Manatee Hammock 7275 N. U.S.1, Titusville 321-264-5083 Manatee Hammock Campground
Hopefully, by the time my pecking hits your eyes, some of the evilness around the world has been stopped, or at least lessened. While it seems like some things will never end, we can only hope for better times to come and somehow keep faith in something bigger than our mere selves. If you’re reading this and have a loved one in pain or in danger, please know prayers are being sent.
There are so many wonderful campgrounds throughout Florida that’s it’s difficult to know which ones would have everything for everyone in your family. One family member wants fishing, one wants anything that doesn’t entail catching a live creature, one wants BBQ grills to prepare those no longer live creatures, one wants McDonald’s, one wants native flora and fauna, one wants pathways…and what to do with Fido?
My answer to all those dilemmas and more has almost always been Manatee Hammock, right here in our own back yard. We have also had wonderful times with out of town guests who also like to camp.
Before you start thinking Ol’ Rose’s marbles are rolling around all by themselves again, think about it… since it’s so close you have much more time to enjoy the outdoors and each other, not spending a whole day of your special time driving, then setting up. The inevitable, “Oh Darn! We forgot ---!”is easily solved by a quick trip home. There’s a huge pavilion with a large grill AND McDonald’s, plus various other restaurants, right down the road. Fido is welcome but he must be leashed at all times, except when in the very large, fenced dog park. There are clean up after Fido stations throughout the park.
Spending the afternoon in the large, well maintained pool is made all the sweeter knowing you don’t have to clean it. Speaking of cleaning, the also well-maintained fishing pier has a cleaning station so you don’t have to mess up your campsite.
There is a pool, shuffleboard courts, fishing pier, canoe and kayak launch, Corn Hole court, covered Pickle Ball court and plenty of open space to play volleyball or fly a kite. (There’s gotta be something for even the worst mooder). Bathrooms and showers are cleaned daily.
Old oaks and hickory trees provide ample shade and a couple of old orange trees left from grove days can still be found. Groups of large vegetation house the many squirrels, birds and other four-legged Florida natives.
Each tent and RV site are allowed 6 people and 2 cars. Manatee Hammock is one of the best places in Brevard for rocket watching. Rates can be found on their website:
brevardfl.gov/ParksAndRecreation/Campgrounds/
As always, please be considerate of your neighbors, remember everyone does not like Def Leppard (Yes, I know I’m old!) at level 10 or think Little Snooky’s barking is just precious. Take lots of pictures and leave lots of footprints. I recommend sun screen and insect spray. And lots of just plain play.
