Camping in Biscayne: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations & Fees

By David Sanchez · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Biscayne

Biscayne has two official campgrounds, and both are accessible only by boat. There are no roads and no drive-up check-in. The adventure starts at the dock. Reservations are required through recreation.gov, the fee is around $25 per night, and the two islands offer very different experiences.

Campgrounds in the park (2)

• Campground Boca Chita Campground first come, first served · 60 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Elliott Key Campground see NPS · 20 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp Inside Biscayne?

Yes, but the setting is completely different from that of a typical national park. Water covers 95% of the park, including the bay, coral reefs, and mangroves. The campgrounds sit on Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key. You can reach them by private boat or commercial ferry from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point. Camping outside designated sites is strictly prohibited.

Campgrounds in the Park

Elliott Key

Elliott Key is the main campground, with about 40 tent sites beneath tropical hardwood hammocks along the bay. Facilities include restrooms, cold-water showers, and grills. Potable water is available on-site. The dock lets you tie up your boat, and the Atlantic-facing beach opens onto seagrass beds for snorkeling. One thing to know: mosquitoes are fierce in the evening, so effective repellent is essential.

The bottom line. About 40 tent sites · potable water · showers · open year-round, weather permitting

Boca Chita Key

Boca Chita is the park's visual standout, with a historic 1930 lighthouse, a natural cove, and about 30 sites set in tropical vegetation. The atmosphere is more isolated and wild than at Elliott Key. Here's the critical point. There is no potable water on the island. Bring everything you'll need from the mainland, including water and food, without exception.

The bottom line. About 30 tent sites · no potable water · restrooms and grills · open year-round, weather permitting

RV vs. Tent Camping: Which Site Is Right for You?

The answer is straightforward. Biscayne has no RV sites. There are no roads, hookups, or dump stations on the islands. RV travelers sleep outside the park and take a boat to the campgrounds for the day. You'll find RV-friendly campgrounds around Biscayne, especially near Homestead and Florida City.

Camping Nearby: Campgrounds Outside the Park

Homestead and Florida City, 6 to 12 miles from the visitor center, have most of the private camping options near the park. Tents and RVs are welcome, electrical hookups are available, and the location is ideal for combining Biscayne and Everglades National Park in one trip. To compare lodging outside campgrounds, including hotels and motels, see our Where to Stay guide.

Dispersed Camping and Backcountry Camping

The park issues backcountry camping permits for remote sites accessible by sea kayak or shallow-draft boat. This type of trip is for self-sufficient travelers who can navigate without fixed landmarks and independently manage water, food, and weather safety. Request permits directly from the park before you leave. For kayak routes and access conditions for these remote sites, see hiking and boating in Biscayne.

How and When to Reserve a Campsite in Biscayne

Reservations are available on recreation.gov up to six months in advance. Weekends from November through April, the dry season with ideal conditions, fill quickly, so open the reservation window on the first day available. Summer dates are often available later, but humid heat and afternoon thunderstorms can make the crossing more difficult. For help choosing your dates and traveling outside hurricane season, June through November, see when to visit Biscayne.

Fees: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost in Biscayne?

The fee is about $25 per site per night at Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key. If you don't have your own boat, add the commercial ferry, which departs from Convoy Point, to your budget. Check the operator's current rates before booking. Park entrance fees are separate from camping fees. For information on entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Park Fees & Passes page.

Safety and Good Practices

American crocodiles. Biscayne is home to a population of protected American crocodiles, which are found in the park's waters and along its shores. Keep at least 50 feet away, avoid swimming in areas with dense vegetation, and never feed wildlife. For more information about species found in the park, see our guide to Biscayne wildlife.

Food storage. Raccoons are resourceful and most active at night. Store all food and scented items, including toothpaste, sunscreen, and soap, in a closed, rigid container. No exceptions, even for packaging that looks "sturdy."

Weather and thunderstorms. In summer, thunderstorms regularly develop between 2 and 5 p.m. On exposed islands and while boating, lightning poses a real risk. Stay at the dock if the sky starts to darken quickly. Always check the marine forecast before crossing the bay.

Sun and mosquitoes. The subtropical climate is intense year-round. SPF 50+, a wide-brimmed hat, and DEET repellent of at least 30% are essential in winter and summer alike.

Which Campground Should You Choose?

Choose Elliott Key if you're traveling with family or want basic comforts such as potable water and showers, along with direct access to snorkeling. Choose Boca Chita Key if you're self-sufficient with water and supplies and like the idea of a historic lighthouse surrounded by tropical vegetation. In either case, the ferry is essential if you don't have your own boat, so reserve it at the same time as your site. Our complete Biscayne guide has everything you need to plan the rest of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions