Campground

Elliott Key Campground

Campground
Golden orange sunset mirrored in the calm waters of the bay

Elliott Key is a 20-site island campground accessible by boat only, featuring waterside and partially forested camping. Each site includes a picnic table and grill. Restrooms with cold water showers and potable water spigots are available. A 1-mile loop hiking trail and the 6-mile Spite Highway walking trail offer exploration options on the island.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Tips
Download the free Recreation.gov app to reserve your site and pay fees upon arrival via mobile phone Scan & Pay feature.
Season Dates
Open year-round, 24 hours daily
Per Night Cost
$35 per night (includes boat docking) or $25 per night (tent-only, no boat docking)

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Tips
Download the free Recreation.gov app to reserve your site and pay fees upon arrival via mobile phone Scan & Pay feature.
Season Dates
Open year-round, 24 hours daily
Per Night Cost
$35 per night (includes boat docking) or $25 per night (tent-only, no boat docking)
Extra Vehicle Fees
Boat docking included in $35/night camping fee
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
20
Site Types
Tent-only
Site Type Breakdown
20 tent-only sites (1 group site available)
RV Max Length
Not allowed
Group Sites Available
1
Group Site Capacity
1 group site available; maximum headcount unknown
Hookups
Dry camping only—no electrical, water, or sewer hookups
Site Features
Picnic table, fire grill
Ground Type
Unpaved, uneven natural terrain

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Restrooms with sinks and cold water showers
Showers Available
Cold water showers available
Potable Water
Water spigots available at restrooms

Access

Road Type
Boat access only
Road Conditions
Island accessible by boat only. Marina entrance approximately 2.5 feet deep at low tide.
Vehicle Restrictions
No vehicles allowed—boat access only
Clearance Needed
N/A—boat access only
Gate Hours
Open 24 hours daily, year-round
Distance From Entrance
Accessible by boat from Elliott Key Harbor
Accessibility
Island is uneven and unpaved and not suitable for most mobility devices. No ADA campsites. No paved paths or accessible facilities. Boat access only.
ADA Accessible Sites
No ADA campsites. Island terrain is uneven and unpaved, not suitable for most mobility devices.

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
1-mile loop hiking trail near campground, 6-mile Spite Highway walking trail, birding at Elliott Key, fishing in Biscayne National Park
Trailheads Nearby
1-mile loop hiking trail starts near campground; 6-mile Spite Highway walking trail runs across island
Fishing Details
Fishing available in Biscayne National Park; specific species and regulations unknown
Shade Coverage
Partially forested camping areas
Scenic Views
Waterside views
Vibe Check
Remote island campground with minimal amenities and zero vehicle traffic. Only boat noise and marine wildlife. Waterfront and partially forested sites with natural, uneven terrain. This is true back-country camping—rugged, solitary, and entirely dependent on your boat access.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You have reliable boat access and want genuine waterfront island camping. You're prepared for minimal amenities—cold showers only, no hookups, uneven natural terrain. You can navigate a 2.5-foot shallow marina entrance. You want absolute solitude and can pack all supplies self-sufficiently. ❌ SKIP IF: You need hot showers or laundry facilities. You have an RV or trailer (no vehicles allowed). You require cellular service or need ADA-accessible facilities. You can't reliably access boats or prefer close proximity to mainland resupply.
Tips Advice
  • $35/night with boat docking, or $25/night tent-only—choose based on your vessel.
  • Marina entrance only 2.5 feet deep at low tide—time your arrival for high tide.
  • Cold water showers only—bring quick-dry towels and plan for minimal hygiene infrastructure.
  • Island terrain is uneven and unpaved—wear sturdy boots and bring heavy tent stakes for variable ground.
  • No on-site resupply—pack all food, water, and supplies before arrival.
  • Seniors: 50% discount with America the Beautiful Senior Pass.

More details

Park Area
Elliott Key, Biscayne National Park
Sites Tent Only
20
Sites Group
1
Family Friendly Notes
Not recommended for families with young children due to uneven, unpaved terrain, cold-water-only showers, and minimal facilities. Older children (10+) capable of handling rugged conditions may enjoy the remote island adventure and freedom from vehicle traffic.
Senior Access Discounts
50% discount on camping fees with America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass
Boat Launch
Elliott Key Harbor marina; entrance approximately 2.5 feet deep at low tide
Terrain Type
Uneven, unpaved island terrain
Snow Season
No snow—tropical Florida location
Setup Strategy
Arrive by boat to Elliott Key Harbor (2.5 feet minimum depth at low tide). Select from 20 waterside or partially forested tent sites. Expect uneven, unpaved ground—bring sturdy stakes for variable soil. All gear and supplies must come by boat; no on-site resupply available. Cold water showers only.
Bath Laundry Recon
Cold water showers available at restrooms (no heated water). No laundry facilities—plan multi-day trips accordingly; pack extra clothing.
Review Summary
Campers praise Elliott Key for genuine remote island camping and complete solitude—waterfront sites and zero vehicle traffic are major draws for adventurers. Reviews emphasize you need reliable boat access and must pack completely self-sufficiently. Cold showers and uneven terrain filter out casual campers, leaving this for serious, boat-equipped wilderness seekers.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring an RV or trailer?

No. No vehicles are allowed—boat access only. This is tent camping exclusively on an island.

How do I get to Elliott Key Campground?

By boat only. Marina entrance is approximately 2.5 feet deep at low tide, so check tide conditions before arrival.

Are the showers hot?

No. Cold water showers only. Restrooms have sinks and potable water spigots, but no heated water.

How do I make a reservation?

Book via the Recreation.gov app or website. You can pay your camping fee upon arrival using the mobile Scan & Pay feature.

What does the camping fee include?

$35/night includes boat docking; $25/night for tent-only (no boat). Seniors receive 50% discount with America the Beautiful Senior Pass.

Are there trails to hike?

Yes. A 1-mile loop hiking trail starts near the campground, and the 6-mile Spite Highway walking trail runs across the island.

Boca Chita Campground

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

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.