Overview

Canaveral National Seashore is located midway along Florida's east coast where warm waters and a temperate climate meet to host species as diverse as bald eagles and alligators or bromeliads and mangroves. The national seashore was designated in 1975 to preserve and protect this special area. Visitors to the seashore will discover its rich and diverse history, from its fertile estuaries once supporting Timucuan Indian populations to the area's first orange groves in the 1830s. Today, Canaveral National Seashore offers an inviting place to relax along the shores of the Atlantic, fish in an open lagoon, enjoy a self-guided hike, watch for wildlife like the West Indian manatee or even participate in a guided sea turtle tour.

Backcountry Camping on the Islands
For visitors wishing to backcountry camp in the seashore, primitive camping is available on designated islands throughout the Intracoastal Waterway and Mosquito Lagoon. These campsites are available by reservation only and require a permit. You may reserve campsites for $25 per night and up to six months in advance. RV or vehicle camping is not permitted within the seashore.   

Fourteen island campsites are available for reservation and include both natural island and spoil island campsites. All fourteen island campsites are accessible by campers with their own watercraft, such as a motor boat, kayak, or canoe. Canoe rentals are available (weather permitting) for campsites #1 - #5 only. Canoe rentals are $25 per night for individuals 18 years and older. Canoe capacity is two adults per canoe, plus gear. For canoe rentals, please inquire at the Apollo Beach Visitor Center or call (386) 428-3384, ext. 0 for more information.

Campsites - Group Size (# of People):

Orange Island - 6, 

Homestead - 8,

Shipyard - 10, 

Headwinds - 10, 

Government Cut - 20, 

Jones Canal - 20, 

Brickhouse Cove - 60, 

Bissette Bay - 15, 

Middle Dredge - 25, 

South Middle Dredge - 25, 

Scout Island - 20, 

South Dredge - 40, 

East Winds - 20, and 

County Line - 20. 

Reservations. Begin booking on-line by selecting 'Build Itinerary' at the top right. 

Important Notices

• Canoe Rentals. Canoe rentals are available (weather permitting) for campsites #1-#5 only. Canoe rentals are $25 per night and available to individuals 18 years and older. Canoe capacity is two adults per canoe, plus gear. For canoe rentals, please inquire at the Apollo Beach Visitor Center or call (386) 428-3384, ext. 0 for more information.

• You may print your permit 14 days before your reservation date and cannot make changes to the permit once you have printed it.

• Check-in time is 11:00 a.m.; check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

• Plan your trip in advance. Pay special attention to travel routes along the waterways and weather forecasts. Some waterways are very shallow.
• Be Prepared. Be sure your vessel is fueled, equipped for emergencies, and that all passengers are issued the appropriate personal flotation devices. Insect repellant is highly recommended during the warmer months. Always share your intended itinerary with a friend or family other than those in your party.

• Practice 'Leave-No-Trace.' Biodegradable toilet paper is available for $1.99 at Visitor Center

• Overnight Parking. Visitor parking is available both in and nearby the park. During the weekends, parking at the Apollo Visitor Center is limited and typically fills by early morning. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Contact the park with questions.
• Cell Phone. We recommend having a cell phone at your disposal while camping in the park. Emergencies should be reported by dialing 911.

• Conditions on Lighting or Maintaining a Fire

  A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.

  This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – creates serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign informing visitors of the risks of using certain materials to light or maintain a fire, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition.

  Fires are permitted in grills or self-contained units designed for fires throughout the seashore or in designated areas at backcountry camping sites. Coals must be completely extinguished and removed from the beach. The park will implement and enforce fire bans set forth by the county during extreme drought conditions.

• Firewood. Firewood is not available at the campsites. Please purchase firewood locally and bring it with you and/or bring your own cook stove. Be aware of special restrictions concerning open fires. Ask a ranger about the current fire danger conditions upon arrival.

• Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

• Canaveral National Seashore charges an entrance fee. You may pay the entrance fee ahead of arrival through Recreaton.gov: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/72790 

• You must print out enough copies of your permit to have one with you on the island for your group, and one on the dashboard in each vehicle associated with your group. This Backcountry Camping permit does not include the entrance fee for the park.

Directions

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Cancellation Policy

<p>Backcountry Overnight Primtive Island Camping Fees: $25 per night<br>Island Capacities vary from 6-60 people.<br></p> <p><strong>Refund and Cancellation Policy</strong><br>Reservations cancelled prior to 12:00 am ET the day before the reservation start date will be refunded all fees paid minus a $10 cancellation fee. Reservations cancelled after 12:00 am ET the day before the reservation start date will forfeit the first night's fees plus a $10 cancellation fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation).</p> <p><br>Full refunds will only be given in the event of park closure due to inclement weather or administrative purposes.  </p> <p><strong>Reservation Changes:</strong><br>Once your permit is printed no changes are allowed. Changes in the number of people with the same dates and campsites are allowed when available and completed prior to printing your permit. Changing the date of entry requires a new reservation. Cancel your current permit and reserve a new permit.<br><strong>No-Shows:</strong><br>No refunds will be given in the event of a no-show.</p>

Contact Information

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip