Persimmon Mound Camp

Welcome to Persimmon Mound Camp, an authentic primitive camping experience located within the expansive River Lakes Conservation Area in Viera West, Florida. For those Floridians who truly embrace the wild side of the Sunshine State and seek an immersive outdoor adventure, Persimmon Mound offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature in its untouched form. This isn't your typical RV park with full hookups and amenities; instead, it provides a rustic and natural setting, inviting campers to "rough it" and experience Florida much as some of the earliest settlers did.

Part of the Upper St. Johns River Basin Project, undertaken jointly by the St. Johns River Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Persimmon Mound Camp is situated within a vast conservation area dedicated to improving water quality, reducing freshwater discharges to the Indian River Lagoon, and restoring wetland habitats. This commitment to environmental preservation means that visitors to Persimmon Mound Camp are treated to extensive wetland communities, rich in emergent species such as sawgrass, smartweed, arrowhead, and maidencane, alongside open vistas dotted with palms, seasonal wildflowers, and grasslands that change colors with the seasons. It's a true natural escape, providing a genuine sense of solitude and connection to Florida's unique ecosystems.

Persimmon Mound Camp is nestled within the River Lakes Conservation Area, accessible via its coordinates in Viera West, FL 32940, USA. This location places it within Brevard County, an area renowned for its natural beauty and proximity to Florida's Space Coast. What makes Persimmon Mound Camp particularly unique is its access method: many of its primitive campsites are accessible primarily by boat along the river, or through hiking, bicycling, or horseback riding on designated trails. This offers a true sense of seclusion and adventure, differentiating it from more conventional drive-up campgrounds.

While the specific address (649X+H9) indicates a precise geographic point, it's important for visitors to understand that this is a wild and scenic place. From major hubs like Orlando, the drive time to the general area can be around an hour, with specific access points requiring further travel. Its location offers a fantastic base for exploring nearby attractions such as the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, and the iconic Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where the wonders of space exploration come alive. The camp’s placement within the Upper St. Johns River Basin Project also means it’s surrounded by a network of conservation lands, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. This accessibility to both natural wonders and significant cultural landmarks makes Persimmon Mound Camp an ideal, albeit adventurous, choice for those looking to explore the diverse landscapes and attractions of Central Florida.

Persimmon Mound Camp offers a truly primitive camping experience, focusing on connecting campers with the natural environment rather than providing extensive modern conveniences.

• Primitive Tent Camping: Only primitive tent camping is allowed at designated locations. This means campers should be prepared for a rustic experience.
• Boat-In Access: Many campsites, including Persimmon Mound Camp, are accessible by watercraft along the river, providing a unique and secluded entry.
• Designated Campfire Rings: Campers are encouraged to use designated campfire rings for any fires, promoting safety and environmental responsibility.
• Leave No Trace: A core principle of camping at Persimmon Mound is carrying out all garbage, ensuring the pristine condition of the natural area.
• Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding Trails: The conservation area offers access to over 7 miles of trails, allowing for various forms of exploration to reach campsites or simply enjoy the surroundings.
• No RVs, Campers, or Travel Trailers: It is crucial to note that recreational vehicles, campers, or travel trailers are not permitted on these primitive sites.
• Limited Amenities: Most properties within the district offer no amenities such as rentals, restrooms, potable water, or shelters, requiring campers to be self-sufficient.
• First Come/First Serve & Reservable Sites: Camping sites are available on both a first-come, first-served basis and through reservation at most district properties, so checking availability is recommended.

Persimmon Mound Camp, situated within the River Lakes Conservation Area, offers distinct features and highlights for those seeking an authentic wilderness experience in Florida.

• Immersive Natural Setting: The primary highlight is the opportunity to experience Florida in its natural, wild, and scenic state. The camp is located in an area with extensive wetland communities, open vistas dotted with palms, seasonal wildflowers, and grasslands that change colors with the seasons.
• Primitive Camping Focus: It caters specifically to primitive tent camping, offering a rugged experience for those who enjoy "roughing it" and truly disconnecting. This is a significant differentiator from commercial campgrounds.
• Remote Accessibility: Many campsites are accessible only by hiking, bicycling, boating, or horseback riding, which enhances the sense of adventure and seclusion. The boat-in sites along the river are a particular draw for paddlers.
• Rich Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The area provides important habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations, including several listed species like wood storks, bald eagles, Florida sandhill cranes, and river otters. Eastern meadowlarks are plentiful, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
• Extensive Trail System: With over 7 miles of trails, visitors have ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring. Portions of the trails are unshaded, while others wind through dense shaded hardwood and palm hammocks, offering varied scenic experiences.
• Dark Skies for Stargazing: As a remote location with minimal light pollution, campers have an exceptional opportunity to sit under the stars and experience the night sky, much as early settlers would have.
• Part of a Larger Conservation Effort: Being part of the Upper St. Johns River Basin Project means the area is actively managed for environmental health, including water quality improvement and wetland restoration, ensuring its pristine condition for future generations.
• Proximity to Major Attractions (with primitive caveat): While a primitive site, its general location near Viera West offers relatively accessible day trips to places like the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Kennedy Space Center, balancing wilderness with nearby educational and recreational opportunities.

For specific inquiries regarding Persimmon Mound Camp and other sites within the St. Johns River Water Management District lands, you can typically reach out to the district directly. While a specific phone number for Persimmon Mound Camp is not provided, the general contact for the St. Johns River Water Management District, which manages these lands, is often available.

General contact for St. Johns River Water Management District lands (may cover Persimmon Mound Camp):

Address: 649X+H9, Viera West, FL 32940, USA (This is a geo-code for the general area, not a mailing address for contact).

General District Contact Phone: +1 386-329-4404 (This number is associated with the St. Johns River Water Management District, which manages this and similar properties).

Email: kdavis@sjrwmd.com (This email address is also associated with contacts for the St. Johns River Water Management District).

It is always advisable to check the official website of the St. Johns River Water Management District for the most current information regarding camping policies, reservations (if applicable for specific sites), and any burn bans or alerts before planning your visit to Persimmon Mound Camp.

Persimmon Mound Camp offers a compelling option for Floridians, particularly those in the Viera West and surrounding Central Florida regions, who are keen on experiencing a more authentic and rugged side of their home state. This isn't a campground for those seeking resort-style amenities or easy RV access; rather, it’s tailor-made for locals who appreciate the raw beauty of Florida's natural landscapes and are prepared to "rough it." The emphasis on primitive tent camping, often accessible by boat or through extensive trails, directly appeals to adventurers, kayakers, hikers, and nature photographers looking to escape the more crowded tourist spots.

For Floridians, Persimmon Mound Camp represents an opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the state’s unique wetland ecosystems, observe diverse wildlife including listed species, and enjoy the tranquility of a wild and scenic place. The numerous primitive camping sites along the river and the extensive network of trails provide endless possibilities for exploration right in their backyard. This commitment to preserving and offering access to natural areas, as part of the Upper St. Johns River Basin Project, aligns with a deep appreciation for Florida's ecological heritage. For those locals who cherish quiet evenings under a star-filled sky, the rustle of tree leaves, and the chance to experience Florida as it once was, Persimmon Mound Camp is an unparalleled destination that promises a memorable and genuine outdoor adventure.

Persimmon Mound Camp

649X+H9, Viera West, FL 32940, USA