Outdoors
Lakes, rivers and recreation areas near Palm Bay where fishing is allowed, closest first.
Good to know: Anyone 16 or older generally needs a state fishing license; seasons, limits and special rules vary by water. Florida license information ↗
12 mi southeast · Fish and Wildlife Service
The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge stretches across 20.5 miles of beach and shoreline habitat between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach along Florida's east coast in Brevard and Indian River Counties.
18 mi southeast · Fish and Wildlife Service
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is situated in the Indian River Lagoon estuary, which runs 156 miles down Florida’s eastern coastline.
43 mi north · Fish and Wildlife Service
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.
Map of 23 places loads as you scroll.
The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge stretches across 20.5 miles of beach and shoreline habitat between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach along Florida's east coast in Brevard and Indian River Counties.
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is situated in the Indian River Lagoon estuary, which runs 156 miles down Florida’s eastern coastline.
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.
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.
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.
Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge contains the largest contiguous section of undeveloped beach in Southeastern Florida and is considered one of the most productive sea turtle nesting areas in the Southeastern United…
River Forest is a shaded group camping facility on the shores of the St. Johns River in Ocala National Forest.
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers a quiet getaway along the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, just outside the community of Paisley, Florida.
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 as a migratory bird refuge to offset losses of wetland habitat that were occurring in central Florida.
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.
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.
Alexander Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest near the beautiful, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs.
Ortona South is a perfect campground for a quiet, sunny escape to South Florida. The campground is set along the Caloosahatchie River.
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.
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.
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.
The Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1951 under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929 with a 50-year license agreement between the State of Florida and the U.S.
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.
WP Franklin South Recreation Area is a day use area located on the Caloosahatchee River adjacent to the WP Franklin Lock and Dam.
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.
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.
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting their homelands.
Gator Head Campground is a primitive campground located within the Bear Island Unit of Big Cypress National Preserve.
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.
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
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THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
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Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (Fish and Wildlife Service), about 12 miles southeast of Palm Bay as the crow flies. Next are Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (18 mi) and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (43 mi).
Yes, anglers 16 and older generally need a Florida fishing license from the state wildlife agency. Rules, seasons and limits vary by water.
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.