Florida / Volusia County / Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore Backcountry Island Camping

Open — Open year-round by reservation only through Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. Check-in and check-out time is 11:00 a.m. Canoe rentals available weather permitting for sites 1-5 only.

About

Canaveral National Seashore's backcountry island camping provides a unique primitive camping experience on 14 designated islands spread throughout Mosquito Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway. These natural and spoil island campsites range in capacity from 6 to 60 people and are accessible only by personal watercraft such as motorboat, kayak, or canoe. Canoe rentals are available for sites 1-5 only at $25 per night through the Apollo Visitor Center. All campsites are completely primitive with no facilities or utilities. Leave No Trace camping ethics are mandatory, and visitors must bring all necessary supplies including water, food, and camping equipment. Biodegradable toilet paper is recommended. Fires are permitted only in self-contained units or grills, and all coals must be completely extinguished and removed. Firewood is not available at campsites. The islands offer direct access to the diverse ecosystems of the national seashore, where visitors may encounter bald eagles, alligators, manatees, and a variety of coastal wildlife. Plan carefully as some waterways are very shallow, and weather conditions can change rapidly. Cell phone coverage is available for emergencies.

Directions

Apollo Beach access is the closest launch point for most sites. From I-95, take exit 249, proceed east and follow signs. Apollo Beach is located at the southern end of New Smyrna Beach on Florida A1A at 7611 S Atlantic Ave. All 14 island campsites are accessible only by boat, canoe, or kayak.

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