Beach camping near Cape Canaveral with hiking
Cape Canaveral camping is for everybody, whether you’re a hiker, beachgoer, or aspiring astronaut.
- Cape Canaveral
Popular camping styles for Cape Canaveral
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
5 top beach campgrounds near Cape Canaveral with hiking
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Beach camping near Cape Canaveral with hiking guide
Overview
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.
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.
