For those seeking an adventure that marries the awe-inspiring beauty of nature with the excitement of camping, Biscayne National Park is your destination. Picture yourself drifting off to sleep beneath a canopy of stars, serenaded by the gentle sound of waves kissing the shore, and waking up to the stunning hues of dawn breaking over Biscayne Bay. Just a stone’s throw from Miami, this extraordinary national park offers some of the most picturesque and tranquil camping experiences you’ll find anywhere. In this guide, nationalparkshops.com will walk you through the top Biscayne National Park camping spots and provide all the information you need to make your Biscayne National Park camping experience truly unforgettable.
Should You Camp Inside or Outside Biscayne National Park?
When planning a trip to Biscayne National Park camping, deciding whether to camp inside the park or outside can significantly impact your experience. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you make the best choice for your adventure:
Camping Inside Biscayne National Park
Advantages:
- Proximity to Nature: Camping inside the park allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Biscayne National Park. You can wake up to stunning views of the bay and the surrounding wildlife.
- Access to Activities: Being inside the park means you’re just a short distance from various recreational activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking. You can easily explore the park’s unique ecosystems and marine life.
- Quiet and Solitude: Camping within the park usually provides a quieter experience, away from the noise of urban areas. This can enhance your connection with nature.
- Night Sky Viewing: Far from city lights, you can enjoy a clearer view of the night sky, perfect for stargazing.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Campsites: Biscayne National Park has only a few camping options, such as the primitive camping area on Boca Chita Key, which can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- No Amenities: Campsites within the park are generally primitive, meaning there are fewer amenities, such as restrooms and showers. You will need to be self-sufficient and prepared for a more rustic experience.
- Access Restrictions: Camping may be limited to specific areas, and some locations may require a boat to reach.
Camping Outside Biscayne National Park
Advantages:
- More Amenities: Campgrounds outside the national park often offer more amenities, such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, providing a more comfortable camping experience.
- Variety of Options: There are many campgrounds and parks in the surrounding area, which may offer different atmospheres and settings, from RV parks to family-friendly sites.
- Easier Access to Supplies: Being outside the park allows for easier access to grocery stores, restaurants, and other services you might need during your stay.
- Greater Flexibility: You can choose from a variety of locations, including private campgrounds, state parks, and even hotels or lodges if you prefer not to camp in a tent.
Disadvantages:
- Distance from Activities: Camping outside the park means you may have to drive to access the park’s activities, which could take away from your time spent enjoying the natural surroundings.
- Less Immersive Experience: While there are beautiful areas outside of the park, you may miss out on the unique ecosystems and landscapes that Biscayne National Park has to offer.
- Potential Noise and Crowds: Campgrounds outside the park may be busier and noisier, especially during the peak tourist season.
Ultimately, the decision to camp inside or outside Biscayne National Park depends on your preferences for amenities, accessibility, and the type of experience you seek. If you’re looking for a more immersive and nature-focused experience, camping inside the park can be incredibly rewarding. However, if you prefer more comforts and convenience, then camping outside might be the better choice.
Read More: Hotels Near Biscayne National Park
Best camping in Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park camping provides 2 options that cater to different camping preferences.
Boca Chita Campground
- Location: Boca Chita Key, Biscayne National Park, Florida
- Accessibility: Boca Chita Key is only accessible by boat. It is located just north of Elliott Key.
- Cost: The camping fee is approximately $10 per night per tent. Payment is made on-site, and there are no refunds or modifications once payment is completed.
- Facilities:
- Grassy camping areas
- Picnic tables and grills
- Vault toilets (no showers, sinks, or drinking water available)
- A half-mile hiking trail that starts near the restrooms
- Contact Information: For campground inquiries, you can call (305) 230-1144.
Camping is the sole option for overnight stays at Biscayne National Park, with Boca Chita Key being the most popular island featuring one of two first-come, first-serve campgrounds. Accessible only by boat, visitors must bring all necessary provisions as there are no concessions or fresh water available on Boca Chita—no sinks, no drinking water, nothing.
The campsite offers a grassy area with picnic tables, barbecue grills, and an open-air pavilion. A 65-foot ornamental lighthouse welcomes those arriving at Boca Chita Key’s shores. From the observation deck, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the shimmering turquoise waters and island reefs stretching into the horizon. Adding to the charm, a cannon from the 1930s lighthouse, salvaged from a nearby shipwreck, offers a touch of history to this idyllic camping experience.
Elliott Key Campground
- Location: Elliott Key, Biscayne National Park, Florida
- Cost: The fee for camping at Elliott Key is approximately $25 per night. This fee includes the use of up to two tents and accommodates up to six people. Payment is made on-site, and there are no refunds or modifications once payment is completed.
- Operating Hours: The campground is open year-round, but it is accessible only by boat. The park itself is open 24 hours a day, but services may vary.
- Facilities:
- Grassy camping areas
- Picnic tables and grills
- Vault toilets (no showers, sinks, or drinking water available)
- Several hiking trails that allow exploration of the island’s natural beauty
- Contact Information: For campground inquiries, you can call (305) 230-1144.
Elliott Key, one of Biscayne National Park’s two walk-up-only campgrounds, is the largest island in the park and offers a more expansive outdoor experience for those interested in Biscayne National Park camping. It features two hiking trails: a six-mile path that stretches the length of the island and a one-mile loop that circles the harbor. The campground is situated on the bay side of the island, providing camping sites both in a grassy area by the water and beneath a lush, forested canopy.
Unlike Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key is equipped with restrooms, sinks, and cold water showers, along with drinking water—though it’s wise to bring additional supplies in case of any issues with the generator. Keep in mind that there are no concessions on the island, so be sure to pack all your essentials, including sunscreen and bug spray, before setting out for your camping adventure.
Reference source: https://www.nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/camping.htm
Top campgrounds near Biscayne National Park
If camping within Biscayne National Park isn’t an option or if you’re seeking nearby alternatives, there are several excellent campgrounds just a short drive away.
Gods Country in Miami
- Address: Homestead Base, Miami Dade, Florida, United States
- 12 RV/tent sites
- Price: From $40/ night
- Link Booking: Gods Country in Miami
God’s Country in Miami is a tranquil retreat situated close to the beach, offering a peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Located just 2 miles from Biscayne National Park, this secluded area provides easy access to stunning beaches and is an ideal spot for those looking to explore both natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Soon, you will be able to enjoy a range of activities right including snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, biking along picturesque trails, and hiking through lush landscapes. Additionally, yoga sessions and relaxing mud baths will be available, providing a diverse array of experiences to enhance your visit.
Freshgardens Everglades
- Address: Homestead, Miami Dade, Florida
- 6 RV sites
- Price: From $50/ night
- Link Booking: Freshgardens Everglades
Freshgardens Everglades is situated just outside the South Gate entrance of Everglades National Park, offering a truly distinctive experience. The property spans 200 acres, enveloped by palm tree farms and nestled within a vibrant sanctuary teeming with diverse bird species. Additionally, it is set amidst an exotic tropical fruit grove, adding to its enchanting atmosphere.
While there is no wifi available on-site, Freshgardens Everglades provides a perfect escape from modern distractions. For those looking to combine their stay with outdoor adventures, the property is conveniently located near Biscayne National Park, where you can enjoy camping in a stunning natural setting.
Just a minute’s drive away, you’ll discover a variety of attractions to enhance your visit. Schnebly’s Winery is nearby, where you can savor locally crafted wines and beers. Tropical Robert’s fruit stand offers delicious tropical fruit shakes blended with soft-serve ice cream, using rare and exotic fruits. For a taste of homemade delights, visit Knauas Berry Farm, where you can enjoy Amish-made cinnamon rolls while picking fresh strawberries and herb sticks.
Gate to the Keys
- Address: Homestead, Miami Dade, Florida
- 2 RV sites
- Price: From $76/ night
- Link Booking: Gate to the Keys
Discover the charm of a stunning property in Redlands, Florida, adorned with an abundance of tropical fruit trees. This picturesque retreat offers a perfect opportunity to unwind and take a breather before heading south to explore the Florida Keys. As you relax, you’ll be surrounded by a rich variety of tropical fruits, including bananas, lychees, mangos, avocados, and many other exotic species.
This lush oasis serves as an ideal gateway to the Keys, providing a delightful interlude amidst the vibrant natural beauty of the region. This is one of the nearby Biscayne National Park camping sites that tourists love.
The Get Away
- Vehicle site/ 6 guests max
- Price: From $60/ night
The Getaway offers a generous 1-acre property, stretching 30 feet in width and 40 feet in length, designed for your ultimate relaxation and enjoyment. This expansive site features exclusive access to a magnificent 40×20 pool, perfect for cooling off on warm days, and includes a BBQ grill and smoker for your culinary delights. Additionally, a 20×15 pergola with a TV provides a comfortable space to unwind and entertain.
For those seeking an adventurous escape, consider adding Biscayne National Park camping to your itinerary. Located conveniently near The Getaway, Biscayne National Park offers stunning natural landscapes and a chance to explore unique marine environments. The Getaway ensures a serene environment with no interruptions to disrupt your weekend or week-long stay.
Taste of Old Florida
- Address: Palm City, Martin, Florida
- 5 RV sites
- 7 tent sites
- Price: From $25 – $35/ night
- Link Booking: Taste of Old Florida
The Taste of Old Florida stands out due to its distinctive surroundings, marked by sparse tree coverage. This unique landscape is attributed to the underlying grey marl, giving the area its name—Allapattah Flats, derived from the Native American word for alligator.
Conveniently located just minutes from I-95, this property is nestled amidst the Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Preserve. It sits on Martin Hwy, which has recently been recognized as a Florida Scenic Highway. Despite its proximity to major cities, it’s a tranquil retreat, just fifteen minutes from Stuart and thirty minutes from West Palm Beach, offering a peaceful escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
Ashby Acres Farm
- Address: Fort Pierce, St. Lucie, Florida
- 6 RV sites
- 10 tent sites
- Price: From $35 – $45/ night
- Link Booking: Ashby Acres Farm
Ashby Acres Farm spans 100 acres of picturesque Florida land, with 20 acres dedicated to a more primitive setting that complements the nearby Biscayne National Park camping experience. The remaining area functions as an active working farm, featuring a variety of amenities such as an arena for events, a cozy lodge for relaxation, and essential facilities like bathrooms and a laundry room. The expansive property is also adorned with lush green grass, providing a serene and natural backdrop for both farming activities and leisurely stays.
Meadow River Ranch
- Address: Naples, Collier, Florida
- 2 lodging sites
- 5 RV/tent sites
- 3 tent sites
- Price: From $49 – $229/ night
- Link Booking: Meadow River Ranch
Meadow River Ranch provides a variety of camping options, including 6 RV campsites and 4 tent sites, catering specifically to RVs and self-contained rigs. Additionally, the ranch offers a charming log cabin rental for a more comfortable stay. The property is equipped with an outdoor shower and an outhouse for your convenience.
The log cabin features a spacious living room, a well-appointed kitchen, and a master bedroom on the second floor with a cozy window seat that can accommodate an additional guest. Enjoy stunning water views and picturesque sunsets from the beautiful front porch. The back screened-in great room offers a perfect setting for relaxing evenings. Guests of the cabin also have access to the Waterfront outdoor kitchen cabana, enhancing your outdoor dining experience.
What to bring when going to Biscayne National Park camping?
When Biscayne National Park camping, bring the following essentials:
- Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow.
- Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes, quick-dry underwear, hat, sunglasses, rain gear, swimsuit, warm layers.
- Cooking and Food: Portable stove, cooking utensils, eating utensils, cooler, non-perishable food, water bottles, water filter or purification tablets.
- Safety and Navigation: Map and compass or GPS, first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, flashlight or headlamp, multi-tool.
- Personal Items: Camera or smartphone, binoculars, notebook and pen, trash bags.
Check park regulations for specific requirements and restrictions.
FAQs about Biscayne National Park camping
What are some special activities to do while camping at Elliott Key?
While camping at Elliott Key, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including:
- Hiking: There is a mile-long loop trail that starts near the campground, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the island’s diverse habitats. Additionally, “Spite Highway,” which runs approximately six miles down the center of the island, offers a chance to see various ecosystems within the maritime forest.
- Wildlife Watching: Elliott Key is home to diverse wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching and observing other animals in their natural habitat.
- Picnicking: The campground features picnic tables and grills, allowing campers to enjoy meals outdoors amidst the beautiful scenery.
- Fishing: Fishing is permitted from the maintenance dock or the shoreline outside of the no-wake zone. However, visitors must adhere to fishing regulations.
What is the busiest tourist season in Biscayne National Park?
The best time to visit Biscayne National Park typically occurs during the winter months (November to April). This period attracts visitors due to the milder weather and lower humidity, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities. The summer months (May to October) are the wet season, characterized by heavy rainfall and higher temperatures, which can deter some visitors.
Read More: Biscayne National Park Weather: Average Temperatures Each Season
Conclusion
Camping in Biscayne National Park provides a one-of-a-kind experience, blending the pristine beauty of nature with the excitement of outdoor adventure. Embrace the rugged charm of Boca Chita Key or indulge in the modern comforts of Elliott Key, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a breathtaking natural landscape perfect for adventure and relaxation. Gather your gear, set sail on your journey, and dive into the wonders of Biscayne National Park camping. Your remarkable adventure is just on the horizon!
Read More: The Best Biscayne National Park Tours to Experience 2024
