National Park Service · Biscayne National Park · FL

Boca Chita Campground

Boca Chita LighthousePhoto · NPS photo by Matt Johnson
Not publishedStatus
ReservableAccess
45Sites
60First-come

The place

Boca Chita Key is only accessible by boat. No services are available on the island. Boca Chita Key is the park's most popular island. It features beautiful waterfront views, a grassy camping area, picnic tables and grills. Toilets are available, but there are no showers, sinks or drinking water. The harbor entrance at low tide is approximately four feet. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation. Keep reading

gov mobile app. There is limited cellular connectivity at this location. Please download the free Recreation.gov mobile app and create an account prior to arrival. Recreation Boca Chita Key features daytime use and overnight camping. Grills and picnic tables are in designated camping areas. 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. Facilities Picnic Tables and grills are available at the designated campsites Flushable toilets are available at Boca Chita Key. There is no drinking water or electricity, sales facilities, sinks or showers. Camping and marina use fees are due daily upon arrival or no later than official sunset. No reservations may be made in advance for these campgrounds; they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 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. Quiet Hours - 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. During quiet hours all noise must be kept to a minimum. Insects – May be prevalent year round. Expect heavy populations of insects during the warmer months. Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed on Boca Chita Key including vessels docked at Boca Chita Key. 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. Wildlife – Do not feed wildlife. Food and garbage should be stored in a boat or animal-proof cooler. Swimming – Swimming is not permitted in boat harbors. Natural Features The iconic and historic lighthouse, built by Mark Honeywell in the 1930s, guides boats to the beauty and wonders of the park. Boca Chita is the most visited island in the park. The observation deck of the 65 foot tall lighthouse provides a fantastic view of islands, bay, ocean and Miami skyline. If park employees are around they may be able to open the observation deck for viewing. 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. Nearby Attractions Boca Chita Key is located just north of Elliott Key. Charges & Cancellations Ensure one of the designated 21 campsites is available prior to paying. Once payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications.

The sites · 45

LoopSiteTypeMax rigElectricADA
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 1tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 10tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 11tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 12tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 13tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 14tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 15tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 16tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 17tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 18tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 19tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 2tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 20tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 21tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 3tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 4tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 5tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 6tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 7tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 8tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundCampsite 9tent only nonelectric
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 1boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 10boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 11boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 12boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 13boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 14boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 15boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 16boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 17boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 18boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 19boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 2boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 20boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 21boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 3boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 4boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 5boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 6boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 7boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 8boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundDocking and Campsite 9boat in
Boca Chita CampgroundOvernight (Tue-Thu)boat in
Boca Chita KeyDay Use (Fri-Mon)mooring
Boca Chita Key and CampgroundOvernight (Fri-Mon)boat in

Booking

183 daysBooking window before arrival

Recreation.gov default: most campsites can be booked six months prior to arrival date. Most campgrounds go on sale at 7am PT / 8am MT / 10am ET, but not always; check the facility Seasons and Fees tab. Some locations also offer shorter supplemental booking windows.

Book on recreation.gov

Fees

Fees are required for overnight camping and docking and must be paid upon arrival or by sunset if camping. As of January 1, 2024 there is a$25 docking fee Friday - Monday and Federal Holidays and must be paid upon arrival. Campers that dock a boat Friday-Monday are required to pay both the camping and docking fee. The campground overnight camping fee is $35 and must be paid by sunset if camping.

Your representative

This campground sits in FL-28. This member’s public-lands record →

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