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- Canaveral National Seashore Backcountry Island Campground
Canaveral National Seashore Backcountry Island Campground Introduce
Nestled along the pristine beaches of Florida's east coast, the Canaveral National Seashore Backcountry Island Campground offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts. This campground is part of the larger Canaveral National Seashore, a protected area known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The campsite provides a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Florida while enjoying a range of outdoor activities.
What makes this campground truly special is its remote location on Backcountry Island. Accessible only by boat or kayak, it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The site is perfect for those seeking an authentic backcountry camping experience, away from the crowds and noise pollution often found in more developed areas.
Campers can enjoy primitive tent camping with limited RV parking available. While there are no hookups or modern amenities on-site, visitors have access to a nearby visitor center with basic facilities, including restrooms, drinking water, and trash collection. The campground encourages eco-friendly practices, such as Leave No Trace principles, to preserve the delicate balance of this natural area.
Some of the standout features include:
- Wildlife Watching: The Canaveral National Seashore is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Guests can spot various species including manatees, sea turtles, and migratory birds. Dolphins are frequently seen in the surrounding waters.
- Natural Beauty: The campground offers stunning views of the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, making it ideal for photography and reflection.
- Water Activities: Bring your kayak or paddleboard to explore the nearby waterways. The calm waters are perfect for both experienced and novice paddlers.
The area is particularly popular during September when visitors can enjoy the quiet beaches and cooler temperatures, often being the only ones around. During this time, guests have reported spotting a variety of marine life, enhancing their sense of connection with nature.
Guest feedback highlights both the beauty and challenges of camping here. Many appreciate the tranquility and natural surroundings, while others note the need to be prepared for primitive conditions and respect for the environment. Positive reviews emphasize the serene paddle-in experience and the opportunity to connect with nature deeply.
If you're looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in a beautiful setting, Canaveral National Seashore Backcountry Island Campground is an excellent choice. Remember to pack light, respect the environment, and bring necessary supplies, including waste bags for proper disposal. With its rich biodiversity and peaceful atmosphere, this campground offers a memorable experience for those who venture off the beaten path.
Location
Customer Reviews
Let me start out by saying that my daughter and I are not new to backcountry camping, so we didn’t have high expectations. All we were hoping for was a clean and safe place to pitch a tent for a few nights. Well, we ended up cutting our trip short and only staying one night. We booked site #4 (Headwinds) for 2 nights, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Let’s start with the good. It was a nice tranquil paddle to and from the site. In fact on the way back to the visitor center the next day we counted over 20 dolphins! This site would probably also be great for birders, especially during migration times as we saw several species during our time paddling around. We also had a great view of the sunset right off where you pull the boats in. Now the bad. We first pulled in to the site about an hour before sunset and the first thing that we noticed was a large chair and a Coleman stove left behind. We then noticed garbage all over the ground. At first we wondered if someone else was there, but nope just someone’s garbage that they didn’t want to haul back off the island. We then realized just how small the site is, if we had had anything larger than backpacking tents it would have been a struggle to find a spot to set up. Then with it being New Years Eve we were kept awake by boaters blasting music until 3am. That’s of no fault to the park, but lesson learned. The next morning as we were able to check the site a little better we found the area that everyone had been using for their bathroom. Cat-holes were not properly dug and human waste and toilet paper was left exposed. By around 10am the entire site smelled like a latrine due to the improper disposal and that’s when we decided to pack up and leave. No I did not take any of the trash with me because I didn’t have gloves nor room on the canoe for it, otherwise I would have.
Beautiful park and so quiet during September we were the only ones around. Seen stingray, fish, crabs, dolphins, turtles and manatees
We kayaked in to Orange Island. Easy paddle from the visitor center. Sweet little campsite, felt like we were really in the wilderness.
Much nicer than I ever thought it would be
excelent for relax...
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