SPOIL YOURSELF
Adventures of camping on the Indian River Lagoon’s Spoil Islands
by Ryan Wood, RWood Outdoors
Opportunity for Adventure
Whether you are a resident of Brevard County or a visitor to our area, opportunity for adventure is well within reach. Numerous man-made islands, known as “spoil islands,” dot the Indian River Lagoon. These islands can provide exceptional fishing spots, picnic areas, and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon relaxing on the sandbar. But to fully experience what these islands have to offer, overnight camping is the way to go.
The author finds plenty of adventure battling bullsharks and other big game species on the islands.
Accessing the Spoil Islands
The islands can be easily accessed by boat or paddle craft, and many are not far from popular boat ramps. When traveling by boat, use caution when approaching as shallow water and sandbars can be present (not to mention speeds are often restricted in manatee zones outside the marked channels). However, many of the islands have at least some portions of the shoreline with a considerable drop-off, which will accommodate even larger vessels. Inshore tides in our area are fairly mild, but are more pronounced as you get closer to Sebastian Inlet. Camping on the spoil islands is primitive, and arriving by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard is a great way to enhance your adventure.
Preparation for Island Camping
Planning and preparation is important. Overnight camping is permitted year-round, but less pleasant during the summer due to the warmer temperatures, regular thunderstorms, and prevalent bugs. There is no cost, reservations, or permits required for camping and campsites are claimed on a first come first served basis. Amenities are limited, with no bathrooms, running water, or electricity. Some islands will feature fire rings or perhaps a picnic table and grill. Make a list of the gear, food, and water you want to bring with you. Check it before you leave the house, and again before you get on the water.
Author Ryan Woods is catching right at camp!
Pitching a tent along the shoreline is most common, but there are also plenty of trees for those interested in stringing up a hammock. Nights on the island are peaceful as you fall asleep to the sounds of a light breeze, a passing dolphin or manatee, and water lapping against the sandy shore. Unless burn restrictions are in place, small campfires are allowed within the fire rings or areas absent from vegetation.
The Spoils of Island Fishing
Fishing can be very productive on and around the Islands.
Fishing from and around the islands is excellent. The shallow water sandbars attract baitfish, and predator fish are rarely far behind. Catches of trout, redfish, snook, jacks, ladyfish, black drum, and sheepshead are common among a smattering of other species. Live bait, shrimp, and artificial lures such as jigs and topwater plugs are a good choice. If you are interested in something that pulls a little harder, bull sharks often cruise nearby.
Sharks don’t sleep, and neither does the opportunity to catch an adventure!
Keeping the Islands “Unspoiled”
Whether you are spending an afternoon, one night, or a week, visitors to the islands are asked to take good care of this unique resource. “Leave no trace” principles are the best way to ensure the island’s next guests have a positive experience. All trash (including human waste), must be packed out. Simple respect for the environment and other campers goes a long way and will guarantee we are “spoiled” with beautiful islands for years to come. Check out spoilislandproject.org for more information.
See the Excitement for Yourself!
Author Ryan Wood is an avid outdoorsman that films many of his fishing adventures. Check out his videos where he battles the elements — and the fish — that occupy the lagoon waters surrounding the Spoil Islands.
For more killer videos from Ryan Wood, check out the RWood Outdoors Youtube Channel and be sure to subscribe!
Have Questions About Camping the IRL’s Spoil Islands?
If you want to know more about camping on the Spoil Islands in the Indian River Lagoon, just ask by leaving a comment below!
Great story! I have a question. 5 or 6 years ago, a group of us camped on one of the islands just outside the entrance of Sebastian Inlet and we were straight up tortured by no-see’ems all night. We had bug spray but it was just the garden variety backyard type, not the deep woods stuff. We couldn’t even get shelter from them in our tents, they penetrated everything.
Are bugs typically an issue out there, is it a seasonal thing, or maybe we just needed stronger repellant? We’ve also camped out at Long Point a number of times without bugs being any more of a issue than one would expect to encounter while camping in Florida. I want to give the islands another shot, but the last experience has me a little trigger shy.
I can definitely relate to camping in the bugs. It’s no fun! Bugs are definitely a seasonal thing. They are worst in the warmer months of the summer. Cooler months from October through April are best. Night temperatures in the low 60s or upper 50s are ideal. If you pick nights with a little breeze, that helps too. I always have some high-test bug spray on me just in case, but if you time your trip right, bug-free nights are very enjoyable.
Awesome write up, Ryan. Thanks for putting this together!
Great write up, thanks for the info. I have a question regarding etiquette. Do you find this island camping to usually be on a first come first served basis or do numerous parties camp on the same island?
Hey Elapid, it depends on the particular island. Some are large enough to accommodate multiple campgrounds with plenty of space for each party, but others are much smaller. There’s not typically boat loads of people out there camping on a given night, so I’d personally be ticked if somebody set up right on top of me. I imagine most people would exercise common courtesy in this regard, but it is pretty much jungle law out there and you just never know the types of individuals you might encounter.
I was thinking ongoing out to the islands between titusville bridge and Haulover canal do you know if they allow camping on them ?
I’m not exactly an authority on the subject, but I think all of the islands in the IRL are fair game for camping unless posted otherwise.
Okay thanks ill be going out in the nxt week or so will post .