Camping in Biscayne National Park

Campgounds at Boca Chita

NPS photo

There are two campgrounds in the park. Both are located on islands, Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key. The only access to these islands is by boat. No services are available on the islands.

Boca Chita Key is the park's most popular island. It features beautiful waterfront views, a grassy camping area, picnic tables and grills. Toilets are available, but there are no showers, sinks or drinking water. The harbor entrance at low tide is approximately four feet.

Elliott Key is the park's largest island. Restrooms with sinks and cold water showers, picnic tables and grills are available. Drinking water is available, but bring water as a precaution if the system goes down. Elliott Key harbor is approximately 2 ½ feet at low tide. There are 33 boat slips in the marina.

Fees

	Boca Chita Docking	Boca Chita Camping Only	Elliott Key Docking	Elliott Key Camping
Rates as of Jan.1, 2024	$25/day Friday-Monday and Federal Holidays	$35/night	$25/day Friday-Monday and Federal Holidays	$35/night

Before you visit the islands, download the free Mobile App - Recreation.gov and create a login. Now you're ready to pay for your site with these easy steps:

1. Open the Recreation.gov app and click the "scan" icon on the bottom menu options. If prompted, allow camera access.
2. Scan the QR code located at the kiosk on the island and follow the on-screen instructions to pay for your site.
3. Got cell connectivity? You're all set! No cell connectivity? No problem! Your payment will be marked as "pending" until you reach cell connectivity later.
4. Be sure to follow any additonal instructions at the kiosk to indicate your campsite is paid for.
5. If asked for proof of payment, show the confirmation number or QR code on your phone.

• Fees are for a maximum of six people and two tents.
• Camping and marina use fees are due daily upon arrival or no later than official sunset.
• Seniors with a valid America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass receive a 50% discount on fees.
• Fees are required year round.

No reservations may be made in advance for these campgrounds; they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tents – Permitted in designated areas only. There is no backcountry camping in the park. Camping is limited to fourteen consecutive days or no more than thirty days within a calendar year.

Trash – There is no trash collection. Pack out all trash.

Quiet Hours - 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. During quiet hours all noise must be kept to a minimum.

Insects – May be prevalent year round. Expect heavy populations of insects during the warmer months.

Pets – On Elliott Key pets on a leash are permitted within developed areas only. Pets may not be left unattended. Pets are not allowed in buildings. Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed on Boca Chita Key including vessels docked at Boca Chita Key.

Fires - Ground fires are not permitted. Dead and downed wood may be collected only within the vicinity of the campgrounds.

Wildlife – Do not feed wildlife. Food and garbage should be stored in a boat or animal-proof cooler.

Trails - Two trails tunnel through the tropical hardwood hammock of Elliott Key. One runs across the entire seven miles of Elliott Key (fourteen miles round trip). There is a one mile long loop trail between the bay and ocean sides of Elliott Key beginning at the marina. Trails may be overgrown in places, as foliage grows year round and quickly in the warm and humid climate.

Swimming – Swimming is not permitted in boat harbors.

Fishing – A Florida salt water fishing license is required. Fishing is allowed from the Elliott Key maintenance dock but not in the harbor. On Boca Chita Key fishing is allowed but not in the harbor, creek or the western bulkhead area. The taking of lobster is not permitted in Biscayne Bay.