Camping

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Biscayne National Park offers a wonderful respite from the rapid pace of urban life. One of the best ways to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the park is to spend a few days camping on Elliott Key or Boca Chita Key. Access to the islands is by boat only. For those who do not have their own boat transportation, the park's concessioner can provide transportation for campers (see Concession Offerings for more information about transportation to the islands). Elliott Key Camping on Elliott Key is allowed year round, but only in the designated campsites (see Elliott Key Map). All campsites have a picnic table and a grill and are designated by a "C" painted on the grill post. There is a group campsite located in the breezeway between the harbor and the ocean side of the island. In addition, Elliott Key has freshwater, cold water showers, and restrooms. There are trails and a buoyed swim area. Fishing is allowed from the maintenance dock and from the shoreline outside of the harbor, no wake zone, and swimming area. A fire ring is located 1/4 mile east of the harbor on the ocean side of the island. This is the only place in the park where a ground fire is allowed. Pets are allowed in the developed areas of Elliott Key but must be kept on an attended leash no longer than six feet in length. Pets are not allowed in the buildings or in the swim area. Boca Chita Key Camping on Boca Chita Key is allowed year round, but only in the designated campsites (see Boca Chita Key Map) east of the "Chapel." All campsites have a picnic table and a grill, Individual campsites are designated by a "C" painted on the grill post and the group campsite is designated by a "G" painted on the grill post. A saltwater restroom is available (no sinks or showers). Fishing is allowed except in the harbor, where the shoreline is bulkheaded, or in the creek going into the wetlands. There is no freshwater on the island. You must bring your own drinking and cooking water. Pets are not allowed on Boca Chita Key, on vessels in the harbor or tied up to the island, or in the shallow waters (less than three feet deep) surrounding the island. No ground fires are allowed. Fees Individual campsites (up to two tents and / or six people) are $10.00 per night. Group campsites (up to 6 tents and 25 people) are $25.00 per night. Payment of the overnight docking fee ($15.00 per night) includes the use of one individual campsite (if available). Holders of the Golden Age Passport or Golden Access Passport receive a 50% discount on camping and docking fees. Reservations are not accepted. All camping is first come, first served. Register on the islands at the kiosk located next to the harbor. The automated registration machine accepts U.S. currency. Additional Information Be prepared for mosquitoes and "no-see-ums." Generally there are a lot of them around in the summer and fewer in the winter but their presence can fluctuate greatly at any time of the year depending on the weather. There are no fuel or supply sales on the islands. Bring whatever you will need with you. Raccoons and rodents are present on the islands. To protect you and your supplies, your food and trash need to be kept in rigid, raccoon proof containers. Do not keep food in your tent. There is no trash pickup on the islands. All trash needs to be taken back to the mainland with you for disposal. Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. During quiet hours all noise must be kept to a minimum. Generators and other machinery must be turned off. At other times, noise or music must be at a reasonable level so as to not infringe on the enjoyment of others. Do not tie, hang, or attach anything to trees or buildings. Fires are permitted only in the provided grills, other grills designed for that purpose, or in the fire ring on the oceanside of Elliott Key. Dead and downed wood may be collected for use. Be careful not to collect and burn poison wood or pressure treated lumber — the smoke can be toxic. Coconuts can be collected from the ground but not from the trees. All other plants and animals are protected in the park — do not disturb them.

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For additional information about Biscayne National Park, please contact the park at:

Biscayne National Park
9700 SW 328th Street
Homestead, FL 33033-5634

(305) 230-7275

or Ask A Park Ranger

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Last Updated: Sunday, December 14, 2003, 11:30:00
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Editor: Gary Bremen
http://www.nps.gov/bisc/visit/camping.htm