Camping in Biscayne National Park

Camping in Biscayne National Park is a true island experience: there are just two campgrounds, and both sit offshore on Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key. That means every overnight stay begins with a boat ride, and it also means this is not an RV park or a drive-up campground. Boca Chita Key is the classic Biscayne camp: open, grassy, and right on the water, with postcard views, picnic tables, grills, and a simple, exposed feel that makes sunsets and sea breezes part of the nightly routine. Elliott Key offers a slightly broader range of settings, with both waterside and more shaded areas near the hammock, giving campers a bit more room to choose the atmosphere they want. The experience here is equal parts tropical and self-reliant. You’re camping in a marine park defined by turquoise water, island harbors, and the feeling of being far from the mainland, even though Miami is not far away. Facilities are limited, especially on Boca Chita, where toilets are available but showers, sinks, and drinking water are not. Elliott Key is the more serviceable option, with restrooms, sinks, cold-water showers, and usually drinking water, though prudent campers should still arrive prepared to be fully self-sufficient. Expect first-come, first-served camping for individual sites, a laid-back boat-camping culture, and nights shaped by wind, weather, and the sounds of the bay. Practical planning matters more here than in most national park campgrounds. Bring all the water, food, and basic supplies you’ll need, along with cash for camping fees, and don’t count on last-minute conveniences once you’re on the island. Boaters should pay close attention to tides and harbor depths, especially at low tide, and anyone camping during the cooler November-to-April season should expect the highest demand. In Biscayne, the reward for that extra preparation is exceptional: a campsite surrounded by open water, starry skies, and one of the most distinct coastal camping experiences in the national park system.