On The Road With Rose
In these days that it seems the whole world has lost it’s collective mind, just when we think things can’t get any worse and then they do…please know none of us are alone. If you have loved ones or even just friends let them know that prayers are being sent.
With summer not quite here, last day of school finally arriving and the big blow season still on the horizon, this month is a great time to drag out the old tent and equipment needed to really enjoy Mother Natures best here in our tiny slice of paradise.
I’ve been lucky enough to camp in most of the parks around Brevard with my kids and then grandkids. I’ve done a little research and found some of the more well known.
My favorite has always been Manatee Hammock park 321-264 5083 brevardfl.gov/ParksAndRecreation/Campgrounds/ManateeHammockCampground. This is a
County park with facilities for both tents and RVs. There is a pool, shuffleboard courts, fishing pier, canoe and kayak launch, fenced dog park and plenty of open space to play volley ball or fly a kite, bathrooms and showers. Old oaks and hickory trees provide ample shade and a couple of old orange trees left from grove days can be found. Each tent and RV site are allowed 6 people and 2 cars. Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Manatee Hammock is one of the best places in Brevard for rocket watching. Rates can be found on their website.
Jetty park 783-7111 portcanaveral.com/jpc. This park has an area set aside for primitive tent camping, partial upgrades for both tents and RVs, full amenities for RVs and there are 8 fully furnished cabins. It boasts the longest (and possibly the best) fishing pier in Brevard, a wide sandy beach, playground, pavilions with BBQ, some shade and a walking trail. The cruise and military ships slip by almost close enough to touch. A snack and bait shop, bathrooms and showers are the base for a topside observation deck. Pets are allowed in the RV area must be leashed at all times. Rates can be found on their website.
Wickham park 255-4307 brevardfl.gov/ParksAndRecreation/Campgrounds/WickhamPark. The entire park covers 391 acres, has many tent and RV full hookups, two swim at your own risk lakes and several fishing ponds, archery, disc golf, large playground, several pavilions with BBQ grills. Large old trees complete with Spanish moss provide lots of shade and there are many walking paths and open places for volley ball or kite flying. Rates can be found on their website.
Sabastian inlet 984 4853 floridastateparks.org/Sebastian-Inlet
State park…This park sits on the lagoon side of the beautiful Sabastian Inlet and has10 primitive sites for either tent or RV parking, plus 57 full hookup sites for either tent or RV. Many places to swim include 3 miles of white sand beaches, several places in the Indian River lagoon and a great tidal pool shallow enough for small children to enjoy safely. We spent many afternoons wading in those waters discovering all kinds of small sea life from crabs to seahorses. The fishing pier is one of the best in Florida and just going over the bridge is an experience in itself.
Long Point park 321-952-4532 brevardfl.gov/ParksAndRecreation/ParksByCity/ParksInMelbourneBeach/LongPoint
This park is an 84 acre conservation area with many pristine waterfront sites on the Indian River Lagoon very close to the Sabastian inlet. The fishing is great, theres a boat ramp and miles of great places to explore with boats, kayak or canoe, a dock with fish cleaning area. There aren’t any pavilions but each site has a picnic table Walking paths throughout and a smaller island for totally primitive camping. Swimming at your own risk and a nice playground.
As always please take only pictures and leave only footprints.(except for many fresh fish!) Pack lots of sunscreen and mosquito repellant.