Boca Chita Campground

Remote island tent camping by boat. 60 first-come sites, minimal services, iconic lighthouse.

Campground

Campground

Boca Chita Campground is a remote, boat-access island campground in Biscayne National Park with 60 first-come, first-served tent-only sites. The open, waterside grassy area features picnic tables and grills, with an iconic 1920s lighthouse as a landmark. Minimal services—toilets but no showers, sinks or drinking water; bring all water and supplies. This is true island camping: arrive by boat, pack out everything you bring in, and expect a solitude-focused experience.

Quick facts

Reservation System
First-come, first-served
Reservation Window
Walk-up, on-site payment via Recreation.gov Scan & Pay (no advance reservations)
Reservation Tips
Overnight camping and docking at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys costs $60 per night year-round, including overnight stays on a vessel and up to two tents/six people. No summer waiver applies. Separate day-use docking is $25 Friday–Monday and federal holidays, not an added overnight charge. Sites/slips are first-come, not advance reservations; download the Recreation.gov app before departure and Scan & Pay at the island kiosk by sunset. Park entrance is free.
Season Dates
Year-round; $60 overnight camping/docking fee applies year-round, with no summer waiver

Reservations & season

Reservation System
First-come, first-served
Reservation Window
Walk-up, on-site payment via Recreation.gov Scan & Pay (no advance reservations)
Reservation Tips
Overnight camping and docking at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys costs $60 per night year-round, including overnight stays on a vessel and up to two tents/six people. No summer waiver applies. Separate day-use docking is $25 Friday–Monday and federal holidays, not an added overnight charge. Sites/slips are first-come, not advance reservations; download the Recreation.gov app before departure and Scan & Pay at the island kiosk by sunset. Park entrance is free.
Season Dates
Year-round; $60 overnight camping/docking fee applies year-round, with no summer waiver
Fills Up Speed
Weekends often full; weekdays usually available
Per Night Cost
Overnight camping and docking at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys costs $60 per night year-round, including overnight stays on a vessel and up to two tents/six people. No summer waiver applies. Separate day-use docking is $25 Friday–Monday and federal holidays, not an added overnight charge. Sites/slips are first-come, not advance reservations; download the Recreation.gov app before departure and Scan & Pay at the island kiosk by sunset. Park entrance is free.
Extra Vehicle Fees
Not applicable—boat access only; no vehicles on island
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Pass (covers entrance fees at all federal recreation sites)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
60
Site Types
Tent only
Site Type Breakdown
60 tent-only sites
RV Max Length
No RVs—boat access only; tent camping exclusively
Group Sites Available
No
Hookups
None—dry camping only. Boat access island with minimal services.
Site Features
Fire grill, picnic table. Flush toilets nearby. No bear locker, no shade structures.
Ground Type
Grassy, unpaved. Soft ground suitable for tent stakes.
Site Privacy
Open camping area with limited privacy between sites. Waterside setting with view of bay.

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets available year-round
Showers Available
Boca Chita has toilets, picnic tables and grills, but no showers, sinks or drinking water. Bring all water and supplies. Cold showers and drinking-water facilities belong to Elliott Key, not Boca Chita; carry backup water there in case of outages.
Potable Water
Boca Chita has toilets, picnic tables and grills, but no showers, sinks or drinking water. Bring all water and supplies. Cold showers and drinking-water facilities belong to Elliott Key, not Boca Chita; carry backup water there in case of outages.
Dump Station
No dump station
Trash Service
No trash collection—pack out all trash and garbage
Camp Store
No camp store on island
Firewood Availability
Dead and downed wood may be collected nearby. Use provided grills only—no ground fires.
Cell Service
Limited coverage may be available depending on carrier. Download offline maps before arrival.
Nearby Facilities
Homestead, FL (mainland, approximately 9 miles by water). Last supplies, fuel, lodging, and medical services available in Homestead before heading to island.

Access

Road Type
Boat access only—no roads on island
Road Conditions
Arrive by private boat or ferry service. Harbor entrance approximately 4 feet deep at low tide.
Vehicle Restrictions
No vehicles—island camping. Boat access only.
Clearance Needed
Not applicable—no vehicle access
Gate Hours
Island access 24/7 if you have a boat. Check with park for ferry schedules if using commercial service.
Elevation
Sea level
Accessibility
Most of island is uneven, unpaved terrain unsuitable for wheeled mobility devices. Restroom facilities are wheelchair accessible. Limited vehicle access—island only reachable by boat.
ADA Accessible Sites
No wheelchair-accessible campsites (terrain mostly uneven, unpaved surfaces). Restroom facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Rules & safety

Bear Country
No
Food Storage Requirements
Store food in boat or sealed animal-proof cooler. Do not leave food unattended at site.
Fire Restrictions
No ground fires. Use provided grills only. Open flames must be contained in grill.
Pets Allowed
No
Pet Restrictions
No pets allowed on Boca Chita Key (exception: service animals per ADA definition)
Generator Hours
Not applicable—no RV or electrical sites
Quiet Hours
10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Keep noise to a minimum during quiet hours.
Max Stay Limit
14 consecutive days or 30 days total per calendar year, whichever is less
Alcohol Permitted
Yes

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Birding, lighthouse exploration, picnicking, kayaking/boating, wildlife observation
Trailheads Nearby
Limited trails on island. Nearby Elliott Key (sister island) accessible by boat.
Fishing Details
Fishing available in Biscayne National Park. Saltwater species. Check current regulations and license requirements with NPS.
Wildlife Viewing
Seabirds, pelicans, herons. Marine life in surrounding waters. Crocodiles and sharks possible—maintain safe distance.
Stargazing Quality
Excellent—remote island location with minimal light pollution
Shade Coverage
Open, grassy area with minimal shade. Bring a canopy or tent for sun protection.
Scenic Views
Waterside bay views. Iconic 1920s lighthouse. Open horizon views. Sunset views over water.
Noise Level
Quiet overall. Water sounds (small waves, wildlife). No highway noise. Respect quiet hours 10 p.m.–6 a.m.
Best Time To Visit
Cooler months generally offer more comfortable conditions; summer brings heat, thunderstorms and insects. The $60 overnight fee applies year-round.
Vibe Check
This is REMOTE ISLAND ADVENTURE camping, not a convenience-focused destination. Open, waterside grassy area—very exposed, minimal privacy between neighbors. Peaceful by day; wind and water sounds dominate. No road noise. Very quiet nights (respect 10 p.m.–6 a.m. quiet hours). Expect other boat campers, especially weekends. The iconic lighthouse and natural setting create a unique ambiance—this is camping for experienced outdoors people seeking solitude.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You're an experienced boater or paddler seeking remote, peaceful island camping. You're comfortable with minimal services, pack-out discipline, and DIY water management. You want solitude and natural scenery over modern conveniences. ❌ SKIP IF: You need RV hookups, hot showers, potable water on-site, or quick resupply. You're uncomfortable with boat-dependent access or have young children needing supervised facilities. You expect trash collection, laundry, or camp store services. You're sensitive to insects (especially May–Sept).
Tips Advice
  • Bring your own potable drinking water and resupply before arriving.
  • Pack out all trash—there's no collection service on the island.
  • Bring heavy-duty insect repellent and consider bug nets for shelter.
  • Stake tents firmly—island winds can be strong.
  • Arrive with a full tank if using private boat; no fuel available on island.
  • Check harbor depth and tide schedule before departure.
  • The iconic lighthouse is worth exploring—pack a camera.
  • Expect minimal amenities and embrace the remote island experience.

More details

Park Area
Boca Chita Key, Biscayne National Park
Sites Tent Only
60
Family Friendly Notes
Island camping requires strong water skills and careful supervision of children. No playground facilities. Kids must be water-safe and comfortable with minimal amenities. The lighthouse and bay exploration offer adventure for families seeking outdoor education. Not ideal for very young children or families needing modern facilities.
Senior Access Discounts
50% discount with valid America the Beautiful Senior Pass
Amphitheater
No amphitheater
Boat Launch
Island access by private boat. Harbor depth approximately 4 feet at low tide. No hand-launch ramp; access via water only.
Nearby Attractions
Fowey Rocks Lighthouse (nearby), Elliott Key Campground (nearby island), shipwreck sites (Alicia, Lugano, Mandalay, Erl King, Arratoon Apcar), 19th century wooden sailing vessel—explore by snorkel or diving
Terrain Type
Flat to gently rolling. Open grassy area; mostly uneven, unpaved terrain in other sections
Temperature Ranges
Winter (Nov–Feb): 60–75°F daytime, 50–60°F nights. Summer (Jun–Aug): 85–92°F daytime, 75–80°F nights. Tropical humidity year-round.
Snow Season
None—southern Florida location
Monsoon Season
No formal monsoon. Summer thunderstorms (June–Sept) possible. Afternoon showers common.
Wind Exposure
Island location with moderate to strong wind exposure. Waterside winds can be significant—stake tents securely.
Bug Season
Insects present year-round; heavy populations May–Sept (mosquitoes, no-see-ums, flies). Bring insect repellent.
Setup Strategy
BOAT-IN ONLY: Arrive by private boat or arrange ferry service (check with park for options). Pull boat to island via shallow-water landing or dock if available. Carry all gear to site by hand—no vehicle support. Select from open grassy area; most sites are level. Stake tent firmly for wind resistance. No hookups or utilities—set up as dry camping (water, waste management self-contained).
Bath Laundry Recon
Boca Chita has toilets, picnic tables and grills, but no showers, sinks or drinking water. Bring all water and supplies. Cold showers and drinking-water facilities belong to Elliott Key, not Boca Chita; carry backup water there in case of outages.
Review Summary
Campers rave about the remote, peaceful island experience and iconic lighthouse. Common praise: solitude, natural beauty, unique adventure. Common concerns: strict pack-out discipline, limited amenities, boat access requirement, heavy insects May–Sept. Most recommend bringing a full water supply, good bug spray, and a reliable boat or ferry reservation.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring an RV or trailer?

No. Island access is by boat only. Tent camping exclusively. No vehicles allowed on the island.

Do I need to make advance reservations?

No advance campsite/slip reservations. Overnight camping/docking is $60 per night year-round, with no summer waiver. Download the Recreation.gov app before departure and use Scan & Pay at the kiosk by sunset. Day-use docking is a separate $25 charge Friday–Monday and federal holidays.

Is drinking water available on the island?

No drinking water, showers or sinks at Boca Chita. Bring all drinking and cooking water from the mainland.

What about insects and weather?

Insects are present year-round; expect heavy mosquitoes and no-see-ums May–Sept. Bring strong insect repellent. Summer thunderstorms possible. Island is exposed to wind—secure tent well.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not permitted on Boca Chita Key. Only service animals (ADA-defined) are allowed.

What's the best time to visit?

Cooler months can mean lower insect pressure. Summer brings heat, humidity, insects and thunderstorms; overnight camping/docking remains $60 per night year-round, with no summer waiver.

How do I get to the island?

Private boat or ferry service only. Harbor entrance is approximately 4 feet deep at low tide. Check tide schedules and boat draft before departure. No rental services on island.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.