Biscayne National Park in Homestead, FL 33033

Of Biscayne's 181,500 acres, 95% is under water, so most of the activities in this national park are water activities: boating, canoeing, diving, fishing, sailing, snorkeling, swimming, and water skiing, with a dollop of hiking, birding, wildlife watching, and camping for good measure.

Rangers give guided glass-bottom boat tours, for which reservations are recommended. Check park bulletin boards and visitor center, located at Convoy Point, for the current program schedule. Ranger/Naturalist programs include scheduled talks and hikes, offered year-round.

There is no fee to enter Biscayne National Park. The only fees are for camping and overnight docking. The overnight docking fee is $15 per night at Boca Chita Key Harbor and Elliott Key Harbor ($7.50 per night for holders of Golden Age or Golden Access Passports).

Two campgrounds are open to enthusiastic outdoor types in Biscayne National Park, located on two different Florida Key Islands: one on Boca Chita Key and the other on Elliott Key. These campgrounds are open year round, but boat transportation must be arranged to reach the islands. Both campgrounds operate on a first come first serve basis, and cost $10 a night.

At Boca Chita, there are picnic tables, grills, and rest rooms. No fresh water is available.

At Elliot, you'll find picnic tables and grills, rest rooms, showers and fresh water. There is also a group campsite available. The group campsite fee is $25 per night (maximum 25 people and 6 tents). The $15 per night overnight docking fee at the Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key harbors includes the use of one individual campsite. There is a 50% discount for holders of a Golden Access or Golden Age Passport.

No backcountry camping is allowed in the park.

There is no trash pickup on these islands, so all trash and garbage must be carried out with you.

Swimming, diving, snorkeling, wading, and waterskiing are permitted, but be alert to the fact that no lifeguards are on duty.

Fishing licenses are not required for ocean fishing. A Florida license is required when fishing in the bay. Crabbing and lobstering can be attempted in season, and Park rangers can supply fishing information.

Biscayne is a restaurant-free environment, but you can always bring your own food, and there are picnic tables and grills at Convoy Point, Adams Key, Boca Key, and Elliott Key.