Dry Tortugas National Park Florida

Dry Tortugas National Park Overview

Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of America, 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. It 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.

Visitors can only access the park by boat or seaplane. Key West Seaplane Charters offers morning, afternoon and full day tours.  The flight is about 40 minutes from Key West. The Yankee Freedom Ferry offers daily trips departing from Key West, FL and takes about 2.5 hours to reach the 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.

Dry Tortugas National Park Camping

Camping on Garden Key is very popular and reservations sell out months in advance. Only tent camping is allowed 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. Once you arrive, look for a table in the campground with a stenciled number. Only those tables with numbers are assigned to campsites.

There are 10 (single-family) campsites are available and each has a table, BBQ pedestal and an area for tents.  There is also one group site available for groups of 10-40 campers. The group site also has grills and two tables. Each site can accommodate up to 3 tents and 6 campers.  Tents must also remain within ten feet of your table. 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 Recreation & Activities

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.

Campground Map

Fort Jefferson Map

Make a Reservation for Dry Tortugas National Park

Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Dock
• Gift Shop
• Grills
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Ranger Station
• Restrooms (Vault Toilets)
• Swim Beach
• Visitor Center

Activities

• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Cultural Sites
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historic Sites
• Kayaking
• Paddle boarding (SUP)
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Sailing
• Scuba Diving
• Skin Diving
• Snorkeling
• Stargazing
• Swimming
• Tours
• Wildlife Viewing