Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
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.
Outdoors
Hiking near Palm Bay
National forests, parks, lakes and recreation areas with hiking trails near Palm Bay, closest first.
17places to hike
18 mito the closest
1within 30 miles
November–Aprilbest months
Good to know: Carry more water than you think you need, check the managing agency’s page for trail closures and fire restrictions, and start early on hot days.
Closest picks
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
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.
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.
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Within 30 miles (1)
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is situated in the Indian River Lagoon estuary, which runs 156 miles down Florida’s eastern coastline.
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Motor Boat
- Nature education
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Photography
30 to 75 miles (4)
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
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.
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Photography
- Ranger programs
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
Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
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…
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Photography
- Ranger programs
- Wildlife viewing
75 miles and farther (12)
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s 27-million acre National Conservation Lands; and the only complete unit east of the Mississippi River.
- Boating
- Diving
- Hiking
- History
- Nature education
- Paddling
- Photography
- Picnicking
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
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
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
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
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.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
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
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
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.
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More outdoors near Palm Bay
Questions
Where is the closest place for hiking near Palm Bay?
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (Fish and Wildlife Service), about 18 miles southeast of Palm Bay as the crow flies. Next are Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (43 mi) and Canaveral National Seashore (53 mi).
When is the best time for hiking near Palm Bay?
Based on Palm Bay’s average highs, November–April. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
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.