Established Camping
Boca Chita Key — Biscayne National Park
About
National Park Service
Biscayne National Park
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
Picnic Tables and grills are available at the designated campsites Flushable toilets are available at Boca Chita Key. There is no drinking water or electricity, sales facilities, sinks or showers. Camping and marina use fees are due daily upon arrival or no later than official sunset. 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, 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 except at the group campsite on Elliott Key. 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. Swimming ___ Swimming is not permitted in boat harbors.
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.
Fee Info
Access
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
Clean and scenic
This campground has grills and is waterside (accessible by boat). It has a beautiful waterfront view and plenty of picnic tables. Toilets are available but no showers, sinks or drinking water. We enjoyed our stay there but remember to bring bug spray! It is home to many animals and plants with over 500 species of fish. Beautiful coral reefs.
You'll need a boat, but it's gorgeous
This small island in Biscayne National Park offers a distant view of the Miami skyline, gorgeous aqua water for swimming, snorkeling, boating and fishing. A small lighthouse stands above the protected harbor. There's a small trail around the wooded end of the island.
You can stay on your boat or pitch a tent on the island. There are spots along the shore and if it's full, you can pitch a tent on the grassy field. The back of the island has a small beach for swimming. It's $25/night to camp for up to 6 people with an additional charge if you have more in your group. Pay the iron ranger.
Between generators and music, it's not a quiet island. Tour boats from the park bring crowds a couple of times a time.
There are flush toilets and the odor is so strong you won't linger! Bring potable water.
There are picnic tables and grills available.
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Location
Boca Chita Key — Biscayne National Park is located in Florida
Directions
Boca Chita Key is only accessible by boat.__Use of a nautical chart and/or GPS is recommended for safe navigation.
Coordinates
25.5231 N
80.1746 W