Garden Key Campground

About

Garden Key Campground provides a rare primitive camping experience within the walls of a Civil War-era military installation. Located on a 16-acre island dominated by the massive hexagonal Fort Jefferson, campers enjoy immediate access to crystal-clear waters with exceptional snorkeling directly off the beach. The park's remote location in the Gulf of Mexico, far from any light pollution, makes it one of the best stargazing locations on the East Coast. Each of the 8 individual campsites accommodates up to 6 people in three 2-person tents maximum. Sites include picnic tables, elevated charcoal grills, and posts for hanging food and gear away from wildlife. Composting toilets are available but close from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. There is no potable water, electricity, showers, or cell service. Campers must pack out all trash. When all sites are occupied, an overflow area on the grassy parade ground provides additional camping space, so ferry passengers are guaranteed a place to camp. Access is exclusively by boat or seaplane from Key West. The Yankee Freedom ferry operates daily and includes snorkel gear and a basic lunch. Private boaters should note that Hurricane Ian damaged several dock facilities, and space for personal vessels remains extremely limited. The group campsite, accommodating 10-20 people, is the only site accepting advance reservations.

Directions

Dry Tortugas National Park is 70 miles west of Key West and accessible only by boat or seaplane. The Yankee Freedom III ferry departs daily from Key West. Seaplane services also operate from Key West. There is no vehicle access. Private boaters should be aware that dock space is extremely limited due to ongoing Hurricane Ian repairs.