Dry Tortugas Overview

Dry Tortugas National Park (Garden Key) Campground offers a unique camping experience in one of America’s most remote National Parks. Located in the Gulf of America, 70 miles west of Key West (FL), the national park includes 100-square miles of (mostly) open water and 7 islands protected by coral reefs.

The park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson (on Garden Key), one of the nation’s 19th century forts in the United States. The Dry Tortugas is also famous for its picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.

The Yankee Freedom Ferry offers daily trips departing from Key West, FL and takes about 2.5 hours to reach Dry Tortugas National Park. Each trip on the ferry includes breakfast and lunch, complimentary snorkeling equipment, and a fully narrated 45-minute tour of the fort. It also provides transportation for campers.

Visitors can also access the park on a seaplane. Key West Seaplane Charters offers morning, afternoon and full day tours. The flight is about 40 minutes from Key West. The seaplanes do not offer transportation for campers.

Dry Tortugas National Park Camping

Dry Tortugas Campground is very popular and reservations sell out months in advance. Only tent camping is allowed (up to 3 nights maximum) and campers must bring everything (including all gear, food, water, etc.).  Campers must arrive at the Yankee Freedom Ferry no later than 6:00 am the morning of your trip.

There are 10 (single-family) campsites available and each site has a table, BBQ pedestal and an area for tents. Each site can accommodate up to 3 tents and 6 campers.  Tents must also remain within ten feet of your table. There is also one group site available for groups of 10-40 campers. The group site also has grills and two tables.  Be prepared to share the limited campground area with others and also remember that flexibility is the key to a successful experience.

Composting toilets are available for campers from 3:00 PM – 10:30 AM daily. At all other times, the bathrooms and fresh water rinse (no soap allowed), aboard the Yankee Freedom Ferry are also available.

Please download the Camping Information Flyer for more details.

Dry Tortugas National Park Camping Reservations

Camping spots at Dry Tortugas open six months in advance. On the *first weekday of each month, between 8 AM and 5 PM EST, the Yankee Freedom booking calendar will release the ticket availability for the month that is exactly six (6) months out. Example: On October 1, availability opens for March 1–30.

Dry Tortugas National Park Activities and Recreation

The main attraction is touring the impressive Fort Jefferson. The fort is open during the day and tours are available. It also has a small gift shop and museum. Other activities include swimming, snorkeling, beach combing, hiking, birding, kayaking (bring your own), surf fishing, birding, stargazing and wildlife viewing.

Scuba diving is also popular. While the main ferry does not allow gear, private boat charters and specialized, permitted dive operators from Key West provide access to wrecks like the Windjammer and deeper, untouched reefs.

Make a Reservation for Dry Tortugas

Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Dock
• Museum
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Swim Beach
• Visitor Center

Activities

• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Kayaking
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Scuba Diving
• Skin Diving
• Snorkeling
• Stargazing
• Surf Fish
• Swimming
• Wildlife Viewing