KARS Park
Overview
KARS Park (Kennedy Athletic, Recreational and Social Park) sits on the North Banana River directly across from Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island — one of the best rocket-launch viewing spots anywhere, with waterfront sites offering front-row seats to launches from the Cape. It has over 100 RV sites with water and 30-amp electric (about 20 premium riverfront sites plus a large primitive tenting area), two dump stations, clean bathhouses, a laundry, and a country store. A boat launch and the Banana River Manatee Sanctuary make it a favorite for fishing and kayaking. No sewer hookups, no WiFi — this is a nature-first spot. You can watch cruise ships and manatees alongside the rockets.
Amenities
- 30/50 Amp Electric
- Water
- Sewer
- Laundry
- Restrooms & Showers
- Pet Friendly
- Dump Station
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Boat Ramp
- Fishing
Important Info
Requires a KARS membership (about $15–25/year) — open to badged NASA/KSC/Cape Canaveral/Patrick civil service, contractor, and military employees (active or retired with DoD ID), their families, and guests. First-come, first-served — no reservations. Register and pay at the KARS Country Store with valid membership and photo ID. Two vehicles per site. Call (321) 867-7967 with camping questions. Always confirm current membership requirements, rates, and availability before you travel.
Information last refreshed September 2026. Always confirm details with the installation before you travel.