Camping spots near Key Biscayne require boat access for the most remote experiences. The surrounding Biscayne National Park comprises 95% water and offers unique island camping options only accessible by personal watercraft or tour boats. Coastal camping areas can experience strong winds during winter cold fronts, with gusts occasionally exceeding 20 mph.
What to do
Explore marine ecosystems: Elliott Key in Biscayne National Park offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. "This park is all about the water. Awesome kayaking, snorkling, and scuba diving. The water is beautiful, and the park itself is super relaxing!" says Sam D. about Elliott Key — Biscayne National Park.
Visit the lighthouse: Boca Chita Key features a historic lighthouse with harbor views. "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," notes Jean C. at Boca Chita Key.
Mountain biking: Oleta River State Park provides trail access within an urban setting. "It boasts 15-miles of trails in more than 1,000 acres! You can bike, snorkel, paddle, run, picnic, rent cabins, primitive camp, and even get married. No bugs during the day," explains L O. who visited Oleta River State Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Topeekeegee Yugnee Park maintains excellent bathrooms. "The sites were level concrete pads, bathrooms air conditioned and clean as were the showers. Park is beautiful and they have events happening- we stumbled on a Renaissance Festival," shares Bernadette P. about Topeekeegee Yugnee Park Campground.
Waterfront views: C.B. Smith Park offers sunset views over water. "The sunsets over the water are spectacular. Even though I'm a local, you never get tired of watching them. My site was private and (mostly) clean. Easy pull throughs available if you're not a savvy backer-upper," notes suzanne R. about C.B. Smith Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Many camping areas provide opportunities to observe local species. "We spent an entire night fending them off with a slingshot and they didn't bother us again," recounts Finn H. about feral cats and raccoons at Larry & Penny Thompson Park.
What you should know
Limited access to island camping: Boca Chita Key requires boat transportation. "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," explains Jean C.
Seasonal variations: Summer brings more crowds and heat. "We were expecting a lot more when it came to the snorkeling... the water was semi cloudy and we only saw a couple fish. It wasn't what we expected, but still a fun experience," reports Leah W. about Elliott Key.
Facility limitations: Larry & Penny Thompson Park has different rules for tent and RV campers. "Wish the website was clearer on length of stay - 30 days for RVs and 7 days for tent campers. After 7 days, you have to leave and can't return for 30 days," shares sandra R.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools for kids. "It had tropical flowers and plants and was right across from the pound. My grandson loved looking at and feeding the ducks and turtles. It is across the street from a massive park that is perfect for all family members," mentions Carlton A. about Davie / Fort Lauderdale KOA.
Safety precautions: Secure your food from wildlife. "Beware of the feral cats and raccoons though. We spent an entire night fending them off with a slingshot and they didn't bother us again," warns Finn H. about Larry & Penny Thompson Park.
Water activities: Parks with beach access provide kid-friendly water play. "Clean park friendly staff. Great amenities. There are not many downsides two that I want to discuss. The campground does sit next to a train track i believe its a commuter line so there is an early train 4am which is startling," notes Darren F. about Topeekeegee Yugnee Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites away from high-traffic areas. "The front area is more for weekenders. We stayed in the back behind the lake and it was very quiet/family friendly. The lake/dock area is beautiful, and there's a massive playground across from the campground in the main park," advises Kelsey P. about C.B. Smith Park.
Power options: Check for appropriate hookups. "The campground was very clean with full hookups and sewer directly at our camp site," reports H M. at C.B. Smith Park Campground.
Water quality issues: Be prepared for potential water problems. "Our stay at Encore Miami Campground was unfortunately impacted by a serious and unannounced issue. We were only informed upon arrival that the campground's well water contained fecal matter and was a potential source of E. coli," warns Tom M. about camping sites near Key Biscayne at Encore Miami Everglades.
