Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR
Titusville, FL
A one-way, 7-mile unpaved dike road through marsh and impoundments where spoonbills, herons, alligators and winter ducks feed close to the road. A refuge pass is required; early mornings from November to March are best.
Black Point Wildlife Drive is a one-way nature road in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge near Titusville, Florida. The gravel road, about 7 miles (11 km) long, follows a dike around shallow marsh impoundments and passes through pine woodland; it takes about 40 minutes. You can see waterfowl (seasonally), wading birds, sandpipers and birds of prey, and with a little luck alligators, otters and bobcats.
According to Lonely Planet, the refuge is one of the best places for birdwatching in the United States, and October to May is the recommended period. It is best to drive one to two hours after sunrise or one to two hours before sunset. Use your car as a blind, drive slowly and only get out behind vegetation. Please check access rules and fees with the refuge in advance.
- Nearest town
- Titusville, FL
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 28.6575, -80.7545
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
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Nearby
© Charles & Maggie Boyer · CC BY 2.0Playalinda Beach, Canaveral National Seashore
© Håkan Dahlström from Malmö, Sweden · CC BY 2.0Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
© Thomas Kirchel · CC BY-SA 4.0Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
© KimonBerlin · CC BY-SA 2.0Blue Spring State Park
Campsites nearby
- Indian River RV ParkMotorhome stopover4 mi from Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR · 32 pitchesMotorhomesWi-Fi
- KOA KampgroundMotorhome stopover7 mi from Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWRMotorhomes
- Seasons in the SunMotorhome stopover7 mi from Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWRMotorhomes
- Manatee Hammock CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWRTentsCaravans
- Crystal Lake RV ParkMotorhome stopover12 mi from Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWRMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Lopez RV ParkMotorhome stopover16 mi from Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWRMotorhomes
All campsites in Florida · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR?
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR is in Titusville, FL, at GPS 28.6575, -80.7545. It is about 10 mi from Kennedy Space Center.
Can you camp near Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Indian River RV Park, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR?
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Florida’s Space Coast: Kennedy Space Center to Daytona.
What is there to see near Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR?
Places worth a stop nearby: Playalinda Beach, Canaveral National Seashore (7 mi), Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (10 mi), Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse (31 mi) and Blue Spring State Park (41 mi).
When is the best time to visit Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island NWR?
The most pleasant months are usually November–April. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)