The Complete Biscayne National Park Camping Guide

Have you always dreamed of camping in the Florida Keys, but don’t know where to start? Look no further! We’ve gathered everything you need to know about camping in Biscayne National Park, which contains almost fifty keys within its boundaries, including two keys you can actually set up camp on—if you get there first!

History of the Park

This park officially become a National park in 1980. It protects many endangered species within its borders, as well as a mangrove swamp along the shore, the Florida Reef, the coral limestone keys, and Biscayne Bay itself.

What to Expect at the Park

There are only two campgrounds where you can make camp in Biscayne National Park. Both are located on islands: Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key. If you plan to snag a spot, you need to do your best to get there at an opportune time, because there is no booking a site in advance! Camping on Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key is first come, first serve, and if you don’t get a spot, you’re out of luck. So come with a plan to get yourselves a spot, but also have a back-up in case you arrive to find a full campground.

Also, keep in mind that these campgrounds are only accessible by boat, so there will only be tent camping available. No RVs will be able to make it to the islands. However, if you have your heart set on RV camping in Biscayne National Park, there are RV resorts located near the park if you don’t mind a bit of a drive.

What to Expect While Camping

· Camping in Boca Chita Key is very bare-bones, so come ready to rough it. Toilets are available, but there are no showers, sinks, or drinkable water on the island, so come prepared! Bring plenty of drinking water and anything you’ll need to stay clean sans showers.

· Elliott Key: Drinking water is available on Elliott Key, but bring extra just in case! Restrooms do include showers (with only cold water), and there are picnic tables and grills available for use. Elliott Key is the way to go if you’re not prepared to go completely without the comforts of home.

· Tents are allowed in both campgrounds, but only in marked areas. There is no backcountry camping allowed whatsoever.

· Leashed pets are allowed on Elliott Key, but no pets except service animals are allowed on Boca Chita Key, so plan accordingly.

· There is no trash collection in the campgrounds on the islands. Make sure you collect all your trash and take it with you when you leave the campground to dispose of on the mainland.

Things to Do

· Fishing

Fishing is allowed in Biscayne National Park, but there are regulations that you must follow. Visit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to read through them and prepare yourself accordingly. You will also need to obtain a Florida fishing license in order to fish within Biscayne Bay; even if you possess an out-of-state license, it will not be considered valid. You can visit the Visitor page on the same site to find more information on how to obtain a Florida fishing license by following this link: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

· Trails

There are five trails within Biscayne National Park: Jetty Trail, Adams Key Loop Trail, Elliott Key Loop Trail, Spite Highway Trail, and Boca Chita Key Loop Trail. Though most are fairly short—less than a mile in length—Spite Highway Trail, located on Elliott Key, is about seven miles long. So whether you’re looking for a quick family hike or a more ambitious trip, there are options for both the rookie hiker and those looking for more of a challenge.

· Snorkeling/Scuba Diving

There are plenty of opportunities to snorkel in Biscayne National park, including exploring the coral reefs or shipwrecks around the park along the Maritime Heritage Trail. Some wrecks are better explored through scuba-diving, but others are perfect for exploration via snorkel.

· Kayak/Paddleboard

Both kayak and paddleboard rentals are available to explore the islands around the park, and you can even book guided tours through the mangrove canals if you wish to get a closer look at the protected vegetation of the park.

· Visit other keys

There are nearly fifty keys within the borders of the park, and while some are closed to the public, most are available to be explored, though some are so densely forested that they aren’t worth going ashore to see. Only Elliott Key, Boca Chita Key, and Adams Key are expressly prepared for visitors, with a picnic area available in all three and campsites available on Elliott and Boca Chita.

Wildlife

· Dolphins

The bottlenose dolphin population in Biscayne Bay is one of the most beloved species that lives in the park, and sightings are fairly common. If you go out on a boat, you can expect to see them leaping and frolicking in your wake and in the waves left behind you; dolphins love playing alongside boats!

· Manatees

Manatees are more commonly sighted in the winter, but they are frequent visitors to Biscayne National Park’s waters, and they’re certainly a sight to behold if you’re lucky enough to get a glimpse! Don’t be frightened by their massive size—these creatures are virtually harmless. While the status of the American manatee’s population was downlisted from “Endangered” to “Vulnerable” a few years ago, their population is once again decreasing, and they may soon become one of the many endangered species that call Biscayne National Park their home.

· Pelicans

Brown pelicans were once severely endangered, but thanks to the discontinuation of use of certain pesticides that were causing them harm, they are now a fairly common sight in Biscayne Bay.

· Coral Reefs

The Florida Reef is the third largest coral reef in the world, and a good portion of it is protected by Biscayne National Park. There are hundreds of species of reef fish that live within the park, as well as loggerhead turtles and some species of sharks.

· Endangered species

There are many endangered species that live within the park’s protection. Some of these include the peregrine falcon, American crocodile, certain species of turtles, and the Schaus’ Swallowtail butterfly.

Vegetation

· Mangrove Trees

There are many areas in Florida with protected mangrove trees, including Biscayne National Park. Mangroves are important for the health of coastal ecosystems as well as a major factor in combating climate change, and to damage a mangrove tree is to incur a hefty penalty.

In Florida, even if mangroves exist on your own property, you need a permit to trim them down. A violation of the state’s restrictions on trimming mangroves can result in a civil penalty of up to $10,000, and criminal penalties can get far steeper. Biscayne National Park is home to many of these protected trees, so you’ll definitely get an opportunity to observe them. Just make sure you don’t cause any harm to them, or this could become your most costly camping trip yet!

Make Sure to Bring

· Mosquito Repellant

If you’ve ever been to Florida, you know that there’s an abundance of mosquitos, no matter the season! Even if you choose to arrange your camping trip for the fall/winter season, make sure you bring plenty of mosquito repellant to keep yourself from getting eaten up. Florida’s mild climate means that the mosquito population thrives whether it’s the height of summer or the dead of winter, and the last thing you want is to be itching your way through your trip.

· Sunscreen

The UV index in Florida is high in any season as well, so no matter when you choose to plan your camping trip, make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen and use it liberally. Nothing ruins a camping trip (or any vacation) faster than a bad sunburn!

· Drinking Water

As previously mentioned, there’s no drinking water available on Boca Chita Key, and while some is available on Elliott Key, there’s potential for there to be supply issues. The last thing you want is to be stuck without any drinking water, so be sure to bring plenty for your own supply just in case! Especially in Florida, where high heat and high humidity can easily cause dehydration, you don’t want to get caught without any drinking water.

Reviews

With 4.7 stars via nearly two thousand Google reviews, an overwhelming amount of them being five-star reviews, Biscayne National Park comes highly recommended. Campers laud the clear waters, the beautiful nature views, and the multiple exciting ways to explore the park via land or water. It’s hard to find a downside to camping in this gorgeous national park!

Wrapping Up The Biscayne National Park Camping Guide

Have we sold you yet? As far as camping in Florida goes, it’s hard to beat all the incredible sights and experiences Biscayne National Park has to offer! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see some amazing wildlife, to snorkel through shipwrecks and coral reefs, and to visit the famed Florida Keys. Plan your Biscayne National Park camping trip today!

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