Camping

Biscayne National Park offers a wonderful respite from the rapid pace of urban life. One of the best ways to enjoy the parks beauty is to spend a few days camping on Elliott Key or Boca Chita Key, both accessible by boat only. Biscayne National Underwater Park, Inc. offers roundtrip service to these campgrounds November through May with advance reservations. Call (305) 230-1100 or visit DiveBiscayne@bellsouth.net.

Before you go, remember that fuel and supplies are not available on the islands. Bring whatever you will need with you, including repellent—mosquitoes are present throughout the year. Always keep food, supplies and trash in rigid, animal-proof containers. Never keep food in your tent and pack out all trash for disposal. Call (305) 230-7275 for more information.

Elliott Key

Camping on Elliott Key is allowed year round in the designated campsites. All campsites have a picnic table and a grill. There is a group campsite located in the breezeway between the harbor and the ocean side of the island. Elliott Key has freshwater, cold water showers and restrooms. There are trails and a buoyed swim area. Fishing is permitted from the maintenance dock and from the shoreline outside of the harbor, no wake zone and swimming area.

Ground fires are permitted only in the fire ring located a quarter-mile east of the harbor on the ocean side of the island.

Pets are allowed only in the developed areas of Elliott Key and must be kept on an attended leash no longer than six feet in length.

Boca Chita Key

Camping on Boca Chita Key is allowed year round, but only in designated campsites east of the "Chapel." All campsites have a picnic table and a grill. The group campsite is designated by a "G" painted on its grill post. There is a saltwater restroom, but no sinks or showers. Fishing is permitted, but not in the harbor, no wake zone, western bulkhead or in the creek going into the wetlands. There is no potable water on the island; bring your own to use for drinking and cooking.

Pets are not allowed on Boca Chita Key, on vessels in the harbor or tied up to the island.

No ground fires are allowed.

Fees

Individual campsites (max. two tents/six people) are $10.00 per night. Group campsites (max. six tents/25 people) are $25.00 per night. Overnight docking fees ($15.00 per night) include the use of one individual campsite (if available). Golden Age Passport or Golden Access Passport holders receive a 50% discount on camping and docking fees. Reservations are not accepted. All camping is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register on the islands at the kiosk located next to the harbor. The automated registration machine accepts U.S. currency.