Mosquito Lagoon / Cape Canaveral Shores Canoe and Kayak Camping

I'm more of a scuba diver but from time to time, we use our boats, canoes and kayaks to access places we can do some unique diving. Because of this we discovered Mosquito Lagoon years back, and now its a regular pastime to just camp there.

There is magic in camping. On Mosquito Lagoon, the magic is enhanced by the water, wildlife and scenery. After camping the lagoon a few times, I was 'inspired' to write this article up to encourage others to try it and if they do, provide them with information and some of my experiences.



The island campsites, 14 of them, are officially available by permit only. However, we witnessed, many times, people camping without a permit; sometimes very near our permitted campsite. Lots of 'day timers' in your 'space' too. There is obviously a problem with enforcement of compliance to permitting. I don't recommend you NOT get a permit to camp, just don't expect everyone to follow that rule.





* Hurricane 2017 Update

* Hurricane 2016 Update

A permit is required and there is a fee. As of January 1st, 2016, you can do all the reservations online. They price went up a bit, now its $20/night, but the convenience is worth it. Link to Online Reservations site,





You may print your permit 14 days before your reservation date and cannot make changes to the permit once you have printed it.



You must print out enough copies of your permit to have one with you on the island for your group, and one on the dash in each vehicle associated with your group. This Backcountry Camping permit does not include the entrance fee for the park.

If you go onto the park, be sure to bring receipts, printed from your online reservation, so you are charged correctly. Keep a copy of your receipts on you, in your car window, and at your campsite. You do not have to check out.



You can rent canoes from the park, $25/night, for campsites #1 thru #5 only. To inquire about that you can call the Visitor Center at (386) 428-3384 ext.0.

There are two spots you can safely leave your vehicles. Remember to never leave anything of value showing in your parked vehicles. One is just inside the park, on the right. You have to pay extra though. Be sure to pay for that parking, at the gate, when you arrive.





Campsites 1 thru 5 are best accessed from the Cape Canaveral Shores Park's boat landing. The rest are better accessed from River Breeze.



There are NO facilities on these islands, except for a fire pit, and a picnic table.

They would like you to use the fire grates. They aren't always located in a good place though. Be careful if you start a fire elsewhere, and check with the rangers when you pick up your permit about that.





Its on the water. You can park your boat there. Its located north of Oak Hill Fish camp and south of River Breeze Park (between campsite 8 and 9).

Near campsite #3, on the northeast side of the park is JB's Fish Camp. Always busy and easy to access from that side of the park!



Right beside River Breeze Park, on the northwest side, only a few hundred feet from the landing is a friendly bait shop (Indian Mount RV & Fish Camp), with ice and very basic supplies.



What seasons are best? I've camped there in June, July and August. Its hot and lots of bugs (unless its windy). Bugs can be bad, so be prepared. Fortunately the water is warm (one good way to escape). I will camp in the summer, but I'll bring my bug repellent and tiki torches! Remember the name of this place: Mosquito Lagoon. The best camping season, in my opinion, is the winter months, after the first cold spell, usually November thru early spring (late March or early April). Regardless of the season, always check the weather. Rain, cold, and wind are important factors here. Wind is a big issue if you have small craft and plan to camp on islands 11 thru 14. Fortunately in regards to wind, all these campsites have options as to where you can put your tents. Find a sheltered site, surrounded by trees. You can also, put your tent behind a slope on some of the campsites. The most obvious tent sites are not always the best.



Fishing? This place is famous for Redfish fishing. A good catch can make a nice dinner too. Be sure to have your salt water fishing license with you.





Descriptions/write up of each island campsite:



# 1 Orange Island, OI, N 28 54' 46.6" W 80 49' 45.6" - Capacity 6













Campsite #1 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



Campsite #1 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below







This site is just west of campsite #1. I like this site, but it was booked every time I tried to get it. I think this will be a great place to camp in the winter months. You can find me there this winter. This will be our first choice on our first camping trip.









Campsite #2 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



Campsite #2 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below







Campsite #3 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



Campsite #3 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below







Campsite #4 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



Campsite #4 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below







Campsite #5 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



Campsite #5 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



This is a good campsite with plenty of tent side, huge trees covering everything and just off the intracoastal, so there is some privacy. You've got lots of island to walk about looking for things to burn too. Its not too far north of River Breeze park.





Campsite #6 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



Campsite #6 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below







Campsite #7 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



Campsite #7 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below







Campsite #8 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



Campsite #8 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below







Campsite #9 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



Campsite #9 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below







Campsite #10 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



Campsite #10 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below







Campsite #11 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



Campsite #11 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below











Campsite #12 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



Campsite #12 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below











Campsite #13 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below





# 14 County Line, CL, N 28 50' 26.9" W 80 48' 56.4" - Capacity 20

Campsite #13 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below







Campsite #14 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below



Campsite #14 - Google Maps Area Satellite Map Above, Closeup Below





Things to think about taking!



Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you plan to return.

Canoes/Kayaks

Paddles/spare paddle

Personal flotation device (PFD), one per person

Tools (especially if you have a motor)

Knife

Lighter x 2 (for campfire and stove)

Android Google Map or real map in a waterproof case or cover

Compass and/or GPS

Sponge

Bungee cords or net, cordage

Rescue kit (rope, webbing, cordage, carabineers and pulleys for z-drag)

Spare PFD

extra Tarps and/or tent flys

First-aid kit

Post hole digger (for camp toilet)

Cell phone in waterproof case

Saw

Ax

Machete

Dry bags

Lots of Heavy-duty garbage bags (lining for inside of pack and other gear)

Ziploc bags (protection for non-electronic items)

Foil

Flatwear (plastic knife, spoon, fork)

Spatula

Knifes for food preparation

Coolers

Packs for your clothes/personals

Food, snacks

Drinks/fluids

Stove

Extra propane tanks,

Lanterns

Headlamps

Folding chairs

Sleeping bags

Pillows

Air mattress

Tents, canopies

Bug repellant

Sun screen 30

Air pump

Portable jumper (for air mattress pump and recharge phones)

Firewood (even wrapped up fire logs, one per day)

A bit of lighter fluid (doesn't hurt to get camp fire started)

Towels

Toilet paper

Portable toilet (homemade)

Can opener

Bottle opener

Cards if raining and/or bored

Chemical lights