CAMPING AT KARS

In mid February we found ourselves ahead of schedule on arrival to a private campground in Melbourne, Fla. They couldn't accomodate our early arrival so we tried the KARS campground offered at Kennedy Space Center. We found it to be nice and would definately use it again. Cost is reasonable but they do require that we purchase a yearly membership ( $20) in addition to their daily rate of $15 for a site with 30amp serice. While it is a " no frills" area we found it to be adaquate for our needs. There was a scheduled launch the evening we arrived and that would have been spectacular to see had it not been postponed. Give them a call if you think you might be interested. I think they do take reservations but there were lots of spaces to choose from on our un-reserved arrival.

We stayed at KARS during March for a few days. It's abt as laid back as a campground can get. I have heard several people comment that it is remote. I guess it depends on one's own definition, but if you want to visit the Space Center it's abt as close as you can get. I would have given my eye teeth to be there for a Shuttle launch. What a view! I highly recommend the bus tour out through the launch sites. We were actually allowed in the Vertical Assembly Building which would not have happened during the shuttle years. All 3 orbiters were there being prepared for their final journeys. KARS is also close to Port Canaveral where lots of cruise ships come and go. With the proper preparations I believe you could "temp store" your rig and take one of the boats. KARS is only abt 4 miles from lots and lots of shopping opportunities in Merritt Island with Cocoa Beach and Patrick only abt 25 minutes away. There are a ton of excellent restaurants.
Yes - the ambience is remote. You drive in a 3 mile long road through the coastal swamps, and once you get there it is very quiet - mostly. During the week you can hear the grass grow and enjoy the Manatees in the marina. On Friday the place begins to load up, and on the weekend it's one busy place. If you go I suggest parking away fm the water. At low tide the swamp smell ( sulphur dioxide ) is strong. At the rear of the park there are sites with their own picnic cabanas and you are just 2 or 3 minutes walking distance to the water. No bad smells there.