Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination
of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs.
Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here too; from prehistoric tribes
to shipwrecks, and pineapple farmers to presidents. For many, the park is a
boating, fishing, and diving destination, while others enjoy a warm breeze and
peaceful scenery.

Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here too; from prehistoric tribes to shipwrecks, and pineapple farmers to presidents. For many, the park is a boating, fishing, and diving destination, while others enjoy a warm breeze and peaceful scenery.

## Overview

Boca Chita Key is only accessible by boat. No services are available on the
island.

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.

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors
are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a
site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code
using the Recreation.gov mobile app.

**There is limited cellular connectivity at this location. Please download the
free Recreation.gov mobile app and create an account prior to arrival.**

## Recreation

Boca Chita Key features daytime use and overnight camping. Grills and picnic
tables are in designated camping areas.  
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.

## Facilities

Boca Chita Key features daytime use and overnight camping. Grills and picnic
tables are in designated camping areas.  
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.

## Natural Features

The iconic and historic lighthouse, built by Mark Honeywell in the 1930s,
guides boats to the beauty and wonders of the park. Boca Chita is the most
visited island in the park.

The observation deck of the 65 foot tall lighthouse provides a fantastic view
of islands, bay, ocean and Miami skyline. If park employees are around they
may be able to open the observation deck for viewing.

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.

## Nearby Attractions

Boca Chita Key is located just north of Elliott Key.

## Charges & Cancellations

Ensure one of the designated 21 campsites is available prior to paying. Once
payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Boca Chita Key is only accessible by boat. No services are available on the island.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. </p>

<p><strong>There is limited cellular connectivity at this location. Please download the free Recreation.gov mobile app and create an account prior to arrival.</strong></p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Boca Chita Key features daytime use and overnight camping. Grills and picnic tables are in designated camping areas. <br>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.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Boca Chita Key features daytime use and overnight camping. Grills and picnic tables are in designated camping areas. <br>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.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The iconic and historic lighthouse, built by Mark Honeywell in the 1930s, guides boats to the beauty and wonders of the park. Boca Chita is the most visited island in the park.</p>
<p>The observation deck of the 65 foot tall lighthouse provides a fantastic view of islands, bay, ocean and Miami skyline. If park employees are around they may be able to open the observation deck for viewing.</p>
<p>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.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Boca Chita Key is located just north of Elliott Key.</p>
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>Ensure one of the designated 21 campsites is available prior to paying. Once payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications.</p>

Fees are required for overnight camping and docking and must be paid upon
arrival or by sunset if camping.

As of January 1, 2024 there is a $25 docking fee Friday - Monday and Federal
Holidays and must be paid upon arrival. Campers that dock a boat Friday-Monday
are required to pay both the camping and docking fee.

The campground overnight camping fee is $35 and must be paid by sunset if
camping.

The iconic lighthouse stands watch at the mouth of the Boca Chita harbor

Boca Chita Lighthouse

Camping with a view of the Atlantic Ocean on Boca Chita Key

Boca Chita Key campground

Features waterside and partially forested camping area, picnic tables and grills.

Elliott Key Campground

Boca Chita Campground

## Overview

Eliott Key is only accessible by boat. No services are available on the
island.

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. There are 33 boat
slips in the marina.

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors
are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a
site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code
using the Recreation.gov mobile app.

**There is limited cellular connectivity at this location. Please download the
free Recreation.gov mobile app and create an account prior to arrival.**

## Recreation

Daytime use and overnight camping - the campground is located on the Biscayne
Bay side. Overnight camping and docking fees are required.

Picknicking - tables and barbecue grills are available in the campground and
marina.

Hiking - a mile-long loop trail starts near the campground. Also, "Spite
Highway" runs approximately six miles down the center of the island. It
affords a good opportunity to see a variety of habitats in the martime forest.

Fishing - permitted from the maintenance dock (south of the harbor) or from
the shoreline outside of the no-wake zone. Fishing regulations apply.

## Facilities

Daytime use and overnight camping - the campground is located on the Biscayne
Bay side. Overnight camping and docking fees are required.

Picknicking - tables and barbecue grills are available in the campground and
marina.

Hiking - a mile-long loop trail starts near the campground. Also, "Spite
Highway" runs approximately six miles down the center of the island. It
affords a good opportunity to see a variety of habitats in the martime forest.

Fishing - permitted from the maintenance dock (south of the harbor) or from
the shoreline outside of the no-wake zone. Fishing regulations apply.

## Natural Features

The largest island in the park was once a thriving community of pioneers
engaged in pineapple farming, sponging, wrecking, and other pursuits. Today
the island offers camping, picnicking, wildlife watching and a hiking trail.

A mile-long loop trail starts near the campground. Also, "Spite Highway" runs
approximately six miles down the center of the island. It affords a good
opportunity to see a variety of habitats in the martime forest.

## Nearby Attractions

Elliott Key is located just south of Boca Chita Key.

## Charges & Cancellations

Ensure one of the designated campsites is available prior to paying. Once
payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Eliott Key is only accessible by boat. No services are available on the island.</p>
<p>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. There are 33 boat slips in the marina.</p>
<p>This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. </p>
<p><strong>There is limited cellular connectivity at this location. Please download the free Recreation.gov mobile app and create an account prior to arrival.</strong></p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Daytime use and overnight camping - the campground is located on the Biscayne Bay side. Overnight camping and docking fees are required. </p>
<p>Picknicking - tables and barbecue grills are available in the campground and marina. </p>
<p>Hiking - a mile-long loop trail starts near the campground. Also, "Spite Highway" runs approximately six miles down the center of the island. It affords a good opportunity to see a variety of habitats in the martime forest. </p>
<p>Fishing - permitted from the maintenance dock (south of the harbor) or from the shoreline outside of the no-wake zone. Fishing regulations apply.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Daytime use and overnight camping - the campground is located on the Biscayne Bay side. Overnight camping and docking fees are required. </p>
<p>Picknicking - tables and barbecue grills are available in the campground and marina. </p>
<p>Hiking - a mile-long loop trail starts near the campground. Also, "Spite Highway" runs approximately six miles down the center of the island. It affords a good opportunity to see a variety of habitats in the martime forest. </p>
<p>Fishing - permitted from the maintenance dock (south of the harbor) or from the shoreline outside of the no-wake zone. Fishing regulations apply.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The largest island in the park was once a thriving community of pioneers engaged in pineapple farming, sponging, wrecking, and other pursuits. Today the island offers camping, picnicking, wildlife watching and a hiking trail.</p>
<p>A mile-long loop trail starts near the campground. Also, "Spite Highway" runs approximately six miles down the center of the island. It affords a good opportunity to see a variety of habitats in the martime forest.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Elliott Key is located just south of Boca Chita Key. </p>
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>Ensure one of the designated campsites is available prior to paying. Once payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications.</p>

Biscayne National Park

Directions

Reviews

Campgrounds

Boca Chita Campground

Elliot Key Campground

Nearby Parks

The Barnacle Historic State Park