Biscayne National Park: planning guide
Mostly water: mangrove shoreline and coral reef south of Miami. Best seen by boat or snorkel, not by hiking.
Biscayne National Park is in FL, United States. The nearest town is Miami — roughly 11.1 mi (17.9 km) out, about 30 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: March through May, then September through November. Shoulder season: February and December.
Midsummer is hot, humid, and buggy; winter is mild and one of the better times to visit.
Biting insects and afternoon storms dominate summer. Repellent and a rain shell matter more than warm layers.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | 11.1 mi (17.9 km) | 30 min |
| Cutler Bay | 16.8 mi (27 km) | 41 min |
| Hialeah | 18.9 mi (30.4 km) | 45 min |
| South Miami Heights | 19.1 mi (30.7 km) | 45 min |
| Princeton | 21.9 mi (35.2 km) | 50 min |
| Richmond West | 22 mi (35.3 km) | 50 min |
| The Hammocks | 22.7 mi (36.6 km) | 51 min |
| Hollywood | 25.3 mi (40.8 km) | 56 min |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boca Chita | Reservable | — |
| Elliot Key | Reservable | — |
Where Biscayne National Park sits
Official Biscayne National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park sits close enough to Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Everglades National Park | 57.7 mi (92.9 km) | 1 hr 49 min |
| Dry Tortugas National Park | 188 mi (303 km) | 4 hr 54 min |
Parks close by
- Everglades National Park
A wide, slow-moving wetland across southern Florida. Sawgrass, mangroves, and wildlife — mosquitoes are part of it.
- Dry Tortugas National Park
A small island west of Key West with a brick fort and clear water. You get there by ferry or seaplane.
- Isla Contoy National Park
A small barrier island north of Isla Mujeres. Protected seabird and turtle nesting site — day visits by permit and boat only.
- Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park
Shallow reef and seagrass beds along the west coast of Isla Mujeres and nearby Cancún waters. Mostly marine — snorkeling and boat access.
Common questions
Where is Biscayne National Park?
Biscayne National Park sits in FL, United States. Miami, about 11.1 mi (17.9 km) away — roughly 30 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Biscayne National Park?
Generally March through May, then September through November, with February and December quieter on either side.
Can you camp in Biscayne National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 2 campgrounds at Biscayne National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.