the main house. ~ Electricity can be provided depending on how close you set up to the house. WiFi as well. ~ We do have a chicken coop so you can expect to hear them throughout the day. ~ We are on a dead end road in a rural residential area. Super quiet! ~ Pit potty in a super cute Outhouse. ~ If you stay during the month of March, you will adore our lightening bugs! ~ Tons of mature trees so bring your hammocks. ~ We are on site and available to you when needed. Forgot bug spray or need a band-aid? We got you! Need a board game, yard game or puzzle? We got those too! ~ Want total privacy? That’s ok too! Watch us grow and come back as our offerings grow too. This is our start, but it’s going to be great! Follow us on Instagram #campwildfern Visit nearby ~Space Center ~Playalinda Beach ~Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge ~Local blueberry picking (seasonal) ~Indian River “Mosquito Lagoon” ~White Sands Buddhist Center ~30 minutes to New Smyrna Beach ~Less than an hour from Historic Sanford ~Cocoa Village ~Daytona Speedway

3. Lovely Acres Of East Orlando

98%

(21)

35mi from Cape Canaveral · 3 sites · RVs · Bithlo, FL

3 Acres located in East Orlando near UCF. 45 mins from Disney, 10 mins to Orlando Speedworld, 20 mins to downtown Orlando, 35 mins to Cocoa Beach, 25 mins to Kennedy Space Center. Beautiful private and quiet property with gorgeous old oak trees. Property is gated and in rural area, but close to everything with lots of nearby options for entertainment, shopping, food, etc. We have 2 separate 30 amp connections with water. NO Septic available unless you have portable tank to empty yourself. Have pasture and barn for boarding horses for an extra fee, and have dogs and 2 outdoor cats on site. Beautiful sunrise and sunset views, safe roads for walking, and you can see rocket launches right from the yard!

4. Oceanside Organics Farm

100%

(3)

48mi from Cape Canaveral · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · New Smyrna Beach, FL

Welcome to Oceanside Organics, a peaceful 4-acre regenerative farm in mainland New Smyrna Beach, Florida. We’re a working organic farm focused on soil health and sustainability—with vegetable fields, food forests, and happy animals all around. Wake up to roosters crowing, watch goats play in the morning sun, and explore our gardens or simply unplug and recharge. Whether you're stopping through or staying a while, this is a laid-back, eco-friendly spot to reconnect with nature—just minutes from the beach.

5. Roots ReTREEt in Old Florida

100%

(53)

40mi from Cape Canaveral · 3 sites · RVs · Edgewater, FL

The Roots ReTREEt is situated on 4.5 acres tucked away in Old Florida of Volusia County. The name comes from the roots that stretch throughout the property with the TREEs providing a sanctuary for all who come to rest. Our little piece of paradise has so much serenity with a fully wooded landscape while its only miles from fun things to do: surfing, biking, hiking, boating, fishing, paddling, swimming and more! If you're lucky enough to experience the wildlife that shows up regularly, you could have the pleasure of seeing wild animals like: turkeys, deer, pigs, armadillos, hawks, dragonflies, butterflies, turtles and many others. We're proud of our oasis and thrilled to share it with folks that appreciate protected land as much as we do. The land is part of the resource corridor, which is protected wetlands and it is environmentally sensitive and ecologically significant. This means that it is an ecosystem that supports the wildlife and cannot be touched or manipulated in any way. Lucy's place is our community space for you and your family's use. It has lots of seating, plenty of places to relax, a grill and outdoor sink for cooking, and a gas fireplace to enjoy the scenery at night. A hot tub awaits you, which is open to the stars and great after a day of lounging or fun out and about. We are close to everything but far enough for you to relax after a fun day of exploring. Daytona Speedway is a 30 min. drive. You can be on the beach in 20 min. or putting your boat/jet skis in the river in 15 min. We'd be honored to share what we consider to be heaven on earth with you. :-)

6. Peaceful RV Retreat Near Lake Nona

100%

(7)

40mi from Cape Canaveral · 1 site · Tent, RV · Kissimmee, FL

Description: Bring your RV or camper and relax at this private and spacious 80'x16' concrete campsite nestled in Florida's natural beauty. Enjoy the convenience of a 40-foot covered pavilion to park your RV under, protecting you from the elements during your stay. This site is fully equipped with: 30 & 50 amp hookups (plus 20 amp 120V outlet) Water connection Dedicated hookup to dump gray and black holding tanks. Free on-site parking You'll also have access to a fire pit for relaxing evenings, and the peace of mind provided by exterior security cameras. Pets and smoking are allowed, making it a flexible stay for all guests. Please be sure to read our canopy size guidelines in the house rules before booking. Whether you're stopping for a night or staying a while, this RV-friendly site offers comfort, convenience, and a touch of nature.

7. Annamac’s Hideaway

100%

(6)

20mi from Cape Canaveral · 1 site · RV · Titusville, FL

Enjoy driving down our canopied driveway into a peaceful area which is 2 Acres of quiet Florida forest. Annamac’s Hideaway is private land (our yard, very quiet) with power and water. Compressor next to power box is always available to check tire pressure. We are 25 mins from Kennedy Space Center, 30 mins from Playalinda beach, and 10 min from Downtown Titusville. Dump Site closeby. Hidden from the world yet close to town, shops and restaurants.

8. Wonderland Camping. Music and Arts

75%

(6)

48mi from Cape Canaveral · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · St Cloud, FL

About Us Welcome to our Arts & Music Sanctuary! This special space is a joint venture between me, Nick, and the property owner, Mike. Together, we’ve created a peaceful and inclusive retreat on 3 beautiful acres in St. Cloud, Florida, designed to inspire creativity, connection, and relaxation. I’m Nick, and I bring a lifelong passion for music and craftsmanship to this project. I run a piano tuning and restoration business and also manage a nonprofit organization dedicated to renovating pianos and donating them to kids and schools. Sharing the transformative power of music with the next generation is one of my greatest joys. Mike, the property owner, is a music entrepreneur with deep roots in the industry. His vision for this sanctuary comes from his belief in the healing and inspiring power of art and music. Our property is designed to provide space for artists, musicians, and nature lovers to create and recharge. For those looking to immerse themselves in the outdoors, we offer primitive campsites where you can choose your own spot—whether it’s by the pond, under the oak trees, or nestled near the bamboo grove. For RV travelers, we have a 30AMP hookup site with water access located just behind the main house. While this site doesn’t include sewage, you’ll have access to a fully renovated communal bathroom complete with a toilet and bathtub. The sanctuary features unique spaces to inspire creativity, such as: • A peaceful on-site pond with fish. • Open fields for writing, painting, or meditating. • Large canopies for art and music activities. We also provide a selection of rentable musical instruments, including a piano, keyboard, cello, and guitar, to help bring your artistic visions to life. Our sanctuary is proudly 420-friendly and welcomes guests of all backgrounds, lifestyles, and beliefs, whether LGBTQ+ or from any spiritual or religious path. However, we ask that heavier substances or disruptive behaviors be avoided to maintain the peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re here to camp, create, or simply reconnect with nature, we’re thrilled to share this sanctuary with you. Mike and I are here to support your stay and ensure it’s a memorable and inspiring experience. Let this space be your canvas, and enjoy the freedom to express yourself fully.

9. The Sunnyside Farm

100%

(109)

44mi from Cape Canaveral · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Fellsmere, FL

Learn more about this land:Welcome to Sunnyside Farm! We are excited to welcome you to our 10 acre farm where the chickens and goats roam. Come enjoy the peacefulness of nature and a night sky full of stars.About the propertyOur property is close to Vero Beach to the south and Melbourne to the north. We are not far outside of the town of Fellsmere where you can find some restaurants and services if needed.Our property is great for hiking, biking, local fishing, or hanging out with our farm animals. There are trails to be found less than a mile from our property but you can also head to Sebastian Preserve for hiking or over to Stick Marsh for fishing.Your hosts are onsite and we like to meet campers and just get to know them a little. Then we leave the campers alone unless they need something :)About the listingOur property has two sites that can accommodate tent camping or van/truck camping and we look forward to welcoming you. Please keep in mind that if you are brining a van or truck camper the maximum length we can accommodate is 20 ft. We do not have any hookups at this time so you will be dry camping or tent camping only. The surface of the sites is grassy and does need some leveling if you’re in a van. Some amenities you can find at our listings:-We are family friendly-There is a fire pit provided and campfires are allowed-There is a grill available onsite-There is a toilet (porta-potty) available onsite-There is a pump available for potable water-We are pet friendly -There is a picnic table on site for lounging and meal prep-We have trash bins available-We do not have a kitchen or cooking gear available, please BYO-There is no wifi and cell reception can be limitedAdditional details to noteWhile there is a fire pit please remember to bring your own firewood! We do not have a kitchen or cooking utensils but there is a grill onsite.

10. FloridaPets

100%

(9)

23mi from Cape Canaveral · 1 site · RV · Palm Bay, FL

We are on .33 acres in a small neighborhood off of US 1 in the city of Palm Bay. We have room for a rv or campervan. We NOW have 30 amp plug in and water. No bathroom at this time(but coming soon). We are 5 mins to Indialantic beach and .5 mile to the Indian river(great fishing). We are located 1 mile south of Historic Melbourne Village with plenty of shops and dining options. Be a tourist, live like a local.

11. Green Acres

48mi from Cape Canaveral · 1 site · Tent, RV · Vero Beach, FL

This property was formerly part of an active sod farm for many years. It's located at the end of a rural road that ends at a county maintained irrigation canal that has fish and other wildlife in it! Campsites are on a ten acre mowed sod pasture. While the property is somewhat off the beaten path shopping and dining are within 10-20 minutes away by car or you can be on the beach in 20-30 minutes. Vero Beach has alot to offer.

12. Beach Island Retreat Indialantic FL

100%

(1)

18mi from Cape Canaveral · 1 site · RV · Indialantic, FL

Garden oasis, 5 minute walk to the Atlantic Ocean w/quiet driveway parking space for your sm-med size RV. Perfect for folks travelling to/from the Florida Keys or anyone needing a beach break on the East Coast of Central Florida. Our property, though small, is a heavily wooded, botanical dream totally geared for outdoor enjoyment & living. We have a greenhouse of tropical plants and function as a microfarm; just steps away from the ocean w/backyard chickens for fresh eggs, salad greens, herbs, fruits and vegetables grown year-round. You will find a fenced communal pool area, outdoor shower, bathroom, 2 covered porch areas, including outdoor kitchen space, minifridge, gas grill w/side burner, TV, Wi-Fi and hammock(s). This is shared space although we will always ensure your privacy and will do our best to stay out of your personal space throughout your stay. We are 420 friendly and don't mind well behaved pets as long as you assume all responsibility, are careful with them and clean up after yourselves. Quiet time 10pm-8am. The property is geared more toward adults as many of our plants are poisonous, sharp or have dangerous spines, especially if wandering off the main paths and walkways. Safety is a priority; because of this, we ask that you do not touch our plants and stay on the main paths and walkways when enjoying the property. The RV parking site has a 50 amp (30 amp adapter) RV power hook-up. There is also a 15-amp outlet (120V) at the site you can use as well. There is potable/city water hook-up, but no blackwater sewer services or blackwater dumping on the property. Your site has a dedicated shaded sitting area surrounded by bamboo and palm trees for your personal use secluded in the front yard. We're in a safe, residential neighborhood in a wonderful, unincorporated, beachside community, less than a mile to Walmart, Aldi, Walgreens, countless restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and the Indian River Lagoon. Our ocean access boardwalk does not offer public restrooms, parking or lifeguards, but there are several parks nearby that do. We are happy to share our bikes and help you locate any services we're unable to provide. Would love the opportunity to host you. Thank you for looking. Feel free to contact us for additional info.

13. RV or Tent at Tropical Oasis Garden

34mi from Cape Canaveral · 1 site · Lodging · Orlando, FL

Escape the ordinary and enjoy a cozy outdoor adventure at Leona Road, Orlando, FL! Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, our spacious backyard offers the perfect spot for stargazing, campfires, and relaxing under the Florida sky. You can stay in our RV or bring your tent – we’ve got the rest covered. Close to restaurants and shops, yet peaceful and private. 🔥 Fire pit • 🌌 Clear skies • 🏕️ Safe & family-friendly Book your backyard getaway today! Note: Water supply: Well pump Available for use in RV: Microwave, Fridge, AC RV only: 1 Queen Bed, 1 futon, Dining area, TV. No cooking inside RV. Free Wifi Access

14. Pacho and Friends

90%

(5)

46mi from Cape Canaveral · 5 sites · Lodging · Osteen, FL

The property consists of a beautiful, agricultural 20 acres!

Camper favorites near Cape Canaveral

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

FloridaPets

100%

(9)

23mi from Cape Canaveral · 1 site · RV · Palm Bay, FL

We are on .33 acres in a small neighborhood off of US 1 in the city of Palm Bay. We have room for a rv or campervan. We NOW have 30 amp plug in and water. No bathroom at this time(but coming soon). We are 5 mins to Indialantic beach and .5 mile to the Indian river(great fishing). We are located 1 mile south of Historic Melbourne Village with plenty of shops and dining options. Be a tourist, live like a local.

Green Acres

48mi from Cape Canaveral · 1 site · Tent, RV · Vero Beach, FL

This property was formerly part of an active sod farm for many years. It's located at the end of a rural road that ends at a county maintained irrigation canal that has fish and other wildlife in it! Campsites are on a ten acre mowed sod pasture. While the property is somewhat off the beaten path shopping and dining are within 10-20 minutes away by car or you can be on the beach in 20-30 minutes. Vero Beach has alot to offer.

Beach Island Retreat Indialantic FL

100%

(1)

18mi from Cape Canaveral · 1 site · RV · Indialantic, FL

Garden oasis, 5 minute walk to the Atlantic Ocean w/quiet driveway parking space for your sm-med size RV. Perfect for folks travelling to/from the Florida Keys or anyone needing a beach break on the East Coast of Central Florida. Our property, though small, is a heavily wooded, botanical dream totally geared for outdoor enjoyment & living. We have a greenhouse of tropical plants and function as a microfarm; just steps away from the ocean w/backyard chickens for fresh eggs, salad greens, herbs, fruits and vegetables grown year-round. You will find a fenced communal pool area, outdoor shower, bathroom, 2 covered porch areas, including outdoor kitchen space, minifridge, gas grill w/side burner, TV, Wi-Fi and hammock(s). This is shared space although we will always ensure your privacy and will do our best to stay out of your personal space throughout your stay. We are 420 friendly and don't mind well behaved pets as long as you assume all responsibility, are careful with them and clean up after yourselves. Quiet time 10pm-8am. The property is geared more toward adults as many of our plants are poisonous, sharp or have dangerous spines, especially if wandering off the main paths and walkways. Safety is a priority; because of this, we ask that you do not touch our plants and stay on the main paths and walkways when enjoying the property. The RV parking site has a 50 amp (30 amp adapter) RV power hook-up. There is also a 15-amp outlet (120V) at the site you can use as well. There is potable/city water hook-up, but no blackwater sewer services or blackwater dumping on the property. Your site has a dedicated shaded sitting area surrounded by bamboo and palm trees for your personal use secluded in the front yard. We're in a safe, residential neighborhood in a wonderful, unincorporated, beachside community, less than a mile to Walmart, Aldi, Walgreens, countless restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and the Indian River Lagoon. Our ocean access boardwalk does not offer public restrooms, parking or lifeguards, but there are several parks nearby that do. We are happy to share our bikes and help you locate any services we're unable to provide. Would love the opportunity to host you. Thank you for looking. Feel free to contact us for additional info.

RV or Tent at Tropical Oasis Garden

34mi from Cape Canaveral · 1 site · Lodging · Orlando, FL

Escape the ordinary and enjoy a cozy outdoor adventure at Leona Road, Orlando, FL! Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, our spacious backyard offers the perfect spot for stargazing, campfires, and relaxing under the Florida sky. You can stay in our RV or bring your tent – we’ve got the rest covered. Close to restaurants and shops, yet peaceful and private. 🔥 Fire pit • 🌌 Clear skies • 🏕️ Safe & family-friendly Book your backyard getaway today! Note: Water supply: Well pump Available for use in RV: Microwave, Fridge, AC RV only: 1 Queen Bed, 1 futon, Dining area, TV. No cooking inside RV. Free Wifi Access

Pacho and Friends

90%

(5)

46mi from Cape Canaveral · 5 sites · Lodging · Osteen, FL

The property consists of a beautiful, agricultural 20 acres!

Stories from the community

Gas firepit seats 6 adjacent to Lucy's Place

J

Jaren

2 weeks ago

45 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Roots ReTREEt in Old Florida

What a great spot, just make sure to read everything about getting there and avoid the sand road!! Jay was great, we are just shy of 45’ and were able to swing in and get comfortable. Nice country style setting but close to entertainment and beach. Thanks Jay!!

Moth

2 weeks ago

19 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lovely Acres Of East Orlando

I've stayed at nearly every Hipcamp in Orlando and Christy's is the prettiest. The trees are gorgeous as well as the view of horse Meadow behind. If someone else books you might have to share and we did but we still felt like there's plenty of room, more than a RV park. Electricity and water worked great. It's close enough to everything you need, yet far away enough to be private. Plan to stay again!

Lisa

2 weeks ago

34 ft fifth wheel

With pets

5 nights at Roots ReTREEt in Old Florida

Great central location! The host is very helpful and accommodating! Had everything we could want!

A

Alisia

November 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at The Sunnyside Farm

I absolutely enjoyed the camping space! Lots of room and very private. The scenery was stunning and the host was very welcoming. They are pet friendly as well so my dog loved the space too! Highly recommend if looking for a relaxing getaway.

T

Timothy

November 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Lovely Acres Of East Orlando

Wry quite locati. The host was responsive and very accommodating.

Rebekah

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Forever Young Farm

A great stay on the east coast! Super close to downtown Titusville and nearby to anything you may need. The skylight was awesome. It was perfectly tucked away and thoughtfully designed. We will have to come back and stay again!

Suzanne

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyside Farm

Sunny side Farm is a great place. Host is great, the space is great. The kids and i always have a good time here!

S

Shannon

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyside Farm

Tent camping with our two dogs in November. The site had a fire pit (sand with some cinderblocks) that fit our needs; brought our own wood. Toilet was close to site, site was clean and private. Bring bug spray. Goats were cool and property dog “Pete” was nice.

M

McKenzie

October 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Peaceful RV Retreat Near Lake Nona

Cute spot with a nice little yard. It was a tight fit for our trailer under the canopy so I would not recommend any tall rigs but it was a super cute quiet spot. We used it for a place to stay while visiting Disney and it was perfect for that! Definitely would go back

S

Stephanie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wonderland Camping. Music and Arts

This quiet little getaway was just what my dog and I needed. Nick was so hospitable, welcoming, and chill. Would love to come back again.

A

Alessandro

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Forever Young Farm

Lovely cabin, in a beautiful piece of land. Cabin was well equipped, comfortable, and well crafted. Hosts were great at responding. Would love to stay again.

J

Jean

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Sunnyside Farm

Stay was amazing host was very helpful !! Would camp there again !

K

Kailly

October 2025

35 ft fifth wheel

6 nights at Roots ReTREEt in Old Florida

Nice concrete pad which is super helpful in FL rainy season. There are no RV parks in NSB with concrete pads so this was a nice option for us while we were in FL to work on our house. Liz and Jay were super helpful and we would stay here again. Thank you for hosting.

T

Toni

September 2025

35 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Roots ReTREEt in Old Florida

Fantastic area, great base camp. Jay is a great host that answers questions and provides ideas for a variety of things to see and do. Very friendly and accommodating. Would definitely return. .

L

Landon

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Forever Young Farm

We had a great time. No issues. AC works awesome.

Christine

September 2025

33 ft Class A

With pets

1 night at Peaceful RV Retreat Near Lake Nona

Beautiful site, quiet & peaceful. Very nice amenities! Definitely will stay again. Jeremy was very respectful but there if we needed anything and very accommodating. Easy access to road. Nice shade & concrete pad!

S

Suzy

August 2025

28 ft travel trailer

1 night at Peaceful RV Retreat Near Lake Nona

Jeremy’s place is great! Has everything you need. It is beautifully detailed with lighting, fans grass area off pristine concrete slab and a picnic table. Great quiet location yet close to market, gas & food. Jeremy was there to meet us and assist in backing in. Only thing you need to be concerned with is if you want to park under awning structure confirm your height with Jeremy. We camped in a 28’ Airstream with 2 dogs.

Delia

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Peaceful RV Retreat Near Lake Nona

Great spot! Amenities are amazing especially for a local spot. Jeremy is a great host! Would love to come back and soon. The kids loved the goats ☺️ right there! Close to everything but away from busy roads.

A

Abby

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Forever Young Farm

The treehouse is cozy and in a great location, close to beaches and KSC!

A

Amy

July 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Roots ReTREEt in Old Florida

Jay has a lovely spot in town. Close to the coast and town as well as the bike trail. He's a very attentive host and quick to help and respond as needed. Welill be back when the weather is a bit cooler. Thanks for a nice stay.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Farm stays near Cape Canaveral guide

Where to go

The Space Coast Beaches

Head south of Cape Canaveral for fun in the sun. Surfers flock to Cocoa Beach: home to the Florida Surf Museum. If you’d rather stroll than surf, take your pet for a walk along the Cocoa Beach pier. Or, continue south along the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll reach plenty of beaches and local parks, many of which allow RV and tent campers to spend the night.

Merritt Island

One of Florida’s largest islands, Merritt Island embraces campers who want to kayak, swim, relax, and spot wildlife. If you’re itching to see coastal Florida’s biodiversity, head to the Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary. Look long enough, and you may spot pelicans and dolphins. If that’s not enough of a wildlife fix, head to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Walk along the sanctuary’s trails and boardwalks, and explore the Canaveral National Seashore.

The Indian River Lagoon

The Indian River Lagoon is actually an estuary that stretches for more than 150 miles. Meander along the lagoon—whether by road or by kayak—and keep your eyes peeled for herons and redfish. Book a campsite with a grill, and the day’s catch can become the night’s dinner. If you want to learn more about the lagoon, the Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park is roughly an hour south of Cape Canaveral.

When to go

Florida is the Sunshine State for a reason. With year-round sun, the state offers campers a generous window to experience the weather’s best. Summertime in Florida, however, can feel unbearably hot and is one of the riskier times to visit; Florida’s hurricane season extends from June to November. To play things safe or beat the winter blues, Cape Canaveral camping may be best between late fall and early spring.