Directions: The nearest major airport is in Orlando, which is about 45 miles southwest of the seashore. The seashore is also accessible via Interstate 95 (exits 80 and 84), US 1, State Road 404/406, and State Road 44. The south beaches are closed three days prior to a scheduled shuttle launch, so keep track of the space program.
Operating hours and seasons:
Winter Hours: November - March 6:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M.
Summer Hours: April - October 6:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M. (Playalinda has modified summer hours of 8:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M. due to heightened security measures at nearby NASA facility).
Beach access: Twenty-four miles of undeveloped beach is available at Apollo Beach in the North District of the park near New Smyrna Beach and Playalinda Beach at the South District. Boardwalks from the parking areas offer access to the beach protecting the fragile sand dunes from foot traffic. Life guards are stationed at each district of the park at Parking Area 1 on Apollo Beach and at Parking Area 8 on Playalinda Beach. Life guards are on duty from 10:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., May 30 through September 1. There is no water available, no showers, or public telephones.
Beach and island camping: Limited backcountry camping in the Seashore is permitted on the beach November 1 through April 30 and on designated islands all year around. A backcountry camping permit is required. There are no RV camping facilities in the park. Numerous RV parks, campgrounds and motels can be found nearby in Titusville and New Symyrna Beach.
Accessibility:
New Smyrna Beach, FL - North District: Accessible ramps to the beach are located at Parking Areas 1A and 5. The Information Center is accessible. All restroom facilities are accessible.
In the North District - A beach wheelchair is available. Ask at the Information Center. Assistance is required. There is an accessible trail leading to Turtle Mound Archeological Site. The boardwalk at Turtle Mound is accessible with assistance.
Seminole Rest - River Road, Oak Hill, FL - Seminole Rest Trail is accessible to those visitors with walking disabilities. The accessible trail includes benches along the half mile trail that provide rest areas for park visitors. The restrooms are identified for those that have visual disabilities.
Titusville, FL - South District: Parking Areas at Eddy Creek and #8 are accessible. In the South District a beach wheelchair is available. You must have assistance to use the chair. Ask at the Entrance Station.
Fees and permits: Daily Use Fee: $5.00 per day per private vehicle. Annual Pass: $28.00 annual per private vehicle. Permits may be obtained seven days prior to island camping. A beach camping permit may be obtained on the day you camp. Backcounty Camping Permits: $10.00 per night for 1-6 people. $20.00 per night for group sites (over 6 people).
Getting a permit:
-Stop by the Information Center, located 1/4 mile south of Turtle Mound on A1A in New Smyrna Beach. Hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30.
-Permits will be only be issued on the day beach camping begins and up to 7 days in advance for lagoon camping.
-Call the Information Center at (386) 428-3384 Ext. 10. for information on campsite availability.
-The camping areas are very primitive, lacking fresh water and sanitation facilities. All necessities need to be packed in and all trash packed out.
Island camping rules:
-Camping is not allowed on or beyond the sand dunes of the seashore.
-Litter must be removed from the campsite.
-No glass is allowed at the beach campsite.
-Campfires are permitted only within designated grills. Only dead or down wood can be used for campfires. Fires on the beach are permitted only within containers (hibachi, barbecue grill, chemical fuel stove. etc.)
-Pets must be on a leash, not more than 6 feet in length. Pets are prohibited on the beach.
-Sport fishing and the taking of shellfish are in accordance with State Regulations.
-Please do not feed or harm the animals or remove plant life within the Seashore; they are protected by Federal law.
-Firearms are prohibited within the park boundaries.
-All State Laws are enforced.
-A camper orientation will be given when a permit is issued at the Information Center at the New Smyrna Beach entrance.
-LEAVE NO TRACE
Weather and climate:
Summer: Hot and humid - Mid to upper 90's. Watch for sudden thunderstorms and lightning and seek the shelter of your car.
Winter: Mild (60's - 70') May have short period of cold weather during January and February.
Additional information and camping reservations: Canaveral National Seashore Information Center at (386) 428-3384 Ext. 10.
Canaveral National Seashore Overview:
Canaveral National Seashore covers 57,000 acres and is the longest stretch (24 miles) of undeveloped beach on Florida's east coast. Canaveral National Seashore celebrated its 25th birthday on January 3, 2000; however, the concept for the park actually originated 44 years earlier. This 25 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beach, dunes and Mosquito Lagoon is the longest expanse of undeveloped land along the East Coast of Florida and as a federally protected area will remain primarily as it is today. Canaveral National Seashore is on a barrier island which includes ocean, beach, dune, hammock, lagoon, salt marsh, and pine flatland habitats.
The barrier island and adjacent waterways offer a blend of plant and animal life. Records show that 1,045 species of plants and 310 species of birds can be found in the park. Endangered species include, but are not limited to, loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles, West Indian Manatee, Southern bald eagle, wood stork, peregrine falcon, eastern indigo snake, and Florida scrub jay.
Canaveral National Seashore is unique in several ways. It shares two different climate zones since this area is where the semi-tropical climate merges with the temperate climate zone. Because of this, many varieties of plant life are found in the park. Over 310 species of birds have been observed, including the bald eagle, wood stork, Eastern scrub jay, brown and white pelicans, roseate spoonbill and many species of shorebirds. Manatees and porpoises are regular visitors to the lagoon waters. Probably the most prolific creature, from April to November, is the salt marsh mosquito. It is never shy about greeting park visitors in massive numbers.
Visitors may enjoy walking the nature and historical trails during the cool winter months. Throughout the year opportunity for recreational activities include; lagoon and surf fishing, boating, canoeing, surfing, sunbathing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding and backcountry camping.
