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Boca Chita Campground
NPSNational Park Service — Florida · Biscayne National Park
| Agency | NPSNational Park Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Biscayne National Park |
| Location | Florida · Biscayne National Park · 25.52310, -80.17460 · Map |
| Sites | 45 public sites counted from the federal listing — 23 boat in; 21 tent only nonelectric; 1 mooring |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 45 sites Water hookups at 0 of 45 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 45 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 45 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or 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. |
| Pets | Allowed at 21 sites, as reported |
| Amenities, as reported | Flush toilets |
| Phone | (305) 230-1144 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview 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.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.
Directions, from the listing
Boca Chita Key is only accessible by boat. Use of a nautical chart and/or GPS is recommended for safe navigation.
Nearest federal campgrounds
5 mi straight-line · FloridaNPSNational Park ServiceLong Pine Key Campground
31 mi straight-line · Homestead FloridaNPSNational Park ServicePinecrest Group Campground
49 mi straight-line · Ochopee FloridaNPSNational Park ServiceMitchell Landing Campground
50 mi straight-line · Ochopee FloridaNPSNational Park ServiceFlamingo Campground
55 mi straight-line · Florida
Trip Card — Boca Chita Campground
Florida · Biscayne National Park
| Agency | NPS · National Park Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Florida · Biscayne National Park |
| 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 … |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 45 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/246814 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.