Camping

Visitors are welcome to camp at Biscayne National Park and have a choice of two island destinations, both accessible only by boat: Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key. The park's most popular island is Boca Chita Key, which has a grassy, waterside camping area with grills and picnic tables. You'll be roughing it for the most part, though: toilets are available on the island, but there aren't any sinks, showers, or drinking water. Elliott Key is the park's largest island and has both forested and waterside camping areas, both of which have grills and picnic tables to use. The island also has restrooms complete with cold-water showers and sinks. Drinking water is usually available, but you should still plan to bring your own in case the water system isn't functioning. Camping in Biscayne National Park requires a $25 fee for each overnight stay (includes tent site and overnight docking fee assessed between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.), and reservations are not accepted. However, if you want to camp in the group campsite on Elliott Key, the per-night fee is $30 and reservations are available (786-335-3609). All camping and docking fees are waived May 1 to Sept. 30.