Tent camping near Key Biscayne, Florida requires access to water transportation, as most campgrounds are situated on islands or coastal areas throughout Biscayne National Park and surrounding regions. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through October. During winter months, temperatures moderate to 65-75°F with significantly less rainfall, making November through April the optimal camping season for most visitors.
What to do
Kayaking and boat tours: Elliott Key offers extensive water activities where campers can explore the surrounding marine environment. "We did a lot of kayaking. We saw a ton of wildlife, beautiful waters, and views," reports Elizabeth G., though she notes there was "a TON of litter" during her visit.
Wildlife observation: Sawgrass Recreation Park provides opportunities to observe native Florida wildlife. "The gorgeous scenery and safety made up for it. No one around at all, friendly staff when you needed and dirt cheap," explains Finn H., highlighting the natural setting.
Fishing from shore: Quiet Waters Park features accessible fishing spots directly from camping areas. "Went fishing, had fires and explored nature. The park office has everything," notes Michael, emphasizing the convenience for anglers.
What campers like
Island solitude: The remote Frog Hammock campsite provides a secluded experience for campers seeking isolation. Pavel T. describes it as a "nice tucked away oasis" and "a beautiful campground. Nice place to get away from everything."
Water-centric activities: Biscayne National Park's Elliott Key campground centers around marine exploration. "Biscayne National Park is almost entirely water. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and everything water. A boat is needed to reach these campgrounds and are tent only. No reservations," explains Lindsay B.
Storm shelters: Elliott Key provides covered facilities that prove valuable during Florida's frequent storms. "We stayed at the group campsite and got hit with a ton of storms. Thankfully there was a shelter nearby where we hung out for most of our trip. It had cover and picnic tables so we could escape from the rain," shares Leah W.
What you should know
Weather contingencies: Sawgrass Recreation Park can present access challenges during rainy periods. "Because of the rain, getting to and from the campsites by car may be challenging, and the area could be muddy," warns SukiDookie, who also mentions a "$200 deposit is also pending, subject to a damage inspection."
Varying water conditions: Snorkeling quality varies significantly based on weather, tides, and season at Elliott Key. "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," reports Leah W.
Noise levels: Tour boats and generators can create significant noise at island campgrounds. "Between generators and music, it's not a quiet island. Tour boats from the park bring crowds a couple of times a day," explains Jean C. about Boca Chita Key.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin alternatives: Quiet Waters Park offers rental structures for families unprepared for primitive tent camping. "My husband and I rented a campground flat in December. It was on the water, had a grill, electricity, fire pit, tent, running water and was pet friendly," shares Ashley J., highlighting amenities that make family camping more comfortable.
Group capacity: Elliott Key accommodates larger family groups with dedicated sites. "We fit about 18 people in the group site," notes Leah W., making it suitable for extended family camping trips.
Day camp options: For families unsure about overnight stays, Quiet Waters Park provides day-use facilities. "Good location in the middle of urban area, cabins to rent. We've used for daycamp without overnight, but you can do that if you want," advises Alex P.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Tent camping predominates near Key Biscayne, with most established campgrounds being tent-only or primitive. AD Barnes Park - Group Camping Facility offers limited RV accommodations with electric hookups, though without full RV services like sewer connections or dump stations.
Urban accessibility: Quiet Waters Park provides RV-accessible camping relatively close to urban amenities. "Great place to camp," notes Stephen M., though be aware that availability can change, as Henry C. reported that camping was "Closed till further notice" during a recent visit.
Advance verification: Contact parks directly before planning an RV trip, as information can change seasonally. Ryan W. encountered discrepancies between advertised and actual pricing: "On the app it says free camping then you go to the site and you have to rent one of their tents which is $40 a night so much for free camping."
