TERRY P.
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ScoutCamelot RV Park
Camelot RV Park
Across the street from water Decent, clean sites Helpful staff
Top-Rated Camping near Patrick AFB on Florida's Space Coast
Campgrounds near Patrick AFB on Florida's Space Coast include military facilities and county parks with options ranging from full-hookup RV sites to tent camping and cabin accommodations. Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base provides 156 full-service sites with waterfront views along the Banana River, while Wickham Park Campground in Melbourne offers a more wooded setting with ponds and trails. Both facilities support tent and RV camping, with several parks also providing cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfort.
The region experiences high demand during winter months, particularly November through February, when snowbirds flock to the area. "The campground traditionally maintains close to full capacity with retiree snowbirds," noted one military camper about Manatee Cove. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though active duty military personnel may receive priority at Patrick AFB. Weather remains generally pleasant year-round, though summer brings higher temperatures and humidity. Proximity to beaches, Cape Canaveral, and rocket launches makes this area particularly appealing, with many campers reporting the ability to view space launches directly from their sites.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw across several facilities. Campers at Manatee Cove appreciate the sunset views over the Banana River, with one visitor noting, "They have waterfront sites available. Amazing views watching the sun set in the evening." Jetty Park Campground in Cape Canaveral receives praise for its beach access and fishing opportunities, where visitors can watch cruise ships pass by from their campsites. Long Point Park and Sebastian Inlet State Park provide additional waterfront options further south near Melbourne Beach. Despite somewhat close spacing between sites at many locations, reviews consistently highlight the convenient access to beaches, shopping, and Space Coast attractions as major advantages. Several campgrounds also feature amenities like laundry facilities, showers, swimming pools, and community centers.
Best Camping Sites Near Patrick AFB, Florida (90)
1. Jetty Park Campground
34 ReviewsCape Canaveral, FL11 milesWebsite+1 (321) 783-7111$24 - $100 / night
"Love that the beach is only steps away. White sand, beautiful!1 Nice Jetty and multiple restaurants close by. Staff very friendly. Bathrooms are ok. One of my favorite campgrounds."
"Breakfast/lunch place, a restaurant with bar within walking distance. Bathrooms are basic but clean. Staff is wonderful. You can see space launches, close to KSC, beach, jetty. Spectacular."
2. Manatee Hammock Campground
38 ReviewsSharpes, FL21 milesWebsite+1 (321) 264-5083$28 - $39 / night
"The downside it has is only loud noises at night from the highway racers or train that goes about 7 to 9 times per night and not having a playground for the kids but they have a pier that you can walk"
"We checked in around midnight and they had security at the gate that just kept an eye on things."
3. Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base
5 ReviewsPatrick AFB, FL1 mileWebsite+1 (321) 494-4787$10 - $30 / night
"This location reminded me of the TV show ‘I Dream of Jeannie’. Located near Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral it is directly along the historic Banana River."
"Nice campground if you want to travel around the Cocoa Beach area. "
4. Wickham Park Campground
6 ReviewsMelbourne, FL6 milesWebsite+1 (321) 255-4307"It’s a great place with lots of bike/walking paths and wide open, quiet spaces. Hope to take advantage of the fishing ponds, mountain bike trails and archery range in future visits."
"It’s very close to shops but it doesn’t feel like it when you’re in the campground. Close to beaches. Lots of trails to walk or mountain bike."
5. Encore Space Coast
5 ReviewsRockledge, FL9 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"Lots of long term RVers and very few sites for Thousand Trails Members. Very close to Cocoa Beach!"
"Located close to all attractions including disney, and the space center and lots of other great places to see. Park was nice, clean and such great people. The fishing was amazing."
6. Jetty Park Canaveral Port Auth
6 ReviewsCape Canaveral, FL11 milesWebsite+1 (321) 783-71117. Brevard County Park Wickham Campground
2 ReviewsMelbourne, FL7 milesWebsite+1 (321) 255-43078. Long Point Park Campground
37 ReviewsGrant, FL27 milesWebsite+1 (321) 952-4532$30 - $44 / night
"Adjacent island for hiking. Less than a mile from the ocean. In a quiet part of Florida. Not close to stores, though."
"This small campground was very full in middle of Florida winter season. While most sites appeared flat, there is not privacy between them and no shade in hot Florida sunshine. "
9. Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground
38 ReviewsSebastian, FL28 milesWebsite+1 (321) 984-4852$28 / night
"The inlet has friendly, helpful rangers, easy to access campsites, and is in a beautiful location. Great for fishing, surfing, boating, and going to the beach."
"Great state park with amazing views of the River and a short walk to the Atlantic. Bathrooms are clean and a nice bike path in and outside of the park."
10. Sonrise Palms RV
4 ReviewsCocoa, FL13 milesWebsite+1 (321) 633-4335"Friendly staff, close to the beach, and several points of interest. We will be back!"
"Lovely lady at reception helped us book over the phone few hours before our arrival but you can also drive up after the office closes, park in the overflow area & register/pay the next day."
Recent Camping Photos near Patrick AFB, FL
87 Photos of 90 Patrick AFB Campgrounds
Melissa B.
Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base
The Dyrt
Encore Space Coast
Erica S.
Jetty Park Campground
Chris C.
Manatee Hammock Campground
Timothy S.
Long Point Park Campground
Tracey T.
Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground
Arlene D.
Donald MacDonald Campground
Maria Mercedes M.
Looney Acres
The Dyrt
Encore Sunshine Travel
Maria Mercedes M.
Seasons In The Sun RV Resort
BT E.
Hal Scott Preserve County Park
Denise K.
Vero Beach Kamp
Recent Reviews near Patrick AFB, FL
422 Reviews of 90 Patrick AFB Campgrounds
Kathy S.
GuideJetty Park Canaveral Port Auth
Launch day perfection
Well run and organized for a full park on launch day for Artemis II. Ocean breezes kept us comfortable despite lack of shade on the Inlet.
Trish E.
TravelerSebastian Inlet State Park Campground
Beautiful
Great state park with amazing views of the River and a short walk to the Atlantic. Bathrooms are clean and a nice bike path in and outside of the park.
Noel L.GuideCamelot RV Park
55+ community park
Great service and friendly campground. Across from the inner channel...nice view. Level and full hook up. Clean park. Nice pool. If staying awhile they do different activities...nice. Only complaint...lot was too small.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendSonrise Palms RV
Peaceful Pocket on the Space Coast
There is something instantly calming about pulling into Sonrise Palms RV Park (you will want to note that misspelled 'Sonrise' otherwise you won't find this place on your GPS), tucked just off I-95 in Cocoa, where the pace slows down and the setting feels more like a quiet neighborhood packed with RVs than a busy campground, with spacious, mostly level sites, palm trees and greenery scattered throughout along with an EZ layout that makes settling in feel effortless. With around 80 to 90 full hookup sites, a heated pool, clean bathhouse and laundry, and even small touches like a dog park and canal fishing, this spot has all the essentials covered without feeling overwhelming. One evening, we grabbed a casual dinner nearby called The Grass Shack and came back to let the boys unwind at the pool while my hubby and I walked the grounds, spotting little bits of wildlife and enjoying that warm Florida night air before heading back for a cozy wind-down at our site. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families looking for a relaxed, low-key stay thanks to its quiet atmosphere, very clean bathroom and shower facilities as well as EZ access to nearby beaches, rocket launches and Space Coast adventures just a short drive away.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Joy RV Park
No-Frills, But Family-Friendly EnoughThere is something comforting about pu
There is something comforting about pulling into a place that feels simple and straightforward after a long day, and JOY RV Park in Cocoa has that kind of easygoing charm, tucked just off I-95 with a modest layout of mostly level sites, wide enough spacing and full hookups that make settling in feel quick and stress-free. The campground leans more practical than resort-style, but with clean restrooms, a pool, laundry, and a small clubhouse, it covers the essentials well and while there is not a playground and shade can be limited (OK, to be honest, there's no shade anywhere, which is important to note, because you're in FL!), it still felt safe, quiet enough at night, and manageable for families. We grabbed a casual dinner nearby at The Filling Station Cafe (which was awesome) and let the boys wind down with snacks while talking about rockets and hoping to spot one of those famous Space Coast launches, which somehow made the whole stop feel a little more special. I would recommend this campground for families looking for a convenient, no-fuss place to stay thanks to its EZ access, full hookups, and proximity to beaches and space-themed adventures nearby.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Looney Acres
Quiet, Rustic, and Very Bare-Bones
Looney Acres sits tucked just off US-1 in Mims and immediately feels like a throwback to truly primitive camping, with about three dozen simple sites scattered through the woods of what looks to be freshly cleared land that accommodate tents and smaller RVs, all on grass and dirt with minimal leveling. Amenities are extremely limited, with a portable toilet, a basic outdoor shower setup and very little in the way of landscaping or defined walkways, which made getting around on foot a bit tricky for the kids. The boys enjoyed a short wander through the trees and a bit of free-range exploring before we realized this spot wasn’t the best match for our family’s comfort level or setup needs. From what we saw, the quieter sites farthest from the entrance offer the best sense of seclusion, but for families wanting easier access, cleaner facilities, and a more relaxed stay, we ultimately recommend passing and heading down the road to Indian River RV Park in Titusville instead.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Willow Lakes Golf & RV Resort
Where RV Living Is A Way Of Life
While exploring Florida's 'Space Coast' we decided to pull into Willow Lakes Golf & RV Resort just off US-1 in Titusville, which immediately sets you up for a comfortable and relaxed stay, with well-maintained RV sites nestled among shady tree-lined paved pathways and plenty of space between rigs that feels restful after a long travel day. The resort itself is one of the most highly polished RV communities we have ever visited with thoughtful amenities like a small swimming pool, shuffleboard and bocce ball courts, offering clean bath and shower facilities, roomy paved sites that provide shelter for even the tallest and longest of RVs along with a peaceful layout that feels safe and welcoming for families – but one huge watch out: this is a 55+ community, so while we instantly fell in love with this place, we knew the only way we could stay was if we brought one set of grandparents! One of the highlights of our visit was taking the boys down to the Space Coast to watch a satellite launch from nearby Cape Canaveral, their eyes wide as the rocket lifted into the sky. Dinner at Shilohs Steak & Seafood, a short drive away on US-1, gave us all a chance to enjoy hearty meals and fresh local fare before heading back to our rig, where we eventually found a much better, family-friendly place to stay in Manatee Hammock CG. We’d recommend Willow Lakes for 55+ RV campers who appreciate EZ access from the highway, a friendly RV vibe with clean amenities and proximity to unique local attractions like space launches and great local dining that make every day feel like a part of the adventure. My hubby and I decided this is one of the places we would consider retiring to when our boys are all grown up!
- llynn K.Guide
Long Point Park
Great park
This is a great location near the water for fishing & kayaking
Guide to Patrick AFB
Camping near Patrick AFB, Florida occurs primarily along coastal waterways or within inland wooded areas. The region sits at near sea level elevation with sandy soil conditions and abundant subtropical vegetation. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with typical highs of 90°F in summer months and winter lows rarely dropping below 50°F.
What to do
View rocket launches from your site: Jetty Park Campground offers prime viewing for Cape Canaveral launches. "Perfect for space or ship enthusiasts... I stayed nearly three weeks here in December before heading back to the cold north, and I couldn't have asked for much more. Staying out on the inlet, although primitive, does offer a bit more privacy compared to inside the campground. It also gives front row seats to the ships coming to port as well as any launches from cape Canaveral which are much more frequent now," notes Jesse P.
Explore mountain bike trails: Wickham Park Campground provides access to multiple outdoor recreation options beyond beach activities. "Took my son camping this weekend to our hometown park. It's a great place with lots of bike/walking paths and wide open, quiet spaces. Hope to take advantage of the fishing ponds, mountain bike trails and archery range in future visits," shares Jeff F.
Fish from waterfront sites: Long Point Park Campground allows direct water access for fishing and kayaking. "Pros: Location, price, wildlife, fishing, nice sites with tons of water access. Boat Ramp and trailer parking. Some sites have shore anchoring," according to Spencer D. Sites along the water provide convenient fishing without needing to leave your campsite.
What campers like
Beach proximity: Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground offers direct access to both inlet and ocean beaches. "It is hard to stick the tent poles because it is gravel floor, so bring strings. They sell fire wood there, and there are shops nearby if you need anything," advises Andrea. The park combines ocean access with camping convenience just 45 minutes south of Patrick AFB.
Watching cruise ships: Jetty Park Campground provides views of both space launches and maritime traffic. "Great location, good sites. Easy access to restaurants/bars. Good beach biking, fishing, watching the cruise ships come and go," reports Angela S. The park's location at Port Canaveral allows campers to observe large vessels entering and exiting the harbor.
Waterfront privacy options: Long Point Park Campground offers varying levels of shoreline access. "We were lucky with a quiet location in Site #3, and only 1 neighbor next to us. The only sites with open water views were in very tight and crowded section that was crowded with lots of big rigs," explains Terry S. Site selection impacts both water views and privacy levels.
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Jetty Park Campground has diverse site types with different amenities. "We stayed here with a tent in mid-June, during the week. The campground was quiet, with about two-thirds of the sites unoccupied. I originally booked site#30 based on the photos, which showed some tree cover. In reality, the site was mostly exposed, likely due to outdated imagery," reports Denis P.
Seasonal bug issues: Long Point Park Campground experiences intense insect activity during certain periods. "No-see-ums are almost unbearable in the evening. But that comes with the territory in Florida. Pack long-sleeves, pants, and serious bug spray," warns Spencer D. These tiny biting insects can significantly impact comfort levels, particularly near dawn and dusk.
Midweek availability: Space Coast RV Resort shows substantial occupancy differences between weekday and weekend periods. "Stayed here for 2 days. The place is big and about 50% seasonal campers, spots are very tight and no dog park. They have some nice spots but they put me in the back like a sardine," shares Ronald C. Making reservations for midweek stays may result in better site options.
Tips for camping with families
Bring insect protection: Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground requires preparation for biting insects. "It's Florida though, so bring bug spray for the no-see-ums and mosquitoes," advises Suzanne A. Families should pack both repellent and protective clothing for evening activities.
Consider camper spacing: Manatee Hammock Campground has sites with varying proximity to neighbors. "26 acres, small campground; most sites are relatively close to each other; lots of trees and shade; beautiful water views from several campsites, specially sites 51, 13, 65-69, 169, 170), pool and lots of parks within 30 minutes," explains Jorge F. Families seeking more privacy should request specific site numbers when booking.
Pack for noise issues: Manatee Hammock Campground experiences noise from transportation corridors. "The only downside of the campground is its proximity to railroad tracks and airport. The noise seemed to be constant on weekdays," notes L O. Noise-sensitive family members may need earplugs, particularly for tent camping without the sound insulation of RV walls.
Tips from RVers
Advance reservations essential: Manatee Cove Family Campground at Patrick Air Force Base maintains high occupancy during winter. "Reservations are not accepted except for active duty personnel and you are encouraged to call ahead as sites are only available on a first-come, first-served basis especially during the months of November thru February when the campground traditionally maintains close to full capacity with retiree snowbirds," explains Paula C.
Site size considerations: Space Coast RV Resort has tight spacing in certain sections. "Decent RV park close to the beach. Had a back in site. Gravel under the RV so not quite level. No fires allowed, heated pool was very nice for the kids," shares Sven L. Larger rigs may struggle with some sites, requiring careful advance planning.
Utility hookup variations: Sebastian Inlet State Park Campground offers limited hookup options. "Nice camp ground for fishing and bringing the boat along. Some spots are tight in the front row. The back loop has a little more room. Lots of no-see-ums. (tiny bugs that bite) bring a insect tent to sit out in!!!" recommends Melissa B. RVers requiring full hookups should verify availability before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Patrick AFB, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Patrick AFB, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Patrick AFB, FL is Jetty Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.
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