
For
those who like to spend nights off the
beaten path, the Space Coast has a great
variety of designated primitive
backcountry campsites managed by various
agencies. They include Islands in the
Indian River Lagoon as well as camping
platforms and sites along the St. John's
River, which are available only by
water-craft. Along some of our hiking
and biking trails designated campsites
have been established while a few of our
County Parks offer undeveloped rustic
camping sites you can drive to. In
addition, the North District of
Canaveral National offers limited beach
camping providing a unique opportunity
to sleep under the stars serenaded by
the sound of ocean waves breaking on the
shoreline.
There are more backcountry camping
opportunities along our Space Coast than
most people realize, even among our more
avid outdoorsy locals, but the fact
remains it is there and in most cases
free. Many you can hike to or ride a
mountain bike to while others can only
be accessed by boat.
In the northern part of our coverage
area is probably the most publicised
island camping opportunities available,
the Shipyard Island Canoe Trail managed
by the Canaveral National Seashore.
Located within the north district of the
seashore, these are by boat access only
and there is a Backcountry camping fee
associated with these island sites. But
there are many other islands to camp on,
especially those associated with the
Indian River Lagoon Spoil Island
Project. In addition Camping is
available for kayakers or padders withn
the middle section of the
Econlockhatchee River.
For land based campers willing to hike
in or bike in, places like Buck Lake
Conservation Area, Seminole Ranch,
Tosohatchee, and Hal Scott Preserve
offer backcountry sites accessible by
trail.
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