Look no further for some of the best camping in Biscayne National Park, plus tips to enjoy your stay from The Dyrt Ranger team the Switchback Kids.
Most Popular Campgrounds in Biscayne National Park
Located just east of the Everglades and within sight of downtown Miami, Biscayne National Park is as unique as National Parks come. Mostly submerged, Biscayne showcases the longest stretch of mangrove forest on Florida’s east coast, the northernmost Florida Keys and is part of the world’s third longest coral reef tract. This rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs creates a pristine opportunity for camping and adventure. These three campgrounds are not only the most-frequented but will serve as the perfect base camp for exploring this natural treasure.
1. Elliot Key, FL
Photo from The Dyrt user Leah W.
Located on Biscayne National Park’s largest island, Elliot Key Campground is all about its crystal clear, turquoise water. Here you’ll find amazing kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving, as well as picturesque sunsets. While drinking water is available on the island, it’s a good idea to bring your own as a precaution. There is also picnic tables, grills, restrooms with sinks and cold water showers.
Reviews & Photos2. Larry and Penny Thompson Park, FL
Photo from The Dyrt user Anjuli P.
Found on the mainland, Larry and Penny Thompson Park is a great value campground with close proximity to everything in the area. Sites are in an open field and aren’t anything special. But, with wifi, access to laundry and great showers, it’s the perfect spot to crash. It’s also close to Miami Zoo and an excellent base camp for exploring Biscayne National Park.
Reviews & Photos3. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, FL
Photo from The Dyrt user Natalie B.
A well-known marine reserve, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park shares a common border with Biscayne National Park. This campground offers a lot in terms of modern convenience by being close to eateries, stores, and nightlife as well as full amenities. And with the ocean, gulf and nearby mangroves, it also features plenty of outdoor fun. RVs will far outnumber tent campers at this spot.
Reviews & PhotosExplore Biscayne
From shipwrecks on the Maritime Heritage Trail to diverse and colorful aquatic life, Biscayne National Park boasts a dizzying array of undersea treasures. Above the surface, you’ll find hiking, wildlife watching, angling as well as Miami-based charter boat trips and sunset cruises.
The Dyrt’s Ranger duo the Switchback Kids, who spent a year visiting all 59 National Parks, have put together this incredible video to document their firsthand experience in Biscayne with the hopes of improving the visit of others.
Switchback Kids Ranger Tip: The park has undergone a big shift in its concessioners who ferry visitors out to the keys of Biscayne, and went for almost a year without a concessioner, and thus a way to get out to the main part of the park. There is currently a ferry service, but that is not the only way to visit: there are also several volunteer groups who bring people out to the keys to spend the night and help clean up the area.
And, in case you still (somehow) need convincing to fit this park in your summer itinerary, we present Biscayne National Park:
Win gear for camping Biscayne
When you review campsites across the US on The Dyrt, you get the chance to win outdoor gear. In Florida, you have the chance to win a $100 gift card from Grand Trunk, a $100 gift card from Gregory Packs, and an MH2 Headlamp from Ledlenser. Check out the contest leaderboard, review your camping experience, earn points for your review, and you could win prizes!
Review South Atlantic campgrounds and you could win $100 from Gregory Packs!
