Location, location, location!
Camping is allowed only on recreation islands, on a first-come-first-serve basis. Reservations are not needed, and there is no fee to use the islands. Some islands are more popular than others and will fill up quickly on weekends. With dozens of spoil islands open to camping throughout the region, finding a site is rarely an issue.
Keep in mind that many of the spoil islands see a high number of visitors over the course of a year and are very susceptible to impacts. Campers and day users should always use designated sites on the recreation islands (see our Maps page for the locations of individual sites). For more information on how you can do your part and be a responsible spoil island visitor, please check out our Leave No Trace page.
The recreation islands with designated sites provide basic amenities in the form of picnic tables, pedestal grills, and fire rings, while some recreation islands provide no amenities at all. If all sites are occupied on an island, do not make your own, please travel to another island and find a vacant site.
Don’t be trashy!
There are no trash cans on the islands. Visitors must pack out any and all trash they create. Because of the high number of users, and the islands’ immediate proximity to the Lagoon, it is imperative that all visitors do their part and help to ensure a sustainable, healthy, safe, and enjoyable experience for all.
Where are you going to poop?
There are no restroom facilities on any of the islands. Visitors must pack out not just their trash, but all human and pet waste as well. With the high usage and unique environment of the islands, they can quickly become unhealthy, unsafe, and unpleasant if this practice isn’t followed. For more information on ways to deal with human waste on the islands, please visit our Leave No Trace page. Note: catholes and/or toilets constructed and left on the islands are not acceptable alternatives.
Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink!
Despite some recreation islands having a few basic amenities provided, camping on the spoil islands is still primitive, and there is no fresh water available on any of the islands. Campers and visitors alike must plan ahead and be prepared with the necessary amount of water. Many of the public access points, such as parks or boat ramps, don’t have potable water, so you can’t always rely on these as last-minute supply or refill options.
Campfires
Campfires are allowed but must be contained in the fire rings. Campfires are prohibited during county or state-wide fire bans. For the latest information and maps on conditions and bans please visit the Florida Forest Service’s Current Fire Conditions page. Collecting firewood or cutting of vegetation on the islands is prohibited. For those recreation islands without designated sites and associated amenities, campfires are still allowed but must be kept small and built in an area naturally devoid of vegetation. Clearing of vegetation to make space for a fire or construction of fire pits using rocks or other materials is strictly prohibited.
Downloadable Maps
Indian River County Island Layout