National Park

Biscayne National Park

National Park★ 4.7 on Google
Divers explore a vibrant coral reef in Biscayne National Park, Florida, with sunlit turquoise water above.

Within sight of Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Evidence of 10,000 years of human history is here too; from prehistoric tribes to shipwrecks, and pineapple farmers to presidents. For many, the park is a boating, fishing, and diving destination, while others enjoy a warm breeze and peaceful scenery.

Quick facts

Entrance Fees
Park entrance is free. Overnight camping/docking is $60 per night year-round, including stays on a vessel and up to two tents/six people; no summer waiver. Day-use docking is separately $25 Friday–Monday and federal holidays, not an added overnight charge. First-come sites/slips; use Recreation.gov Scan & Pay at the kiosk by sunset.

Plan your visit

Entrance Fees
Park entrance is free. Overnight camping/docking is $60 per night year-round, including stays on a vessel and up to two tents/six people; no summer waiver. Day-use docking is separately $25 Friday–Monday and federal holidays, not an added overnight charge. First-come sites/slips; use Recreation.gov Scan & Pay at the kiosk by sunset.
Best Time To Visit
December–April for stable weather and visibility; plan for boat schedules and crowd levels

Highlights

Why Visit
Biscayne National Park spans a vast saltwater landscape with coral reefs, mangroves, and island groups. Its scale is measured in miles of reef and waterways that require water-based access, making it a study in marine ecology and landscape connectivity. The park presents a maritime ecosystem where human activity must be planned around boat access, tides, and seasonal weather; it is a laboratory for understanding coral health, seagrass beds, and coastal dynamics. The main hubs at Convoy Point and the lava-like history of Boca Chita Key offer practical anchors for structured exploration and camping experiences on Elliott Key, with fees and permits clearly outlined for day use and overnight stays.
Top Things To Do
Snorkel or dive the coral reefs; visit Boca Chita Key lighthouse and shoreline; take a boat tour to explore the islands and marine life

Areas to plan around

Convoy Point
Dante Fascell Visitor Center; launch point for island trips; accessible Jetty Trail
Boca Chita Key
Historic lighthouse vantage; day-use docking; island shores
Elliott Key
Spite Highway Trail (7 miles); wildlife viewing; camping and island access
Offshore Reefs and Waters
Snorkeling/diving opportunities; mangroves; seagrass beds; manatee and dolphin habitat

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports
Miami International (MIA), Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood (FLL); alternative: Key West International (EYW)
Getting There Driving Distances
Miami to Convoy Point ≈ 30–40 miles (48–64 km) depending on route
Getting There Entrances
Convoy Point (Dante Fascell Visitor Center) access from Homestead; island access to Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key by boat
Getting Around Shuttles
Shuttle/trolley option for mainland to park; island travel by boat or private charter
Getting Around Reservations
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.
Getting Around Parking
Biscayne’s navigable waters are open 24 hours, and Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key are open for camping. Visitor-center and Convoy Point access have separate limits; check the NPS facility page and arrange mainland vehicle parking separately from island boat docking.

Where to stay

Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
No on-site lodging; nearest lodging in Homestead and the Florida Keys
Where To Stay Campgrounds
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.
Where To Stay Gateway Towns
Homestead, FL; Miami area; Florida City

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country
No bears; wildlife encounters mainly marine; keep 300 feet from seabird colonies; do not feed wildlife; report injured wildlife
Safety Weather
Subtropical climate; hot and humid summers; mild winters; afternoon thunderstorms May–October
Safety Altitude
Sea level to low elevations; minimal altitude risk
Safety Leave No Trace
Pack out trash; stay on trails; secure boats and gear; respect wildlife and fragile habitats
Safety Permits Needed
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.
Wildlife Overview
Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, reef fish, jellyfish, plus migratory birds
Wildlife Where To See
Manatees near channels; dolphins offshore; bird colonies in shallow harbors; reefs attract diverse marine life
Wildlife Safety
Do not feed wildlife; observe from distance; maintain 300 feet from bird colonies; report injuries

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy
Day 1: Convoy Point + Boca Chita; Day 2: Elliott Key trek; Day 3: reef-focused boat day
Entrance Hacks
No general entry line; seasonal trolley serves access; island travel requires boat; boat docking fees apply
Basecamp Logic
WEST SIDE (Homestead area): closer to services, more frequent access; EAST SIDE: more remote island experiences, limited facilities
Crowd Calendar
Peak in December–April; shoulder in May–October with humidity and storms; winter ops mild and quieter
Tips Advice
  • No general entry fee
  • Docking and camping fees apply; plan in advance
  • Boat access required for most island sites
  • Bring sun protection and reef-safe sunscreen
  • Do not feed wildlife; keep distance from colonies

More details

Park Code
bisc
Tagline
National Park (NPS)
Quick Facts Entrance Fees
Park entrance is free. Overnight camping/docking is $60 per night year-round, including stays on a vessel and up to two tents/six people; no summer waiver. Day-use docking is separately $25 Friday–Monday and federal holidays, not an added overnight charge. First-come sites/slips; use Recreation.gov Scan & Pay at the kiosk by sunset.
Nearby Services
Medical and gas in Homestead; hospitals ~30–45 minutes away; services clustered around Homestead/Miami
Family Friendly Notes
Boat-based exploration suitable for families; supervise children near water; ranger programs when available
Accessibility
Convoy Point has accessible facilities; Jetty Trail is wheelchair-friendly; island trails vary in accessibility
Photography Tips
Tide and light angles matter for reef photography; avoid blocking boat traffic; respect wildlife and closures
When To Visit Peak Season
December–April
When To Visit Shoulder Season
May–October
When To Visit Winter
November–February: mild, lower humidity
When To Visit Road Opening
N/A; access is water-based; no seasonal road openings
Wildlife Bear Spray Rentals
Not applicable; no bears in the park
Weather Averages
Subtropical climate; warm year-round with seasonal swings
Weather Precipitation
Afternoon thunderstorms common May–October; drier in winter
Weather Info
The park is situated in a subtropical climate, which ensures sunshine year-round. Winters are normally dry and mild, with occasional fronts bringing wind and little rain. Summer brings hot and humid weather with scattered thunderstorms in the afternoons. The average temperature in January is 68 degrees Fahrenheit and 82 in July. The average rainfall for the area is 2.17 inches in January and 3.95 inches in July. June to November is hurricane season.
What To Bring Essential Gear
Sunscreen (reef-safe), water,Hat, snorkeling gear, insect repellent, reef-friendly gear, dry bag
What To Bring Clothing
Lightweight, quick-dry clothing; sun protection; no cotton; water shoes recommended
Review Summary
Visitors rate the park highly (4.7/5 from thousands); plan ahead for boat access and camping; crowds peak December–April

Location

Coral reef with two snorkelers diving below the surfaceDowntown Miami in background.Underwater view of coral reef with a large school of yellow and blue fishThe coral reefs are located mostly on the Eastern side of the park.Green sea turtle

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to camp in Biscayne National Park?

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.

Can I drive my vehicle directly to the islands?

No vehicle bridge reaches the park islands. Biscayne’s navigable waters are open 24 hours, and Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key are open for camping. Visitor-center and Convoy Point access have separate limits; check the NPS facility page and arrange mainland vehicle parking separately from island boat docking.

Are there general entrance fees for Biscayne National Park?

No general entrance fee for park entry; fees apply only to docking and camping on the island keys.

What wildlife safety rules should I know?

Maintain distance from wildlife; do not feed animals; 300 feet from bird colonies; report injured wildlife to the park.

What are the main access points for planning my trip?

Convoy Point (Dante Fascell Visitor Center) is the mainland hub; island access is by boat to Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key.

Essential Biscayne National Park guides

Use these first for the decisions that affect the whole trip. Every guide is part of this park’s planning library.

Fowey Rocks Lighthouse

Five miles offshore, a solitary 50-foot tower marks Miami's deadliest reef. Built 1875, still the "Eye of Miami."

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All Biscayne National Park guides 5 published

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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 October 2026. Report an issue.