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.
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.
- 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.
Need to Know
- Boca Chita Key is only accessible by boat.
- No services are available on the island.
- This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Once all 21 designated campsites are filled, there will be no additional space allowed for overnight camping. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Prior to paying, ensure one of the 21 designated campsites is available. Once payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Download the free Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. You can also pay using Recreation.gov and searching for Biscayne National Park.
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.
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.
Changes & 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.
Contact Information
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: (305) 230-1144
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Boca Chita Key is only accessible by boat. Use of a nautical chart and/or GPS is recommended for safe navigation.
Available Campsites
- Site Docking and Campsite 19, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 17, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site Docking and Campsite 14, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 19, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 3, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 17, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 6, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 16, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 11, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 11, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 4, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 21, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 6, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 20, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 13, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 15, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 10, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 9, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 13, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 8, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 3, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 5, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 7, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 12, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 1, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 10, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 5, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 18, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 15, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 12, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 20, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 2, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 7, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 9, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 2, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 16, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 14, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 18, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 8, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Campsite 4, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking, Loop Boca Chita Key, Type Boat IN
- Site Docking and Campsite 21, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
- Site Docking and Campsite 1, Loop Boca Chita Campground, Type
