National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore is a National Seashore in Florida. The NPS currently lists 5 active alerts (1 closure), 1 campground and 1 visitor center; entrance fees start at $15.

Florida National Seashore America the Beautiful pass accepted

Updated · NPS Data API

Dune plants, beach, and ocean.
Apollo Beach · Photo: NPS Photo Lord (via nps.gov)

About the park

“Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history.”

Active alerts

5

Closures

1

Campgrounds

1

Visitor centers

1

Current alerts and closures

5 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 1 closure, 0 danger, 2 caution and 2 information.

Closure

Playalinda District: Parking Lot #8-13

Attention Visitors:Due to strong winds and sand and water on the road, the following areas of the Playalinda District of Canaveral National Seashore are temporarily closed to all visitor use, including driving, walking, and biking: The main Playalinda road north of Eddy Creek. Parking Lots #8-13 The beach north of Eddy Creek boardwalk No backcountry hiking permits will be issued during this closure. Please follow posted signs and staff directions and stay out of closed areas.

Posted or updated Oct 24, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Caution

Beat the Heat

Make sure to take hot weather into consideration. Carry water and use sunscreen to reduce the risk of heat injuries during your visit.

Posted or updated Aug 23, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Caution

Rip Currents and Rough Surf

Remember that rough surf is dangerous & rip currents can be deadly. Please use caution when swimming at Canaveral National Seashore.

Posted or updated Nov 18, 2024 ·Details on nps.gov

Information

Operating Hours

The seashore is currently operating on the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Last entry into the seashore is at 5:00 pm.

Posted or updated Oct 3, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Information

For entrance fees, we accept digital passes and credit/debit cards

Digital passes or credit/debit cards are the ONLY method of payment at all fee collection areas. Pre-paid digital passes are available online and may be purchased in advance.

Posted or updated Mar 17, 2025 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

All visitors to Canaveral National Seashore are required to pay an entrance fee. Digital passes may be purchased online.

Entrance fees
FeeCostDetails
Entrance - Private Vehicle$25Admits the passholder and passengers of a single vehicle. Good for 7 consecutive days at all park entrances. Buy online
Entrance - Motorcycle$20Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Buy online
Entrance - Per Person$15Good for 7 consecutive days at all park entrances. Admits one individual hiker, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Buy online
Commercial Entrance - Sedan$25Admits Commercial Vehicle entrance with 1–6-person capacity
Commercial Entrance - Van$40Admits Commercial Vehicle entrance with 7–15-person capacity
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus$40Admits Commercial Vehicle entrance with 16–25-person capacity
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$100Admits Commercial Vehicle entrance with 26 or more-person capacity
Park passes
PassCostBuy
Annual Entrance - Park$45Recreation.gov

The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online. Fee details on nps.gov

Things to do

Seminole Rest porch with the lagoon in the background.
Photo: NPS/Photo

Seminole Rest

Seminole Rest tells a story of Timucua indians, a pioneer settlement, and preservation of cultures. Preserving this site is essential in order to keep these stories alive.

Year-round Pets allowed

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Hike Castle Windy Trail

Castle Windy Trail is located in Canaveral National Seashore's Apollo Beach. Park at beach parking area number three to access the trail. The trail is on the west side of the road and leads a half mile to Mosquito Lagoon.

Winter Fee applies Pets allowed

Hiking

Activities the NPS lists for Canaveral.

BoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingGroup CampingFishingGuided ToursHikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingPaddlingJunior Ranger ProgramSurfingSwimmingSaltwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingGift Shop and Souvenirs

Operating hours

Canaveral National Seashore is open 7 days a week. Visitor hours are 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Last entry into the seashore is at 5:00 pm.

Apollo District- New Smyrna Beach Entrance
DayHours
Monday6:00AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday6:00AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday6:00AM - 6:00PM
Thursday6:00AM - 6:00PM
Friday6:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday6:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday6:00AM - 6:00PM

Weather: Summer: Hot & humid (Temperatures average in the 90's) Winter months: Temperatures in the 40–70-degree range, with a "cold spell" where temperatures lower to the mid-30's).

Contact and directions

Phone
3864283384
Email
[email protected]
Address
Apollo Visitor Center,, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Coordinates
28.7864, -80.7542· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Apollo Beach Visitor CenterDaily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM386-428-3384Yes

Campgrounds

CampgroundTotal sitesReservableFirst-comeRVsFeeReserve
Canaveral National Seashore Backcountry Island Camping14140No$25Recreation.gov

Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.

On Amazon

Popular trail picks

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More parks in Florida

Big Cypress National PreserveBiscayne National ParkCastillo de San Marcos National MonumentDe Soto National MemorialDry Tortugas National ParkEverglades National ParkFort Matanzas National MonumentGulf Islands National SeashoreTimucuan Ecological & Historic PreserveAll in Florida

Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/cana/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.