Camping, trails, maps & photo credits — Biscayne National Park
Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here too; from prehistoric tribes to shipwrecks, and pineapple farmers to presidents. For many, the park is a boating, fishing, and diving destination, while others enjoy a warm breeze and peaceful scenery.
Camping & reservations
The booking button opens the official provider or park-specific camping instructions published by the NPS. Select the named campground and verify its dates, access and site rules.
Boca Chita Campground ↗
Boca Chita campground is located on an island. The only access is by boat. No services are available. Boca Chita Key features an iconic lighthouse and an open, waterside, grassy camping area with picnic tables and grills. Toilets are available, but there are no sinks, showers or drinking water. The harbor entrance at low tide is approximately four feet deep. Pets, with the exception of service animals as defined by the ADA, are not permitted on the island or boats in the harbor.
Reservations: No reservations may be made in advance for the main campgrounds. The campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations / current camping instructions ↗
RV / truck camping: The only access to these islands is by boat. No services are available on the islands. Confirm the exact site and current approach.
Approach: No Roads.
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.
Site rules: 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. Pets – On Elliott Key pets on a leash are permitted within developed areas only. Pets may not be left unattended. Pets are not allowed in buildings or the swim area. Pets are not allowed on Boca Chita Key. Quiet Hours - 10 pm to 6 am. During quiet hours all noise must be kept to a minimum. Insects – May be prevalent year round. Expect heavy…
Elliott Key Campground ↗
Elliott Key campground is located on an island. The only access is by boat. Elliott Key features waterside and partially forested camping areas, picnic tables, and grills. Restrooms with sinks and cold water showers are available. A mile-long loop hiking trail starts near the campground. Another walking trail, the infamous "Spite Highway" runs approximately six miles down the center of the island. At low tide, the depth of the entrance to the marina is approximately 2 1/2 feet.
Reservations / current camping instructions ↗
RV / truck camping: Not allowed. Confirm the exact site and current approach.
Approach: No Roads.
Truck-camping & permitted overnight use
Boca Chita and Elliott Key are reached by boat and do not have road access for RVs or truck campers. Plan a tent-camping visit and confirm boat access, supplies and current island services with NPS.
Backcountry camping and vehicle camping require park-specific authorization; National Park Service land is not generally open to unrestricted roadside camping. Confirm designated sites, permits and food-storage rules with this unit.
Activities, hiking & trails
Boating, Motorized Boating, Sailing. Official activities and trail-planning information ↗
NPS-listed recreation: Boating, Motorized Boating, Sailing, Boat Tour, Camping, Fishing, Guided Tours, Boat Tour, Paddling, Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Junior Ranger Program, SCUBA Diving, Snorkeling, Swimming, Saltwater Swimming, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Park Film, Museum Exhibits, Shopping, Bookstore and Park Store, Gift Shop and Souvenirs.
Maps & road access
Use the official NPS directions and current alerts. Check vehicle restrictions and campground approach roads before traveling.
The Dante Fascell Visitor Center may be reached from the Florida Turnpike by taking Exit 6 (Speedway Boulevard). Turn left from exit ramp and continue south to SW 328th Street (North Canal Drive). Turn left on 328th Street and continue for four miles to the end of the road. The park entrance is on the left just before the entrance to Homestead Bayfront Marina. Official directions / site access ↗
Before you travel
The park is situated in a subtropical climate, which ensures sunshine year-round. Winters are normally dry and mild, with occasional fronts bringing wind and little rain. Summer brings hot and humid weather with scattered thunderstorms in the afternoons. The average temperature in January is 68 degrees Fahrenheit and 82 in July. The average rainfall for the area is 2.17 inches in January and 3.95 inches in July. June to November is hurricane season.
Source review: 2026-11-01. Conditions, fees, permits and availability can change. National Park Service official information ↗
Photograph sources & licensing
Banner: Boca Chita Key
Boca Chita Key is the park's most popular island destination.
Credit: NPS photo. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Second large photograph: Coral Reef
The coral reef is home to many species of fish
Credit: NPS image by Shaun Wolfe. Original source ↗ · Public domain — NPS-created federal work ↗. Resized and cropped to match the profile display framing; original image source linked.
Photographs are real images of the named unit; no AI-generated photographs are used. Federal photo credit register.