CAMPING SEASON
Camping on Elliott Key in Biscayne National Park is allowed year-round, but you’d have to be out of your mind to come much past April due to bugs and high temperatures. The best time to camp is from November through March. I was there in early March and the bugs were already prevalent, but not burdensome. A volunteer told me that once the bug season comes, you can’t even step off your boat without being eaten alive. Park employees wear full mosquito suits in the summer.
TYPE OF CAMPING
People staying overnight at Elliott Key have the choice to tent camp on the island or sleep in their boat.
Elliott Key is known as being a family campground. Those who want to party and stay up late playing loud music should consider camping on Boca Chita Key.
NUMBER OF SITES
An official campsite on Elliott Key is one next to a picnic table with a grill. However, if these are all taken, you can pitch a tent anywhere around the harbor area except in the large field to the left of two buildings—the old visitor center and the restroom. This is a recreation field that doubles as a helicopter landing pad that must be kept open in case of emergency.
There are also picnic tables with no grills, and these are the designated tables for those actually picnicking. However, I doubt anyone is going to complain if you pitch your tent next to one when the official campsites are taken.
There is a group campsite on the other side of the island, a .4-mile walk. Hike the Elliott Key Loop Trail to get there. The campsite is at a clearing with some picnic tables and the only fire pit on the island where campfires are allowed. The group campsite can hold up to thirty-five people and five large tents. The minimum number of campers is ten. Group camping requires a reservation, so call (786) 335-3609 to make one.
TERRAIN
The camping area on Elliott Key is mainly flat with a few shade trees, but unless your tent is in the shadow of one of them, it is exposed to the sun. Most campsites butt up to the forest, and you can get more shade by placing your tent as close to the trees as possible, but this is also where you will find the most mosquitoes.
AMENITIES
Each official campsite on Elliott Key comes with a picnic table and grill, but as mentioned, once those are taken you can pitch a tent anywhere but on the big field.
The island has a modern restroom with flush toilets, sinks, and cold water showers. Fresh drinking water is available outside the restroom, but the pump is operated by a generator. It is suggested that you bring your own water just in case the generator breaks. Furthermore, there are no food concessions on the island.
There is no electricity available to campers or boaters. Generators are allowed except during quiet hours.
RESERVATIONS
Except for the group campground, reservations for camping on Elliott Key are not accepted, so everything is first come, first serve.
FEES AND PAYMENT
Anyone with a boat staying past sunset on Elliott Key must pay the boat docking / camping fee (currently $35). If you are getting dropped off, then you pay the camping-only fee (currently $25). If you have the Recreation.gov app on your phone, you can pay by credit card when you arrive. Scan the QR Code at the dock kiosk. If there is no phone service, you can still make the payment. Information is stored in the app and payment will be processed when you get to a location with cell service.
You can also pay by cash, but you won’t be getting any change. Pick up a payment envelope at the dock-side kiosk, fill out the information, tear off your receipt, and place the envelope with your payment into the collection box.
Each campsite fee allows two tents and up to six people. If you have more tents or people than this, you must pay an additional fee.
For the latest fees, check the National Park Service’s official Camping web page for Biscayne National Park.
CAMPGROUND RULES
• Campfires are not allowed except in the fire pit at the Group Campground
• Pets must be on a lease and cannot be left unattended
• All trash must be carried out with you
• Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM
• Generators are allowed except during quiet hours.
• Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days and 30 days total per year
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Last updated on November 1, 2023