Garden Key Campground
24.6270, -82.8734 · Park boundary: National Park Service
Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson, has a primitive campground only a short walk from public dock and piers. Individual sites can accommodate up to three 2-person tents (6 persons max per-site) on a first-come, first served basis. In the event a regular campsite is unavailable, an overflow area will be made available. Upon arrival all overnight visitors will be provided a place to camp. For parties of 10 or more, a group campsite is available through our website.
- Every day
- All Day
Campgrounds are open 24/7 all year round including holidays.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
The campground is a self-service fee area with a nightly fee of $15 per campsite. A 50% discount applies to holders of the Golden Age or Golden Access Pass. No other discounts apply. Fees paid for transportation (seaplane or ferry) do not include camping fees.
A 50% discount applies to holders of the Golden Age or Golden Access Pass.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
You may reserve a group camp site that holes 10-20 campers. Call 305-242-7700 to reserve.
- Host on site
- Yes - year round
- Toilets
- Composting Toilets - year round
- Amphitheater
- No
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Drinking water
- No water
- Dump station
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Food storage lockers
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
- Trash & recycling
- No
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Not allowed
- Trailers
- Not allowed
- Access roads
- No Roads
- Classification
- Primitive Camping Areas
- Cell service
- There is no cell phone service at the Dry Tortugas.
Campsites are accessible by wheelchair as well as restrooms. Please note that campsites may be sandy and grassy.
There is a ramp at the Fort Jefferson dock in which power chair/wheelchair can disembark from the boat. Camping sites are accessible and well as restrooms. There are no showers at the Dry Tortugas. The 19th century brick fort has three floors and wheelchairs are not able to get to the second and third tier. The fort is accessible only on the first tier on the grass surface or the brick walkway as well as the trail on the outside of the fort.
Charcoal briquettes placed in campsite BBQ grills are only fires allowed. Gas camping stoves are permitted by the park, but commercial ferries do not permit them on board.
Rats have inhabited the Tortugas probably since the arrival humans. Though the size of the rat population is controlled, rats may be encountered as they forage through campsites looking for food. The only reliable way to protect your food and prevent damage to your gear is to store your food and food trash in hard-sided containers. Rats will chew through tents or backpacks if they smell food, and can also climb the provided handing posts. Grey water from dishwashing, etc. should go below the high tide line at the dinghy beach.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote parks in the National Park System. Located approximately 70 miles west of Key West it is accessible only by a daily concession ferry, private boats, charter boats, or seaplane. There is no commercial airplane or car access to the island. Also if traveling to the island you need to make preparations for all needs as there are no facilities other than a small gift shop in the fort.
It is always wise to check the weather before arriving at the Dry Tortugas. During the summer temperatures can rise into the 90s and during the winter temperatures can drop to the 50s. Summer storms are common and rough seas will happen during winter.
Important tips and regulations: Be prepared for your visit. This is a primitive camping experience. Campers must provide for all their basic needs, including food, water, shelter, medication, and other essentials. Composting toilets are available, but all trash and garbage must be packed out. There are no showers. Space is limited- 3 tents and 6 campers are the maximum allowed per site Do not attach anything to a tree, including camping gear Wood fires are prohibited- Gas camping stoves or charcoal briquettes placed in campsite BBQ unites are the only fires allowed Protect your foodstuffs- store your food in hard-sized containers or hang it from the posts provided. Clear your campsite by 10:00 a.m.- Leave everything completely clean and clear. Carts are available to move your gear. Captains insist that you load your gear no later than 11:00 a.m.
The Garden Key Campground area is located on the south west side of Garden Key, in a grassy area dotted with palm trees, grills and picnic tables and a larger more heavily vegetated area on the fringe of the beach. Starting from the Garden Key docks and facing west, the large three tiered red brick Fort Jefferson looms on your right, encircled by a shallow saltwater moat. Across the moat from the fort is an open field and approaching the grassy campground, the groups site is indicated by a sign and a grouping of gray picnic tables and black grills. Continuing south west, smaller campsites are indicated by a picnic table, grill and 6 foot wooden pole with several hooks for hanging food and other camping materials. Wide leafed sea grape trees, palm trees and button wood trees offer sun and wind protection over small sandy patches in the grass where tents can be erected. Continuing southwest through the campground and towards the coaling dock platform, a sandy path winds around campsite, palm trees and ends at the bathroom facility. The bathrooms are located in a brown, square, wooden building up a gradual inclined ramp with thick black tap to prevent slipping. Two adjacent doors each lead to vaulted toilets. Leaving the restroom a series of signs to the left highlight interpretive information and indicate a short route to a sandy beach. Walking along the white sandy path there are small succulent green plants covering the ground of the remining camp area. Here, there white sand and waves crashing along the moat wall. Following the beach back to the fort, the campground area again comes into view as you circle back to the docks.
Drive to Garden Key Campground
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