Florida’s Space Coast – Jetty Park Campground

If you visit Florida, you’ll have no shortage of things to see and places to stay, no matter what time of year you choose. I’d highly recommend the Space Coast to be on your list as much for its natural beauty, as for seeing a live rocket launch and learning about the Space Program.

Camping in this popular area will offer many choices, and one of our favorites is Jetty Park Campground. It is located at the end of the Port Canaveral Island, directly across from Cape Canaveral and right on the canal. You’ll see (and hear) cruise ships, commercial and private sailing vessels, and military vessels–including the occasional rocket barge. You’ll also have a chance to see dolphin, manatee, sea turtle and other wildlife, even on land.

This campground uses online registration, and can be challenging to get into and choose a site, so research ahead of time for what spots you’ll fit into for when you are checking for reservations. We have a 39 foot 5th wheel, and have friends with toy haulers that have stayed here, but there aren’t a lot of large RV spots or full hook up spots, so you may have to be flexible. When you arrive, they are strict about 2pm check in, so don’t try to arrive early. You’ll enter via the day use area and get a gate code for the campground, along with your parking pass.

This campground offers camping via tent, cabin, as well as RV. RV camping offers both partial and full hookup, and boondocking on the inlet, with water hookup only, but be aware, this area is no pets allowed. There are lots of outdoor activities and a play ground. It also has a dump station for those that don’t have full hook ups, as well as a bathhouse and laundry room. At the office, you can find a camp store, but you’re not far from restaurants or shops if you need them.

This is near the cruise port, so you will hear ships during the day and on port days, it may be busy getting in and out.

You do have a gate giving you beach access & to the fishing pier, and since you are right across the inlet from the Space Force Station, it’s a great place to see launches, or see what everyone is catching.

There are several wildlife refuges, smaller space history museums, and of course, Kennedy Space Center a short drive away. If you time your trip well, you can schedule a tour of the lighthouse on base, since it isn’t accessible by civilians, only through a weekly guided tour.

If you can’t get into Jetty Park for camping, there are other options inland, and you can still get to this great spot via the day use area.

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