Canaveral National Seashore
53 mi north · National Park Service
Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history.
Outdoors
Camping near Palm Bay
Campgrounds and camping areas near Palm Bay on federal land, with which ones take reservations on Recreation.gov.
18campgrounds and camping areas
53 mito the closest
October–Maybest months
Good to know: Popular campgrounds book up months ahead on Recreation.gov; first-come sites fill early on weekends and holidays.
Closest picks
St Lucie South
67 mi south · US Army Corps of Engineers
St. Lucie Campground provides a relaxing camping experience on the St. Lucie Canal, part of the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans South Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.
River Forest Group Site
83 mi northwest · USDA Forest Service
River Forest is a shaded group camping facility on the shores of the St. Johns River in Ocala National Forest.
Map of all 18 places
Map of 18 places loads as you scroll.
30 to 75 miles (2)
Canaveral National Seashore
Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Paddling
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
St Lucie South
St. Lucie Campground provides a relaxing camping experience on the St. Lucie Canal, part of the 152 mile Okeechobee Waterway that spans South Florida from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
75 miles and farther (16)
River Forest Group Site
River Forest is a shaded group camping facility on the shores of the St. Johns River in Ocala National Forest.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
Clearwater Lake Rec Area
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers a quiet getaway along the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, just outside the community of Paisley, Florida.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
Lake Okeechobee
As lake, waterway and surrounding countryside, Okeechobee shows the many faces of Florida. A canopy of moss-draped live oaks hides clusters of sabal palms. A tangle of water plants marks the boundary where wetland meets lakeshore.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Lake Dorr Cabin
Lake Dorr Cabin is set along the south shore of beautiful Lake Dorr, ideal for a family getaway. The cabin is open year-round and creates a great setting for plenty of outdoor water fun.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
Alexander Springs Recreation Area
Alexander Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest near the beautiful, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Swimming
Ortona South
Ortona South is a perfect campground for a quiet, sunny escape to South Florida. The campground is set along the Caloosahatchie River.
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
Buck Lake Group Campground
Buck Lake is a group camping facility in the heart of Ocala National Forest in Florida. Great for family reunions and social gatherings, the campground can host a group of up to 50 guests along the shores of Buck Lake.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
Big Scrub Campground
Perennially popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts, Big Scrub Campground sits in the Ocala National Forest in central Florida. A trailhead within the facility offers riders campsite-to-trail access.
- Camping
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Doe Lake Group Site
Doe Lake is a group campsite with a variety of activities. Centered around a historic lodge with a large group kitchen, it's an ideal place for major outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Wildlife viewing
Juniper Springs Rec Area
Juniper Springs Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest. The location offers deeply shaded sites within walking distance of some of Florida's most beautiful natural springs.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Ranger programs
- Swimming
- Water sports
Mill Dam Group Camp
Mill Dam Group Campground offers a fun and relaxing setting for groups of up to 150 to enjoy Ocala National Forest.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Water sports
W.P. Franklin N
Visitors flock to W.P. Franklin Campground for its well-kept facilities and location on the Caloosahatchee River, where campers can fish, boat and take it easy in sunny southwest Florida.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Kayaking
W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area
WP Franklin South Recreation Area is a day use area located on the Caloosahatchee River adjacent to the WP Franklin Lock and Dam.
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Picnicking
Salt Springs Recreation Area
Salt Springs Recreation Area is one the recreational jewels of the Ocala National Forest, with a spectacular natural mineral spring that gives the area its name.
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
Lake Shore Group Camp
Lake Shore Group Campground sits on the north shore of Fore Lake in Ocala National Forest. It is a favorite for scout, church and civic groups, as well as large families and reunions.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Gator Head Campground
Gator Head Campground is a primitive campground located within the Bear Island Unit of Big Cypress National Preserve.
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Off Road Vehicle Trails
- Wildlife viewing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Palm Bay. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Palm Bay
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
McGriff Skate Park
An activity Short shared by Live Highway, Boat, Train, and Plane Spotting.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Pro Line at Grapefruit Trails, Palm Bay, Florida -
An activity Short shared by Florida Mountain Bike Guides .
Watch on YouTube ↗Around Palm Bay
More outdoors near Palm Bay
Questions
Where is the closest place for camping near Palm Bay?
Canaveral National Seashore (National Park Service), about 53 miles north of Palm Bay as the crow flies. Next are St Lucie South (67 mi) and River Forest Group Site (83 mi).
When is the best time for camping near Palm Bay?
Based on Palm Bay’s average highs, October–May. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Can I reserve a campsite near Palm Bay?
16 of the 18 places listed here take reservations on Recreation.gov; others are first come, first served.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.