This facility does not offer advance online reservation inventory for Campsite Sniper to monitor, and Campsite Sniper cannot determine real-time physical vacancy. Sites are claimed in person on arrival.
3 monitored sites: 3 first-come, first-served.
First-come, first-served — no advance reservations
About Boca Chita Campground
Overview
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.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.
Getting there
Boca Chita Key is only accessible by boat. Use of a nautical chart and/or GPS is recommended for safe navigation.
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
Photo gallery
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Boca Chita Campground?
Boca Chita Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Campsite Sniper does not have real-time on-site vacancy information for this facility; visitors claim sites in person on arrival.
Does Campsite Sniper book this campground for me?
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
How current is this availability data?
Campsite Sniper re-checks public Recreation.gov availability for this facility every hour and republishes whenever anything changes. This facility's data last changed at Sep 18, 2026 16:19 UTC; an older timestamp means nothing has changed since that time, not that checking stopped. Always confirm final availability on Recreation.gov when you book.
First-come, first-served
This facility does not offer advance online reservation inventory for Campsite Sniper to monitor, and Campsite Sniper cannot determine real-time physical vacancy. Sites are claimed in person on arrival. For arrival rules, season dates and current conditions, check the facility's page on Recreation.gov.
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