Camping Near Biscayne National Park
Florida | Established 1980
About Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park protects 172,971 acres of Biscayne Bay and the northernmost Florida Reef Tract south of Miami. The park is 95% water, making it unlike any other national park in the system. Two island campgrounds are accessible exclusively by boat: Elliott Key (a developed harbor with 42 slips, restrooms, showers, and drinking water) and Boca Chita Key (the park's most popular island with picnic areas, a historic lighthouse, and basic toilets but no water or showers).
Both campgrounds operate first-come, first-served with no advance reservations at $35 per night. Campers must bring their own boat or arrange charter transportation from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point. December through April offers the best camping weather with mild temperatures, calm seas, and reduced mosquito activity. Summer brings extreme heat, humidity, and heavy mosquito populations that make island camping challenging without extensive insect protection and preparation.
Camping Tips for Biscayne
- Visit December through April only for comfortable camping. Summer mosquitoes on the islands are severe enough to make camping unbearable without full insect protection. Hurricane season runs June through November with serious storm risks.
- Bring all drinking water from the mainland. Elliott Key has potable water but Boca Chita Key has none. Pack at least one gallon per person per day plus reserves since no resupply is possible on the islands.
- Arrive early on winter weekends to secure a site since both islands are first-come, first-served with no reservations. Pay the $35 nightly fee using the recreation.gov app by scanning QR codes at island kiosks.
- Check tide depths before departure. Elliott Key harbor runs 2.5 feet at low tide and Boca Chita about four feet. Ground your arrival and departure around tidal schedules to avoid running aground.
- No ground fires are allowed on either island. Bring a camp stove for cooking. Charcoal grills must be elevated off the ground. Pack out all trash since no garbage collection exists on the islands.
RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Biscayne National Park
21.Palm Haven & East Pine Ridge
Palm Haven & East Pine Ridge is a manufactured home community located in Davie, Florida. It offers an ideal location, complete with affordable and desirable mature manufactured...
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22.Encore Miami Everglades
Welcome to Miami Everglades Resort, a tropical camping paradise located in the Florida Everglades, conveniently near Miami, Florida. The resort spans thirty-four acres of lush...
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23.Camp Freedom
Escape to the natural beauty of Redland, Florida, at Camp Freedom, a highly-rated campground with a 4.8/5 Google rating based on 28 reviews. This scenic retreat offers a peaceful...
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24.Boca Chita Key Campground
Boca Chita Key Campground is located within Biscayne National Park, offering a unique camping experience amidst the natural beauty of the park. The campground is situated on a...
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25.Sun Outdoors Islamorada
Sun Outdoors Islamorada is located in Islamorada, FL. The resort offers a variety of ways to stay, including RV sites, lodging, and tent camping. Guests can also explore the...
Show more26.Camp Everglades (BSA)
Located in Homestead, Florida, Camp Everglades (BSA) is a highly-rated campground offering a unique outdoor experience. With a Google rating of 4.8/5 based on 29 reviews, this...
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27.Hollywood KOA
Who knew a tropical getaway could be so easy to reach? Florida's famed beaches, sultry breezes and idyllic blue skies are all within your reach at this KOA, ideally situated along...
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28.Markham Park Campground
Markham Park has full RV hookups, picnic tables, charcoal grills, a restroom complex with hot showers, and sanitary dump stations. Tent camping is also allowed at designated...
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29.Davie / Ft. Lauderdale KOA Holiday
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to...
Show more30.Sunshine Holiday MHCC RV and Camping Resort
Sunshine Holiday Ft. Lauderdale RV Resort is a fun, friendly and active resort that is close to the beautiful beaches, fishing and attractions of the Fort Lauderdale area. Located...
Show moreShowing 21–30 of 64 campgrounds within 50 miles
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to camp at Biscayne?
Yes. Both Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key are accessible only by private boat, charter service, or park concessionaire. No roads, bridges, or ferries connect the islands to the mainland. You must own, rent, or charter a boat to reach either campground.
Private boats can moor at buoys or use the 42 boat slips at Elliott Key harbor. Charter services operate from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point near Homestead. Kayaking to the islands is possible but requires significant open-water paddling experience. Elliott Key is about seven miles from the visitor center. Check weather and sea conditions before departing since afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly in summer.
What is the difference between Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key?
Elliott Key is the larger island with more amenities: 42 boat slips, restrooms with sinks, cold water showers, drinking water, and a nature trail. Boca Chita Key offers a waterfront campground with a historic lighthouse, picnic tables, grills, and basic toilets but no showers or potable water.
Elliott Key suits campers seeking more comfort and longer stays with its developed facilities. Boca Chita is the more popular day trip and short camping destination with dramatic bay views and the 65-foot ornamental lighthouse. Both charge $35 per night with no reservations. Harbor depths differ: Elliott Key runs about 2.5 feet at low tide while Boca Chita reaches four feet. Choose based on your boat draft, comfort needs, and water carrying capacity.
How bad are the mosquitoes at Biscayne?
Mosquitoes are a serious concern from May through November, with summer populations on the islands severe enough to make camping deeply unpleasant without full insect protection. Winter months (December through April) offer dramatically lower mosquito activity, though bugs are present year-round to some degree.
Bring high-DEET repellent, long lightweight clothing, and a mosquito net for sleeping. Set up camp away from standing water and dense vegetation when possible. Avoid dawn and dusk activities when mosquitoes are most aggressive. Elliott Key's harbor area has slightly better wind circulation than Boca Chita, which helps reduce biting. The most comfortable camping window is January through March when temperatures are mild and insect activity is at its annual low.
Can I snorkel or dive from the island campgrounds?
Snorkeling is excellent near both islands, with shallow coral formations and seagrass beds hosting tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasional manatees. The main reef tract lies about 10 miles offshore and requires a boat trip from your campsite. Guided snorkel tours depart from the visitor center and are recommended for first-time visitors.
Water visibility typically ranges from 15 to 40 feet depending on tides and weather. The best snorkeling months are March through May when water clarity peaks. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins since no rental equipment exists on the islands. Shore snorkeling at Elliott Key is accessible from the harbor area. Deeper reef snorkeling and diving require a boat and should account for current conditions. Water temperatures range from 70°F in winter to 85°F in summer.
What wildlife will I see while camping?
Manatees frequent Biscayne Bay year-round, with higher concentrations in winter when they seek warmer waters. Sea turtles, dolphins, tropical fish, and dozens of seabird species are common around both islands. The coral reef ecosystem supports over 500 species of fish and numerous invertebrates including lobster and sea stars.
Observe manatees from a safe distance and never touch or chase them. Sea turtle nesting occurs on island beaches from May through October. Brown pelicans, frigatebirds, and white ibis are commonly spotted near campgrounds. Night snorkeling reveals different marine life including octopus and nocturnal reef fish. Binoculars improve birdwatching from the islands. The park protects critical nursery habitat for commercially important fish species along the Florida Reef Tract.
How do I pay for camping with no advance reservations?
Both islands operate first-come, first-served at $35 per night. Pay using the recreation.gov mobile app by scanning QR codes at island kiosks when you arrive. Senior and Access pass holders receive 50% discounts. Download the app and create an account before leaving the mainland since cell service is limited on the islands.
There is no cash payment option at the islands. Arrive with the recreation.gov app pre-loaded and tested. Cell service reaches some areas of both islands but is unreliable, so complete payment as soon as you dock. Peak winter weekends (January through March) can fill both islands by midday. If one island is full, check the other before heading back to the mainland. Call the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at 786-335-3620 for current conditions before departure.
Is camping safe during hurricane season?
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and camping during this period carries real storm risk. The park issues closures and evacuations when tropical weather threatens. The islands offer no storm shelter or high ground. Avoid island camping entirely when tropical systems are in the forecast.
Even tropical storms that do not reach hurricane strength can create dangerous seas and strand campers on the islands. Monitor NOAA weather forecasts throughout your stay. The park may close islands with as little as 24 hours notice when conditions deteriorate. Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common and can produce dangerous lightning with no shelter available. Winter camping (December through April) avoids hurricane risk entirely and provides the most pleasant weather conditions.
Can I bring my pet to Biscayne's island campgrounds?
Pets are allowed on Elliott Key only, where they must remain leashed in developed areas at all times. Pets are prohibited on Boca Chita Key and all other islands within the park. No pet waste stations exist on the islands, so pack out all waste from your visit.
Elliott Key's harbor area and campground trail accommodate leashed dogs. Pets cannot access beaches, mangrove areas, or backcountry trails. The boat ride to the island can be stressful for some animals, especially in rough seas. Bring ample fresh water for your pet since island water is limited. Summer heat and mosquitoes are harder on pets than humans, making winter visits strongly preferred for pet-friendly camping trips.
Quick Facts
- Entrance Fee
- Free (camping $35/night)
- Best Time to Visit
- December – April
- Nearest Town
- Homestead, FL, Miami, FL, Key Largo, FL
- Elevation
- 0 – 5 ft
- Park Size
- 172,971 acres
- Annual Visitors
- ~0.7 million