East Cape Campsite

A bird's eye view of Cape Sable

NPS Photos/ D. Diaz

Quick Facts

Amenities

2 listed

Beach/Water Access, Scenic View/Photo Spot

This campsite is an open shelly sand beach stretching for several miles along the Gulf of Mexico. Expect expansive sea views as well as magnificent sunsets and sunrises. Ruins of a dock used by an old concession tour may be found here. In the 1830s, Fort Poinsett was located here. Its mission was to thwart suspected arms trading between Indians and Spanish fisherman. Mosquitoes and sandflies may be a problem year round. Raccoons are in the area; store food and water appropriately.

Access - Accessible by powerboat, canoe or kayak via Florida Bay. The Bear Lake Canal is overgrown and impassible and should not be attempted as an alternate route between the Cape beaches and Flamingo. Hazardous conditions exist at this cape for paddlers when wind and tides are opposed. Powerboats should anchor from the bow in unfavorable weather to avoid swamping.