The refuge traces its beginnings to the development of the nation’s Space
Program. In 1962, NASA acquired the lands and waters adjacent to Cape
Canaveral to establish the John F. Kennedy Space Center. NASA built a launch
complex and other space-related facilities, but development of most of the
area was not necessary. On August 28, 1963, as the 286th refuge of the
National Wildlife Refuge System, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service signed an
agreement to establish the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. In 1975 a
second agreement established Canaveral National Seashore. Today, the
Department of Interior manages most of the undeveloped portions of the Kennedy
Space Center as a National Wildlife Refuge and National Seashore.

The refuge traces its beginnings to the development of the nation’s Space Program. In 1962, NASA acquired the lands and waters adjacent to Cape Canaveral to establish the John F. Kennedy Space Center. NASA built a launch complex and other space-related facilities, but development of most of the area was not necessary. On August 28, 1963, as the 286th refuge of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service signed an agreement to establish the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. In 1975 a second agreement established Canaveral National Seashore. Today, the Department of Interior manages most of the undeveloped portions of the Kennedy Space Center as a National Wildlife Refuge and National Seashore.

Bird's eye view of the park

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Reflect on the barrier island which is composed of dune, hammock, and lagoon
habitat. Explore ancient Timucua shell mounds. Experience the sanctuary that
is provided for thousands of species of plants and animals that call Canaveral
National Seashore home.

Reflect on the barrier island which is composed of dune, hammock, and lagoon habitat. Explore ancient Timucua shell mounds. Experience the sanctuary that is provided for thousands of species of plants and animals that call Canaveral National Seashore home.

## Overview

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 $25 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.

**Reservations**. Begin booking on-line by selecting 'Build Itinerary' at the
top right.

## Charges & Cancellations

Backcountry Overnight Primtive Island Camping Fees: $25 per night  
Island Capacities vary from 6-60 people.  

**Refund and Cancellation Policy**  
Reservations cancelled prior to 12:00 am ET the day before the reservation
start date will be refunded all fees paid minus a $10 cancellation fee.
Reservations cancelled after 12:00 am ET the day before the reservation start
date will forfeit the first night's fees plus a $10 cancellation fee (not to
exceed the total paid for the original reservation).

  
Full refunds will only be given in the event of park closure due to inclement
weather or administrative purposes.

**Reservation Changes:**  
Once your permit is printed no changes are allowed. 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
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 $25 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. 
Reservations. Begin booking on-line by selecting 'Build Itinerary' at the top right. 
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
Backcountry Overnight Primtive Island Camping Fees: $25 per night Island Capacities vary from 6-60 people. 
Refund and Cancellation Policy Reservations cancelled prior to 12:00 am ET the day before the reservation start date will be refunded all fees paid minus a $10 cancellation fee. Reservations cancelled after 12:00 am ET the day before the reservation start date will forfeit the first night's fees plus a $10 cancellation fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation).
 Full refunds will only be given in the event of park closure due to inclement weather or administrative purposes.  
Reservation Changes: Once your permit is printed no changes are allowed. 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.

**Camping Use Fee:** $25 per night  
**Entrance Fee:** Canaveral National Sea shore charges an entrance fee
(separate from the camping fee). You may pay the fee upon arrival during
Operating Hours or purchase in advance. The park also honors valid America the
Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands annual or lifetime
pass (also known as an interagency pass, e.g., Senior, 4th Grade, Military,
etc.). For more information, please visit the park's Fees & Passes web page.

Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore Permits

St. Johns NWR was established on August 16, 1971, to provide habitat for
threatened and endangered species, specifically for the conservation of the
dusky seaside sparrow (_Ammodramus maritimus nigrescens_). By 1979, surveys
determined that the dusky seaside sparrow had declined to less than 20 male
birds. The last known sighting of this species in the wild was in 1980.
Despite the loss of the dusky seaside sparrow, at least 19 federal and state-
listed species and species of management concern are known to occur today at
St. Johns NWR. These include four federally listed wildlife species listed as
threatened: the wood stork (_Mycteria americana_) crested caracara (_Caracara
cheriway_) eastern indigo snake (_Drymarchon couperi_) and the recently listed
eastern black rail (_Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis)_.

The St. Johns NWR is managed by staff from Merritt Island NWR. Due to the
presence of sensitive bird nesting habitat, and the lack of facilities, the
refuge is not open to the public.

St. Johns NWR was established on August 16, 1971, to provide habitat for threatened and endangered species, specifically for the conservation of the dusky seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus nigrescens).  By 1979, surveys determined that the dusky seaside sparrow had declined to less than 20 male birds.  The last known sighting of this species in the wild was in 1980.  Despite the loss of the dusky seaside sparrow, at least 19 federal and state-listed species and species of management concern are known to occur today at St. Johns NWR.  These include four federally listed wildlife species listed as threatened: the wood stork (Mycteria americana) crested caracara (Caracara cheriway) eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) and the recently listed eastern black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis).

 

The St. Johns NWR is managed by staff from Merritt Island NWR. Due to the presence of sensitive bird nesting habitat, and the lack of facilities, the refuge is not open to the public.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

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Nearby Parks

Canaveral National Seashore

St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge