Boca Chita Campground
25.5231, -80.1746 · Park boundary: National Park Service
Boca Chita campground is located on an island. The only access is by boat. No services are available. Boca Chita Key features an iconic lighthouse and an open, waterside, grassy camping area with picnic tables and grills. Toilets are available, but there are no sinks, showers or drinking water. The harbor entrance at low tide is approximately four feet deep. Pets, with the exception of service animals as defined by the ADA, are not permitted on the island or boats in the harbor.
- Every day
- All Day
There are two campgrounds in Biscayne National 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. All camping and docking fees are waived from May 1 to September 30 every year. Expect heavy populations of insects during the warmer months.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
$35 per night including boat docking, $25 per night for tenting only. Download the free Recreation.gov app to pay your fees upon arrival using your mobile phone and Scan & Pay. Any vessel in the harbor after 5 pm is considered an overnight stay. Tenting fees are for a maximum of six people and two tents. Seniors with a valid America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass receive a 50% discount on fees.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
No reservations may be made in advance for the main campgrounds. The campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Drinking water
- Water · but not potable
- Showers
- Cold- Seasonal · Free - Seasonal
- Toilets
- Flush Toilets - year round
- Amphitheater
- No
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Dump station
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Food storage lockers
- No
- Host on site
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Trash & recycling
- No
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Not allowed
- Trailers
- Not allowed
- Access roads
- No Roads
- Classification
- Limited Development Campground
- Cell service
- Limited cell coverage may be available depending on your carrier.
Most of the island is uneven, unpaved surfaces not suitable for most mobility devices. Restrooms are wheelchair accessible
The only access to these islands is by boat. There are no ADA campsites.
Ground fires are not permitted except at the group campsite on Elliott Key. Dead and downed wood may be collected only within the vicinity of the campgrounds.
Boca Chita Key Campground – Features open, waterside, grassy camping area with picnic tables and grills. Toilets are available, but there are no sinks, showers or drinking water. The harbor entrance at low tide is approximately four feet. Elliott Key Campground - Features waterside and partially forested camping area, picnic tables and grills. Restrooms with sinks and cold water showers are available. Drinking water may be available (bring your own drinking 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. 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.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
There are two campgrounds in Biscayne National 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.
Insects are prevalent year round. Expect heavy populations of insects during the warmer months.
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. 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 or the swim area. Pets are not allowed on Boca Chita Key. Quiet Hours - 10 pm to 6 am. 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. Wildlife – Do not feed wildlife. Food and garbage should be stored in a boat or animal-proof cooler.
Boca Chita features an iconic 65 foot tall lighthouse built of limestone standing watch at the harbor entrance. Campsites are located in an open, grassy area on the northern end of the island with picnic tables and grills available throughout the area. A half mile hiking trail starts just east of the restrooms. The trail continues to the south end of the island and emerges near the pavilion.
Drive to Boca Chita Campground
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