Canaveral National Seashore Permits

Plan your trip in advance. Pay special attention to travel routes along the waterways and weather forecasts. Some waterways are very shallow.

Be Prepared. Be sure your vessel is fueled, equipped for emergencies, and that all passengers are issued the appropriate personal flotation devices. Insect repellant is highly recommended during the warmer months. Always share your intended itinerary with a friend or family other than those in your party.

Practice 'Leave-No-Trace.' Biodegradable toilet paper is available for $1.99 at Visitor Center

Overnight Parking. Visitor parking is available both in and nearby the park. During the weekends, parking at the Apollo Visitor Center is limited and typically fills by early morning. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Contact the park with questions.

Cell Phone. We recommend having a cell phone at your disposal while camping in the park. Emergencies should be reported by dialing 911.

Conditions on Lighting or Maintaining a Fire A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited. This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – creates serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign informing visitors of the risks of using certain materials to light or maintain a fire, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition. Fires are permitted in grills or self-contained units designed for fires throughout the seashore or in designated areas at backcountry camping sites. Coals must be completely extinguished and removed from the beach. The park will implement and enforce fire bans set forth by the county during extreme drought conditions.

Firewood. Firewood is not available at the campsites. Please purchase firewood locally and bring it with you and/or bring your own cook stove. Be aware of special restrictions concerning open fires. Ask a ranger about the current fire danger conditions upon arrival.

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Canaveral National Seashore charges an entrance fee. You may pay the entrance fee ahead of arrival through Recreaton.gov: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/72790

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