Best Tent Camping near Palmetto Bay, FL
Tent camping near Palmetto Bay, Florida presents unique options accessible primarily by water, with Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park offering several tent-only sites on islands and chickee platforms. Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park provide established tent campgrounds accessible only by boat, where campers can pitch tents along shorelines or in designated areas while enjoying views of the Miami skyline and aquamarine waters.
Most tent sites in this region require water transportation, with canoes, kayaks, or motorboats being essential for reaching the backcountry locations. Biscayne National Park's islands offer tent camping with basic amenities including toilets but no drinking water. The Everglades' chickee platforms like Pearl Bay, Hells Bay, and Shark Point are elevated wooden structures built over water specifically designed for tent camping. Backcountry permits are required for wilderness camping in both national parks, and campers must pack in all supplies including drinking water. Sites typically cost $15-25 per night depending on location and group size.
The waterfront tent camping experience near Palmetto Bay offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Backcountry chickee platforms in Everglades National Park provide isolated camping experiences with minimal facilities but maximum immersion in nature. Mosquitoes are prevalent after sunset, particularly at the chickee sites, requiring proper preparation. According to one visitor, "Lane Bay is a great site if you can get it! Unlike other chickees, it is a single platform, so your group will be the only ones out there." The Everglades tent sites provide varying levels of paddling difficulty, with Hell's Bay described as "well-marked for the most part and easy enough for a beginner paddler." Visitors frequently report dolphin, shark, and bird sightings from these remote tent platforms.
