Road Trips Starting from Merritt Island, FL
Best National Parks Near Merritt Island, FL
Biscayne National Park is a beautiful coastal park located south of Miami. Established in 1980, this national park covers over 172,971 acres and offers visitors stunning views of the Florida Reef, the only living coral reef in the continental United States. The park is perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. Unfortunately, there are no campgrounds within Biscayne National Park.Everglades National Park is a vast wilderness area with numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking through mangrove tunnels, or taking a scenic boat tour to spot manatees and alligators. The Wilderness Waterway Trail is an excellent option for experienced kayakers looking for a multi-day adventure. Three campgrounds within this national park offer tent or RV camping with water and electrical hookups.Crandon Park is another popular destination near Merritt Island, with plenty of outdoor activities. Located on Key Biscayne just south of Miami Beach, Crandon Park boasts beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or sunbathing. While it's not a national park, this park has excellent facilities, including restrooms with showers and picnic areas that make it perfect for families.Whether you're looking to explore the ocean's coral reefs or wander through mangrove tunnels in search of alligators and manatees, these nearby national parks offer something for everyone. Rent a budget-friendly one directly from a local owner in Merritt Island with RVshare!
Popular State Parks Near Merritt Island, FL
Orlando to Patapsco Valley State Park is a scenic route that passes through some of the best state parks in Florida. Lake Kissimmee State Park is one such attraction, featuring three lakes covering more than 44,000 acres and ample fishing, boating, and kayaking opportunities. The park has two campgrounds with electric and water hookups for RVs, picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms.Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is another great destination for nature lovers. This park offers a unique experience of Florida's dry prairie ecosystem and an opportunity to spot rare birds and wildlife. Nine campsites are available for RVers with electric hookups; however, there are no water or sewer hookups. The site also offers picnic tables, fire rings, showers, and restrooms.Okeechobee County, Florida, manages a state park that RVers will appreciate—Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park. The park preserves the site of the Second Seminole War’s Battle of Okeechobee in 1837. It has no camping facilities; however, visitors can have a picnic or take a self-guided tour of the battlefield.Sebastian Inlet State Park was established near Wabasso Beach on A1A between Melbourne and Vero Beach in 1972 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The park features world-renowned surfing spots and many other outdoor activities like swimming and fishing in freshwater and saltwater areas. It has two campgrounds with full-facility campsites for RVers with electric and water hookups.
National Forests Near Merritt Island, FL
Osceola and Ocala National Forests offer numerous recreational opportunities for RV enthusiasts near Merritt Island, Florida. Osceola National Forest, established in July 1931, covers an area of 298.3 square miles and is home to Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, Falling Creek Falls, Ocean Pond, and many other attractions. This national forest offers several activities, such as hiking, camping, bird watching, stargazing, geocaching, and fishing.Ocala National Forest, established in 1908 with an area of 673 square miles, is another great option nearby. It features Blue Spring State Park, Silver Springs State Park, and Silver Glen Springs, popular tourist destinations for swimming. Biking enthusiasts can explore the forest by cycling through its many trails.Both forests offer a variety of flora and fauna for nature lovers to discover. Watch for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker while exploring Osceola National Forest.Whether it's hiking or swimming that you enjoy the most, both Osceola and Ocala National Forests provide endless possibilities for those looking to explore the great outdoors around Merritt Island.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Merritt Island, FL
De Soto National Memorial in Manatee County, Bradenton, FL, is a great spot near Merritt Island. Spread over 27 acres, the National Park Service manages this memorial site and allows visitors to explore the history of Hernando de Soto's exploration of Florida. If you're looking for outdoor activities, Robinson Preserve is a great place for hiking or kayaking. Emerson Point Preserve allows visitors to hike through nature trails and enjoy fishing from the pier. For those who want to admire local flora, Palma Sola Botanical Park has a beautiful collection of exotic plants on display.When you're ready to cool off, there are many options for swimming and boating nearby. You can go fishing or take your RV on a scenic drive along the coast. Whether you're interested in history or nature, there's plenty to see and do around Merritt Island that will make your RV adventure an unforgettable experience.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Merritt Island, Florida, offers a variety of RV campgrounds, parks, and resorts for your stay.Space Coast RV Resort is a popular option, with 300 sites available for reservation online. Enjoy full hookups, 30/50 amp, and back-in/pull-through sites. The resort features a pool/hot tub, showers, a lending library, and a camp store.At Palm Shores RV Park, guests are treated like family. Though small, the park boasts well-maintained grounds and an attentive manager.JOY RV Park has 75 sites with full hookups and back-in/pull-through options. Enjoy amenities like a pool/hot tub, clubhouse, communal kitchen, Wi-Fi access (for a fee), and laundry facilities during your stay.
RV Dump Stations Near Merritt Island, FL
Merritt Island, Florida, has several RV dump stations for travelers who need to empty their tanks and dispose of waste.Dump stations in the area include Space Coast RV Resort, SonRise Palms Christian RV & Rally Park, Manatee Hammock Campground, and The Great Outdoors RV Resort.These sites provide dumping for black and gray water, fresh water for flushing tanks, trash bins for disposal, and other amenities. Each location has unique features, such as proximity to popular attractions or additional services.
