Boca Chita features an iconic 65 foot tall lighthouse built of limestone standing watch at the harbor entrance. Campsites are located in an open, grassy area on the northern end of the island with picnic tables and grills available throughout the area. A half mile hiking trail starts just east of the restrooms. The trail continues to the south end of the island and emerges near the pavilion.

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.

$35 per night including boat docking, $25 per night for tenting only. Download the free Recreation.gov app to pay your fees upon arrival using your mobile phone and Scan & Pay. Any vessel in the harbor after 5 pm is considered an overnight stay. Tenting fees are for a maximum of six people and two tents. Seniors with a valid America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass receive a 50% discount on fees.

Camping Fees

Stone lighthouse with glass dome stands at the mouth of the harbor

Boca Chita Lighthouse

Boca Chita Campground

There are two campgrounds in Biscayne National Park. Both are located on islands, Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key. The only access to these islands is by boat. No services are available on the islands. All camping and docking fees are waived from May 1 to September 30 every year. Expect heavy populations of insects during the warmer months.

Boca Chita & Elliott Key Campgrounds

The campground is on the bay side of the island, with sites in the grassy area by the water and under the forested canopy. Restrooms are located adjacent to the grassy camping area. 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 from north to south.

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.

Golden orange sunset mirrored in the calm waters of the bay

Sunset from Elliott Key

Elliott Key Campground

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.