Boca Chita Campground
Photo · NPS photo by Matt JohnsonThe place
Boca Chita Key is only accessible by boat. No services are available on the island. Boca Chita Key is the park's most popular island. It features beautiful waterfront views, a grassy camping area, picnic tables and grills. Toilets are available, but there are no showers, sinks or drinking water. The harbor entrance at low tide is approximately four feet. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation. Keep reading
gov mobile app. There is limited cellular connectivity at this location. Please download the free Recreation.gov mobile app and create an account prior to arrival. Recreation Boca Chita Key features daytime use and overnight camping. Grills and picnic tables are in designated camping areas. A half mile hiking trail starts just east of the restrooms. The trail continues to the south end of the island and emerges near the pavilion. Facilities Picnic Tables and grills are available at the designated campsites Flushable toilets are available at Boca Chita Key. There is no drinking water or electricity, sales facilities, sinks or showers. Camping and marina use fees are due daily upon arrival or no later than official sunset. No reservations may be made in advance for these campgrounds; they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tents – Permitted in designated areas only. There is no backcountry camping in the park. Camping is limited to fourteen consecutive days or no more than thirty days within a calendar year. Trash – There is no trash collection. Pack out all trash. Quiet Hours - 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. During quiet hours all noise must be kept to a minimum. Insects – May be prevalent year round. Expect heavy populations of insects during the warmer months. Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed on Boca Chita Key including vessels docked at Boca Chita Key. Fires - Ground fires are not permitted except at the group campsite on Elliott Key. Dead and downed wood may be collected only within the vicinity of the campgrounds. Wildlife – Do not feed wildlife. Food and garbage should be stored in a boat or animal-proof cooler. Swimming – Swimming is not permitted in boat harbors. Natural Features The iconic and historic lighthouse, built by Mark Honeywell in the 1930s, guides boats to the beauty and wonders of the park. Boca Chita is the most visited island in the park. The observation deck of the 65 foot tall lighthouse provides a fantastic view of islands, bay, ocean and Miami skyline. If park employees are around they may be able to open the observation deck for viewing. A half mile hiking trail starts just east of the restrooms. The trail continues to the south end of the island and emerges near the pavilion. Nearby Attractions Boca Chita Key is located just north of Elliott Key. Charges & Cancellations Ensure one of the designated 21 campsites is available prior to paying. Once payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications.
The sites · 45
| Loop | Site | Type | Max rig | Electric | ADA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 1 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 10 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 11 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 12 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 13 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 14 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 15 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 16 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 17 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 18 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 19 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 2 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 20 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 21 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 3 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 4 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 5 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 6 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 7 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 8 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Campsite 9 | tent only nonelectric | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 1 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 10 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 11 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 12 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 13 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 14 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 15 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 16 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 17 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 18 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 19 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 2 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 20 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 21 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 3 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 4 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 5 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 6 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 7 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 8 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Docking and Campsite 9 | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Campground | Overnight (Tue-Thu) | boat in | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Key | Day Use (Fri-Mon) | mooring | — | — | |
| Boca Chita Key and Campground | Overnight (Fri-Mon) | boat in | — | — |
Booking
Recreation.gov default: most campsites can be booked six months prior to arrival date. Most campgrounds go on sale at 7am PT / 8am MT / 10am ET, but not always; check the facility Seasons and Fees tab. Some locations also offer shorter supplemental booking windows.
Book on recreation.govFees
Your representative
This campground sits in FL-28. This member’s public-lands record →