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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 $20 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.
Backcountry Overnight Primtive Island Camping Fees: .$20night .Island Capacities vary from6-60 people Refund and Cancellation Policy Full refunds will only be given in the event of park closure due to inclement weather or adninistrative purposes: Otherwise,refunds are as follows: .For cancellations requsted 30 days or more from date of reservation, guest will receive full refund . For cancellations request 29-8 days prior to reservation guests will receive refund of 1/2 the value of the reservation. Cancellations requested seven days or less prior to the resrvation date will not receive a refund. Reservation Changes: Once your permit is printed no changes will be allowed (refer to cancellation policy) 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. No-Shows: No refunds will be given in the event of a no-show
Apollo Beach – I-95 exit 249 - then proceed east and follow the signs. This is the northern access of Canaveral National Seashore, located on Fla A1A at the southern-most end in New Smyrna Beach.
Trails, viewing decks, Visitor's Center has gift shop, information on park, and the stamp for the passport book is available here. We saw dolphins, lizards, and a tortoise on our visit- awesome! Friendly staff, beautiful area. Side note: try Papa's Drive-In for lunch after your visit! Fun day out!
Sandy beach. Visible as far as you can see. Very windy when we were here. Gates are closed after beach entrance 6 (I think it was 6). Not nearly as many shells as I thought there would be. Sand is hard closer to the water and much softer and harder to walk on closer to the dunes. Lots of jellyfish. We walked the entire shoreline. Lots of garbage. We picked up as much as we could but feel like we could do it 100 more times. Please help by taking a bag with you and at minimum taking your garbage out with you. Better yet help the environment and take some which has been washed ashore with you. From entrance one, you can get a good view of the launching pad at Cape Canaveral. This is pretty cool to see we were not lucky enough to see a rocket launch, however, I bet it is amazing to see! Note you will see a full body view after the last open entrances
…..well before gate 13 as the signs say. To avoid this exposure stay near gate 1 or 2
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, take yourself here. The beaches are never too busy, especially during the winter/spring season, and only so many cars can park in each lot, so even during peak times, you can find a quiet spot.
I see a lot of families fishing here and having fun. There are lots of interesting things other than the beach, like Turtle Mound archeological site, visitor center, and museum.
If you go to Parking lot 5 and only 5, you will see people that like to be nude. If this is something you're not in to, you've been warned.
Lot 2, the beach is easily accessible for someone with a walker/ wheelchair. Lot 3, mid-January, was not accessible as the sand was right up to the steps and was very steep to get onto the beach even if you're good on your legs. I'm sure this changes with the weather and tides.
There is a fee to enter, $45 for an annual pass, $25 for the day, and on public holidays, it's free. If you live in Volusia County, you may have other discounts, so check before you go.
This is well worth a visit!
If there's one place in Florida that fits the description of 'pristine' then this National Seashore is the perfect candidate. You will pay a rather steep price at the entrance - forgot exactly how much it was - but it is totally worth it. If you're a Florida resident, there's an annual pass option.
Just be careful if you are with young family members because there are some nude section at the seashore. Also watch out for turtles crossing the street, so you may want to slow down with your driving. Other than these, just relax and enjoy at the beach that is peerless when it comes to cleanness and devoid of human interference.
