Florida / Monroe County

Garden Key Campground

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. The moat wall at Fort Jefferson is closed for repairs until Fall 2026, but the campground and beaches remain open. Cuban migrant landings may occasionally impact visitor areas. Accessible only by ferry, seaplane, or private boat.

About

Garden Key Campground provides a unique primitive camping experience at Dry Tortugas National Park, one of the most remote parks in the National Park System. Located approximately 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, the campground is accessible only by daily concession ferry, private boats, charter boats, or seaplane. The campground features 8 first-come, first-served campsites, each capable of accommodating up to three 2-person tents with a maximum of 6 people per site. When regular campsites are unavailable, an overflow area is provided to ensure all overnight visitors have a place to camp. A group campsite for parties of 10-20 people is available by advance reservation. This is a truly primitive camping experience requiring complete self-sufficiency. Campers must bring all food, drinking water, shelter, medication, and other essentials. Composting toilets are available year-round, but there are no showers or potable water on the island. All trash and garbage must be packed out. The campground is located a short walk from the public dock and piers near historic Fort Jefferson. Wood fires are prohibited; only charcoal briquettes in campsite BBQ grills are allowed, and gas camping stoves are permitted by the park but not on commercial ferries. Food must be stored in hard-sided containers or hung from provided posts to protect from wildlife. Campers must clear their sites by 10:00 a.m. and load gear by 11:00 a.m. for ferry departure. The nightly fee is $15 per campsite with a 50% discount for Golden Age or Golden Access Pass holders.

Directions

Dry Tortugas National Park is located approximately 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico. The park is accessible only by daily concession ferry, private boats, charter boats, or seaplane. There is no commercial airplane or car access. The Yankee Freedom III ferry departs daily from Key West. Campers arriving by ferry are limited to three nights. The campground is a short walk from the public dock and piers on Garden Key.

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