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Camp at Cape Canaveral National Seashore

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

2.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

0.5 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Christian Murillo

The campsite at Cape Canaveral National Seashore is one of the only campsites in Florida that lies directly on the beach.  The remote and undeveloped beach here is perfect for water adventures, long walks, and star-gazing.

What could be better than laying on soft sand, listening to the crashing waves, and gazing at Florida's best sun and stars?  Cape Canaveral National Seashore has 14 primitive campsites, with only two of them on the beach and the other twelve located on Mosquito Lagoon.  This park has a 40-mile stretch of undeveloped seashore, which is truly a rare gem in Florida.  The park is located just northeast of Titusville, or an hour and a half ENE of Orlando.  The beach sites fill up quickly, as there are only two of them, so make reservations ahead of time by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting www.Recreation.gov.

The two beach camp sites here are some of the finest beach campsites along the Atlantic Coast.  Although the campsites are considered primitive, there are bathrooms about a third of a mile away in the Visitors Center.  Fires are allowed on the beach, but you must bring your own fire-ring and wood. There are no picnic tables or grills here so if you are planning an overnight stay make sure you bring your own cooking gear. The first beach camp site is about a third of a mile down the beach from the Ranger Station.  If you walk towards the beach from the Ranger Station and follow the boardwalk down to the beach, make a left and keep walking for about 150 yards and you will see a less-than-obvious campsite to your left. Make sure to pitch your tent as close to the sand dunes as possible, as high tide at night can come very close to the dunes.

The ocean here provides endless opportunities for fun and adventure. Bring a kayak and launch it straight from the beach into the breaking waves.  Bring your surfboard and wetsuit and catch some of Florida's best waves. Bring your fishing rod, and capitalize on one of Florida's most untouched fishing waters.  Bring a frisbee, football, or golf clubs and enjoy endless possibilities for fun on the most uncrowded beach you will find anywhere in Florida.  However, the fun to be had here is not just limited to the beach.  Mosquito lagoon lies just a short walk away, where you can find some of Florida's best bird watching and sport fishing.  

There are also a few short hiking trails nearby the campsite, offering opportunities to see the wildlife and landscapes of the coastal hammock and mosquito lagoon. Whether you decide to camp here overnight or to just come for the day, you are sure to see a variety of wildlife.  It is common to see Bottlenose Dolphin, Tortoises, sea birds, Blue Heron, Great Egrets, and possibly a Sea Turtle.

Last but certainly not least, this is one of the best places in Florida for stargazing.  On a clear winter night, it is not impossible to see traces of the milky-way, a rarity in Florida where light pollution is more common than not.  

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Features

Stand Up Paddle
Kiteboarding
Chillin
Camping
Fishing
Photography
Bodysurfing
Running
Surfing
Kayaking
Swimming
Hiking
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Beach
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Reviews

I tried to reserve one of the 2 beach sites, but was told they are no longer available - only camping is on the lagoon islands.

Great article but when I called to make reservations they said that is was the wrong number and to call 1-800-326-3521

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Escape to the Sunshine

VISIT FLORIDA, serves as Florida's official source for travel planning. What can be discovered beyond Florida’s 825 miles of beaches? How about 320 freshwater springs, 175 state parks, infinite mangrove tunnels and hidden caverns. Let your adventure begin. Follow Your Sunshine.

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