Ready to launch yourself into a new adventure?
While planning your next RV trip to a campground, consider adding an out-of-this-world experience to your itinerary: witnessing a rocket launch! (Just make sure to time your visit with an upcoming launch date.)
From the comfort of their campgrounds, RVers and other outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a perfect view of rockets taking flight from some of the most well-known launch sites in the United States.
(Another fun benefit of staying at a campground: the fun doesn’t have to stop after viewing the launch! Many campgrounds, including the ones below, have a wealth of fun, family-friendly amenities and local attractions that RVers can explore, too.)
Campground Recommendations
Below are eight campgrounds considered to have excellent views of nearby space shuttle launches from major bases:
Space Coast, FL
1) Jetty Park Campground (Cape Canaveral, FL): Only 10 miles from the launch pads at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, Jetty Park is a prime location to view rocket launches along Florida's famous Space Coast.
Campers can also visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center Complex or, for more recreation-focused activities, tour Port Canaveral or Cocoa Beach Pier. Jetty Park offers 95 full hookup sites for RVs as well as easy beach access, modern amenities, beautiful beachfront views, and more.
2) Manatee Hammock Campground (Titusville, FL): This location offers an excellent view of rocket launches from the Kennedy Space Center. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a quiet setting surrounded by nature, as well as access to a range of amenities including a camp store, pavilion, laundry, showers, fishing pier, and more.
There are 147 full RV hookup sites. Manatee Hammock Campground also provides easy access to landmarks such as the Enchanted Forest, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Canaveral National Seashore. Note that the maximum length of stay for RVs is 90 days.
Wallops Flight Facility, VA
3) Chincoteague Bay RV Resort & Cottages (Chincoteague, VA): Further north along the East Coast, space enthusiasts can catch Wallops Flight Facility rocket launches from nearby Chincoteague Bay RV Resort & Cottages. This location offers 150 hookup sites and amenities such as a sports court, zero-entry swimming pool, private fishing pier, and scenic boardwalk.
Visitors can also explore the beaches of Chincoteague Island and its countless exciting, family-friendly activities while waiting for takeoff. Visitors eager for an even closer look can visit the NASA Wallops Visitor Center on nearby Wallops Island, VA, which includes a launch viewing area and direct views of the launch pads. The Visitors Center is located a 15-minute drive from the resort.
4) Tom’s Cove Park (Chincoteague, VA): This family-owned campground offers great views of launches from Wallops Flight Facility, and also faces the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore. This location includes full or partial hookup campsites that accommodate large RVs, as well as slide-outs.
Amenities include a tackle shop, a large swimming pool, a clubhouse, a marina and boat ramp, picnic tables, fire circles, and grills. It also includes restrooms with hot showers and laundry facilities. After the thrill of witnessing a shuttle launch, visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, saltwater fishing, boating, beachcombing, kayaking, canoeing, and more.
Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA
5) Vandenberg Space Force Base FamCamp (Lompoc, CA): On the West Coast, RVers interested in viewing a shuttle launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base can reserve a spot at Vandenberg Space Force Base FamCamp. 49 full hookup spaces are provided, and pull-through sites are available. Amenities include on-site dining options, a lounge, laundry and shower facilities, and WiFi.
Visitors can take part in paintball, golfing, biking, hiking, and more. There are even outdoor recreation adventure programs that staff can plan in advance for visitors. Reservations are prioritized for active duty military personnel, retirees, and their families. (This group is also eligible for discounts!).
6) Jalama Beach County Park (Lompoc, CA): Another great location to view rocket takeoffs from Vandenberg Space Force Base is Jalama Beach Campground. 107 campsites are available with oceanfront views, and 31 sites offer electrical hookups.
Amenities include a picnic table and BBQ pit, along with hot showers, restrooms, water, and the Jalama Beach Store. Outdoor recreation opportunities include fishing, whale watching, surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and more.
Boca Chica, TX
7) Rocket Ranch (Brownsville, TX): This unique campground provides lodging, touring, and launch observation for visitors interested in seeing a StarShip take off from SpaceX’s nearby launch pad in Boca Chica, TX. The campground, which is located on the Rio Grande River, is only eight miles from the launch site.
The area is also a wildlife preserve and close to quiet Texas beaches. Rocket Ranch opens a week before each StarShip launch, and visitors who would like to camp before or after the launch are able to purchase a vehicle or camping pass for an extended four-night stay. Hookups are available for RVs. More information is available on Rocket Ranch’s FAQ page.
8) South Padre Island KOA Holiday (South Padre Island, TX): For those seeking a more recreation-focused experience, South Padre Island KOA Holiday is an ideal choice. This campground has full RV hookups (and pull-through spaces!) that can accommodate RVs up to 60 ft in length, and is set up for overnight or extended RV stays as well.
With its proximity to Boca Chica’s launch site, outer-space enthusiasts will enjoy this campground’s excellent view of rocket takeoffs. Other amenities include WiFi, swimming, boat ramps, dog parks, a free shuttle, kayaks, and more. The campground is also close to Port Isabel and Laguna Madre Bay.
Tips and Tricks
Keep this advice in mind to help your rocket launch viewing go smoothly:
- Launch Schedules: Launch schedules can be subject to change due to weather and technical issues. It's important to check official sources for launch updates.
- Booking in Advance: Especially for popular campgrounds around launch sites, reserve your RV spot in advance, especially if a major launch is scheduled.
- Viewing Conditions: While campgrounds may offer "launch views," the quality of the view can vary depending on your specific site, obstructions (trees, buildings), and the distance from the launch pad. Some places offer direct line-of-sight, while others might be more distant but still provide a good experience. Consider contacting the campground directly to ask which specific sites provide the best launch views.
- Safety: Be aware of any public access restrictions or road closures around launch sites.
- Amenities: Check what amenities each campground offers (full hookups, laundry, Wi-Fi, etc.) to ensure it meets your needs.
Short on Time?
For RVers who only have time to view a rocket launch but not partake in many additional activities, make sure to find the launch schedule and reserve your campsite in advance. This will help your adventure go smoothly and ensure you are ready for liftoff.
Find Upcoming Launches
Official Sources
NASA and SpaceX both share information on their upcoming takeoffs. Other agencies that participate in rocket launches include:
Aggregate Sources
Aggregate sources can also be useful tools when making plans to view an upcoming future rocket launch. These include:
Final Thoughts
Viewing a shuttle or rocket launch is a wonderful bonus to any outdoor adventure. Plan in advance, stay safe, and you and your travel companions are going to be over the moon to witness this astonishing feat of modern engineering and space exploration.
Once the rocket is out of view, the fun can continue on Earth with nearby attractions and amenities. With a little planning, this unforgettable experience can be the highlight of your next RV outdoor getaway.
