by Nate Beck
Named after the Port Canaveral Jetty that runs adjacent to the beach, Jetty Park has become one of the top recreational areas on the Space Coast. With features such as a 4.5 acre beach, a fishing pier complete with fish cleaning tables, bike paths, designated surfing and swimming areas, clean bathrooms and a restaurant, it is a one stop fun spot for families of all ages.
To the south is Freddie Patrick Park, a 10-acre park with facilities such as boat launch ramps, boat cleaning stations and restrooms. Freddie Patrick Park is accessible at no charge.
To Port Canaveral's west end lies Rodney S. Ketcham Park, a popular stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Park facilities include boat launch ramps, covered picnic tables, grills and fishing from the bulkheads. Similar to Freddie Patrick Park, there are no park fees for Rodney S. Ketcham Park.
Jetty Park
Jetty Park proper is open from 7am to 8pm daily with access being available only to Jetty Park Passholders. An annual, three month, or daily pass must be purchased online prior to arrival; no credit card or cash transactions are allowed at the entrance gate. Entrance is granted via smartphone QR code sent to you after purchasing a pass.
Jetty Park hosts the fishing pier, surfing and swimming areas, the restaurant and bait shop, and a campground.
Lifeguards are on duty from 9am-5pm daily.
Jetty Park Campground
Jetty Park Campground is a one-of-a-kind campground with its stunning sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean. Tucked inside Port Canaveral, visitors have a front row seat to space launches, submarines and cruise ships as well as the natural beauties of the local marine life and wildlife. And that’s just the start.
Jetty Park campers are just steps from the sandy beach and warm Atlantic water where you can build sandcastles, take a nap under a beach umbrella or cast your fishing line for the night’s dinner. Exploration Tower is an 8-minute bike ride from the campsite. If a spin of wheel or turn of the cards interests you, Victory Casino Cruise is a leisurely 10-minute walk from your RV. For one of the Space Coast’s iconic marine, life take the 10 minutes ride to Manatee Sanctuary Park. When you need a little more stimulation, Cocoa Beach, the vacation-hub of the Space Coast, is just a quick 18-minute drive south of the campground.
With options from rustic tent sites to full hook up sites with all the expected amenities to fully furnished cabins, Jetty Park Campground is a popular stop for tenting, tow behinds and RV vacationers looking to get the full Space Coast experience.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The campground features include:
- ADA Accessible
- Advance Reservations
- Alcohol Allowed
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Fires Allowed
- Firewood Available
- Market
- Pets Allowed
- Phone Service
- Picnic Table
- Showers
- Toilets
- WiFi
RVs and Trailers Amenities:
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 amp Hookups
- 50 amp Hookups
- Max Length: 50 ft.
*Due to COVID limitations at the time of this article, the campground is currently available for full hook-up sites only with no tent or cabin rentals available.
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Surfing at Jetty Park
Jetty Park hosts a unique surfing experience on the Space Coast due to its location tucked inside the shadow of the Cape. While the surf is often much smaller than neighboring surf spots in Cocoa Beach, it has the unique advantage of being protected from wind. When the north winds have blown out most of the waves on the Space Coast causing conditions that are dangerous and not surf-able, Jetty Park can quite possibly be sending you down peeling lefts and rights wondering “Where’d all the wind go?”. Because it is tucked inside the shadow of the Cape, Jetty Park usually only breaks on big swells, so timing it correctly to score good waves can be tricky.
Fishing at Jetty Park
Photo Credit: Nate Beck
Fishing is one of Florida's favorite past times and one that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike with Port Canaveral hosting the annual Florida Sport Fishing Associations Offshore Tournament, the largest single day fishing tournament in the world.
If shore fishing is your game, the most popular spot is Malcolm E McLouth Fishing Pier at Jetty Park where anglers commonly catch snook, Spanish mackerel, and drum.
For those looking to boat out to their fishing spots, the harbor provides easy access to the Atlantic or to the Banana River via the Canaveral Lock. If you want to head towards the Banana River, there is no charge for vessels up to 12 feet. The lock operates from 6am to 9:30pm, 365 days a year. Lockage time is approximately 20-30 minutes.
You’re on vacation and didn’t bring your boat? No worries. Charter services are nearby at Port Canaveral for half day, full day, and nighttime trips. Visit the fishing page of our directory for charter boats operating out of the Port. Fishing licenses may be purchased online. Visit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for info on local laws and regulations.
Restricted Boating and Fishing Areas
Port Canaveral shares its home with Nasa, several privatized space companies, cruise ship companies as well as the US Navy. Because of this, boating and fishing is not allowed in any secured area of Port Canaveral. Secured areas are fenced in and require a CPA badge for entry.
The West Basin is off limits on days when cruise ships are docking.
The Trident Basin is off limits as well as within 200 feet of the Navy Pier in the Middle Basin being under the jurisdiction of the US Navy.
Boating and fishing is allowed in port waters not previously mentioned as long as your boat is 25 feet from any Port Authority owned and operated pier, wharf, dock and 100 feet from any vessel moored to any Port Authority pier, wharf or dock.
Covid-Imposed Restrictions
- All people must comply with signage in regards to mask usage and social distancing requirements while at Jetty Park.
- All guests on Malcolm E McLouth Fish Pier must maintain a 6 foot distance at all times.
- Pavilion use is limited.
- All playgrounds are closed and off limits as well as shuffleboard and horseshoe areas.
- Any person who is sick or showing symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath are asked not to visit Jetty Park until you have been symptom free for two weeks. If you become sick during your stay, you are asked to leave and not return until you have been symptom free for two weeks.
A note from the Canaveral Port Authority:
“The Canaveral Port Authority continues to monitor the COVID 19 virus situation to ensure we are keeping our employees, guests, and extended community well informed.
Our “Adjusting Course Phase Three” plan follows the health and safety guidelines recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We have implemented safety protocols and practices at our Jetty Park Beach and Campground to prevent and mitigate the spread of the COVID 19 virus in our park and campground.
To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and the safe use of our beach, fishing pier, and campground facilities, we are continuing to limit campground occupancy and large group gatherings to minimize crowded environments and promote socially distant protocols.
Updates will be posted on Port Canaveral’s website and social media platforms as situations and circumstances may change with COVID 19 in our community. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates.”