RV Camping at Biscayne National Park

At first, this destination doesn’t exactly spring to mind when it comes to RV road trips. Although it’s one of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the entire US, it’s not like other parks. You can’t simply drive in and explore with your RV. 

Since it’s 95% submerged underwater, enjoying the spoils of this national park requires a little more effort. Nevertheless, Biscayne National Park is a fantastic destination to grab an RV rental and head off on the Florida trip of a lifetime. 

In this guide, we’re going to check out everything there is to know about the park, from what you can see and do, the best time of year to visit, and where you can camp in your RV. This destination truly can make for the best RV road trip of a lifetime. Let’s dive in and find out how.

Biscayne National Park Is A Short Trip From Miami

Lying 15 miles south of Miami, Biscayne National Park is a stunning place to enjoy nature and indulge in various water sports while still being so close to the city. Spread across 172,000 acres, Biscayne sits mostly underwater, and land is hard to come by in these parts. 

Although you can still catch a glimpse of the Miami skyline when visiting Biscayne, you’ll still feel a world away. The park boasts spectacular scenery, crystal clear waterways, and lush greenery. 

The park is made up of multiple ecosystems including coral reefs and mangrove forests, in which you’ll discover a unique blend of wildlife and nature that you won’t find anywhere else in the US. As 95% of the park is underwater, the park is a top US destination for boating, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving.

While you explore and take part in all the amazing activities the national park has to offer, look out for some of the incredible wildlife that inhabits the park. Crocodiles, manatees, turtles, dolphins, sharks, and hundreds of species of birds and fish call this place home. So when’s the best time to take this all in and visit Biscayne? 

Biscayne Bay Is Fabulous All Year Long

Although Biscayne enjoys warm year-round weather, there are certainly favorable times to visit the park. Winter and spring serve as the best times to visit with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 68°F (20°C) and average around 79°F (26°C). 

Spring is also fantastic. Although temperatures begin to climb, it’s not as sweltering as summer. The milder temperatures mean spring is the best time to visit Biscayne, but be sure to book your trip early as this is also the more crowded time of year. 

During the summer, temperatures and humidity can be a problem in Biscayne and at times get uncomfortable. Fall, while in terms of temperature is spot on, is also hurricane season, so planning a trip can be risky. Be sure to check forecasts and stay up to date with the weather if you plan on visiting during fall. 

Now that you know the best time to visit and a little about the park, let’s check out exactly what there is to see and do. 

Enjoy The Wildlife And Scenery Above And Below Water

Biscayne boasts an abundance of spectacular natural sites, scenic spots, wildlife, and watersports. However, you’ll need a boat and an explorer’s spirit if you want to discover the best of it.  

Check Out The Wildlife 

Because of the unique ecosystems that make up the park, Biscayne is a fantastic place to check out the true locals, including sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, birds, and many species of fish. The coral reefs and mangrove forests in the area create a unique environment and serve as the provider to an array of wildlife. 

You can appreciate the stunning nature by taking a boat from North Key Lago, which is the furthest you can drive north in the Florida Keys. 

Take In The Scenery 

This Florida national park teems with life and the greenery and crystal clear waters make it a great place to simply appreciate your surroundings. 

You’ll also have an awesome backdrop of the Miami skyline, providing a super unique perspective on the city. Head to Biscayne at any time of year and you’ll come back with a collection of envy-worthy Instagram shots. 

Visit Boca Chita Key 

Boca Chita Key is the most popular island in the Biscayne National Park, and for good reason. The island includes reefs and mangroves that can be explored via some of the tours and hire companies that operate in the area. 

Please note – You will need to book these activities early if you plan to visit during spring as the National Park limits how many tours can operate. 

Boca Chita also holds the iconic lighthouse and museum from which you can learn all there is to know about the history and unique ecosystems of the area. 

Explore by Boating Paddle boarding or Kayaking Or Scuba Diving

By far one of the best ways you can explore this area is by paddle boarding or kayaking. Being so close to the water allows you to get up close and personal with the unique wildlife and fauna. 

Whether you have your own or you’re renting paddleboards or kayaks, getting on the water allows you to explore the areas that larger vessels can’t access. Jones Lagoon is an awesome place to start your paddle adventure as the calm waters create a perfect environment for a leisurely paddle. 

Go Fishing 

Although there are strict rules on where you can fish throughout the park, don’t let that put you off. These rules are in place to protect fish populations, so people can come and enjoy fishing in the area for generations to come. 

Discover Shipwrecks (Diving & Snorkeling) 

If there’s one thing you simply can’t miss in Biscayne, it’s diving and snorkeling. Follow the Maritime Heritage Trail or hire a guide to take you to one of the many offshore reefs and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular coral and hundreds of species of fish. You might even be lucky enough to spot manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks. 

RV Camping Spots Are Close To The Park

Although you can’t drive into Biscayne National Park, just south of Miami, there are several fantastic RV parks with all the creature comforts of home. The parks are still only a short drive away from Biscayne and serve as a great base to explore. 

There are two campsites in the actual national park. However, you’ll need a boat to access them and if you’re in an RV, you won’t be able to get there. 

Southern Comfort RV Resort 

Just minutes from the Florida Keys is Southern Comfort RV Resort. The park has everything you could ever want from an RV park including hot showers, toilets, a picnic area, pool, bar, and games area. 

Situated on East Palm Drive, you can’t go wrong with this Biscayne RV park. 

Larry & Penny Campground 

One of the best RV parks in the area and another perfect base for exploring Biscayne. The park has over 240 sites and boasts amenities such as a pool, pond, and even a private beach. 

Miami Everglades RV Resort 

This RV park is surrounded by palms and greenery, providing a natural setting despite being only miles from Miami itself. The site includes a pool, hot tub, all the basic amenities, and 300+ sites. 

P.S. Enjoy The Outdoors And Water In Comfort

Although unlike with other national parks in the US, you won’t be able to go RVing into the park itself, what Biscayne lacks in RV accessibility it sure makes up for in the experience it provides. You will have a fantastic family vacation here.

The place is incredibly unique. Being so close to Miami, you can enjoy all the luxuries of a great RV park, while also being able to jump on a boat and explore all the magical things Biscayne has to offer. 

Here are some of the main points to consider when making Biscayne part of your cruise America road trip: 

• Visit in winter or spring 
• Avoid fall (hurricane season) 
• Take part in the many water sports activities 
• Stay south of Miami in some of the best RV parks 
• You will need a boat to access all of what Biscayne has to offer

If you want to kickstart your trip to Biscayne and go Rving, check out all the RV rental options at RVnGO and head off on the road trip of a lifetime. 

Be sure to read our Road Trip Packing Check List and Great Meals For Road Trips.

You’ll have plenty of places to stop and enjoy the views on your RV road trip, and there are also plenty of tourist info centers where you can find out more about what to do in the area while you go RVing. You can save 30% or more when you rent an RV through RVnGO for your Biscayne Bay vacation. Not sure what to rent? Read this article on choosing between a Class A or a Class C. 

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