How much does camping cost at Boca Chita Campground?

Camping fees at Boca Chita Campground range from $25-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Boca Chita Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Boca Chita Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Boca Chita Campground before I book?

Yes! Boca Chita Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Boca Chita Campground?

Boca Chita Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Boca Chita Campground?

Boca Chita Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Boca Chita Campground have?

Boca Chita Campground has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Boca Chita Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Boca Chita Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Boca Chita Campground?

Boca Chita Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Boca Chita Campground

4.50

101 reviews

Top 3%Winter

Scenic Views

Featured in:Camping Near Biscayne National Park#1 Camping Near Everglades National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3 ft

Price

$25 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

No reservations may ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3 ft

Price

$25 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

No reservations may ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Boca Chita Campground

$25.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Docking and Camping: $60.00; Docking: $25.00; Overnight Camping: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3...

Standard Site Fee$35.00

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305-230-1144BISC_Information@nps.gov

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Campground Map

Boca Chita Campground

25.5231, -80.1746

Weather at Boca Chita Campground

Current alerts(1)

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.

Best Time to Camp at Boca Chita Campground

Best season: winter. Winter offers the best combination of cooler, drier weather (daytime highs typically 65–75°F, nights around 55–65°F), lower humidity, and far fewer mosquitoes—making boating, snorkeling over the nearby reefs, kayaking, and birdwatching most enjoyable. Water clarity and calm seas are often at their peak after seasonal cold fronts, so underwater visibility and wildlife viewing are excellent. Crowd levels are generally moderate (weekends and holidays draw more boaters) and hurricane risk is at its低 Peak months: January, February, March Avoid: September, October

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in US

Winter is ideal: cooler temps, mosquitoes mostly gone, peak water clarity per overview.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: No reservations may be made in advance for these campgrounds; they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

About Boca Chita Campground

Boca Chita Campground sits on a small island in Biscayne National Park, accessible only by private boat or charter. The National Park Service operates this primitive waterfront site where campers snorkel over nearby reefs, kayak turquoise shallows, and watch wading birds from a historic lighthouse island. Winter brings the calmest seas and clearest water, with far fewer mosquitoes than the humid summer months.

The campground is designed for tent-only camping and boat-in visitors. There are no provisions for RV camping or advanced reservations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter offers the best combination of cooler, drier weather (daytime highs typically 65–75°F, nights around 55–65°F), lower humidity, and far fewer mosquitoes—making boating, snorkeling over the nearby reefs, kayaking, and birdwatching most enjoyable. Water clarity and calm seas are often at their peak after seasonal cold fronts, so underwater visibility and wildlife viewing are excellent. Crowd levels are generally moderate (weekends and holidays draw more boaters) and hurricane risk is at its低 Peak months: January, February, March Avoid: September, October

Elevation3 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe island rises just 3 feet above sea level, surrounded by clear subtropical waters that reveal living coral reefs a short swim from shore. Mangrove forests line portions of the coastline, while the open grassy camping areas provide unobstructed views across Biscayne Bay. On clear days, the Miami skyline appears on the western horizon. A historic 1930s lighthouse. Built by Mark Honeywell. Stands at the island's center, and visitors can climb it for panoramic views of neighboring keys and the Atlantic. The underwater landscape is the real draw. Snorkelers frequently spot tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations in the warm, transparent waters. Reviewers consistently praise the natural beauty and describe it as an escape from urban life, though the grassy, open terrain offers little shade.

Lodging & Accommodations"No hotel-style lodging options are provided." (authoritative source).

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no formal cultural or educational programs mentioned.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping is limited to 14 consecutive nights or 30 total nights within a calendar year.

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly supported at this location.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are made only through the Recreation.gov mobile app using a Scan and Pay QR code system.

Site SizeStandard tent sites available for camping.

PrivacySites are grassy and relatively open, making them less private.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesNo specific recommendations for sites based on privacy, views, shade, or accessibility.

Need help booking Boca Chita Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Boca Chita Key Campground offers basic and limited amenities with a clear focus on natural beauty and a rustic camping experience. The campground includes designated areas with picnic tables and grills, flushable toilets, and a half-mile hiking trail. Notable exclusions are showers, drinking water, electricity, and trash collection facilities.

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground supports a variety of activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking, and daytime use. However, swimming in the harbors is prohibited. The island is also a great spot for wildlife observation and photography.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

101 reviews

Recommended

Boca Chita Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the natural beauty, clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere. However, mosquitoes and lack of facilities like showers and drinking water are common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 101 reviews

What Campers Love

"Its a great escape from reality." "Beautiful place to go snorkeling and camping." Visitors appreciate the scenic views, unique boating access, and the rustic charm of the campground.

Based on 101 reviews

Common Concerns

"Mosquitoes this time of year were unbearable." A lack of basic facilities such as showers and drinking water was noted by multiple users.

Based on 101 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are first-come, first-served, and visitors recommend arriving early. Certain reviews highlight the dock's convenience but warn of limited space.

Based on 101 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers must bring plenty of mosquito repellent and plan for the absence of drinking water and trash facilities. Early arrival is advised to secure a campsite.

Based on 101 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquitoes are a major issue during the warmer months, while occasional cold fronts can provide relief. Summer months bring heavier insect activity.

Based on 101 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This little quaint secure island is a secret paradise." "The observation deck provides a fantastic view." "Bring plenty of mosquito spray, they can make your experience miserable if unprepared."

Based on 101 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 101 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

"Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed." This is a major restriction noted by pet owners.

Based on 101 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You have boat access and want a true island escape with excellent snorkeling and winter wildlife viewing.

Skip if

You need drive-up access, want guaranteed quiet weekends, or can't tolerate mosquitoes in warmer months.

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Campgrounds

Boca Chita Campground

About Biscayne National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Boca Chita Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

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.

Directions

The Dante Fascell Visitor Center may be reached from the Florida Turnpike by taking Exit 6 (Speedway Boulevard). Turn left from exit ramp and continue south to SW 328th Street (North Canal Drive). Turn left on 328th Street and continue for four miles to the end of the road. The park entrance is on the left just before the entrance to Homestead Bayfront Marina.