Boca Chita Campground
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. There is limited cellular connectivity at this location.
More like this: first-come in Florida · tent only in Florida · pets allowed in Florida
Site mix
| Boat-in | 23 |
| Tent-only | 21 |
| mooring | 1 |
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| 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. |
- 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.
- 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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
Boca Chita Key is only accessible by boat. Use of a nautical chart and/or GPS is recommended for safe navigation.
| Coordinates | 25.5231° N, 80.1746° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app.
- Please download the free Recreation.gov mobile app and create an account prior to arrival.
- Swimming – Swimming is not permitted in boat harbors.
Charges and 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.
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Atlantic Bearing Services ↗ | 21.5 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 31.1 mi |
| RV sales & service | Holiday RV and Marine ↗ | 33.6 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Let's go camping on a private island off the coast of Miami! Boca Chita Key is a campe
Other campgrounds nearby
Historic landmarks nearby
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.
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.
Nearby
Boca Chita Key is located just north of Elliott Key.
Guidebooks for Biscayne National Park and Florida
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Boca Chita Campground?
No. Boca Chita Campground is first-come, first-served. Sites are taken on arrival and paid at the fee station.
Source: How first-come camping works
How much does it cost to camp at Boca Chita Campground?
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.
How many sites does Boca Chita Campground have?
45 sites, including 23 boat-in sites, 21 tent-only sites, and 1 mooring.
Source: Site mix
Can I bring an RV to Boca Chita Campground?
Boca Chita Campground is listed for tents only.
Are there showers or a dump station at Boca Chita Campground?
Flushable toilets are available at Boca Chita Key. There is no drinking water or electricity, sales facilities, sinks or showers.
Source: Amenities & rules
Are pets allowed at Boca Chita Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Boca Chita Campground. Leash rules apply.
What is there to do at Boca Chita Campground?
Boca Chita Key features daytime use and overnight camping. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What if Boca Chita Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Elliot Key Campground (5 mi, first-come), Long Pine Key Campground (31.3 mi, first-come), and Pinecrest Group Campground (49.2 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby
Which national park is Boca Chita Campground in?
Boca Chita Campground is a Biscayne National Park campground. Entrance fees, alerts, and hours are on Park Atlas.
Source: Biscayne National Park