Dry Tortugas National Park guide · 1 min read
Primitive Camping on Garden Key
Garden Key is the only island in the park with campsites. At roughly 14 acres, it ranks second in size among the park's islands, and people have affected it more than any other.
The campground lies within easy walking distance of the public dock. Each site includes a picnic table and a metal grill, set on a mix of sand and grass.
The island has eight regular campsites, and none of them can be reserved in advance. Spots go first come, first served, and campers who arrive are guaranteed a place. If all eight sites fill, an overflow area is available. Each individual site can hold up to three two-person tents, or six people. Parties of ten or more who want the group campsite must arrange it ahead of time by submitting a reservation form.
You can reach the island by your own private vessel, with a permitted tour guide, or on the commercial Yankee Freedom ferry. The ferry carries only a limited number of campers each day, and its reservations sell out months in advance, so book early. Ferry camping trips include breakfast and lunch on arrival day, free snorkel equipment, and a narrated tour of Fort Jefferson lasting about 45 minutes. A boat carries you out and back on your booked dates. The seaplane will not carry camping gear.
The island has toilets, yet running water, electricity, and Wi-Fi are all absent. Careful planning is essential for a stay here.
After dark, the sky draws stargazers, and the sun sets over open water. Garden Key also has swimming and snorkeling areas, and the surrounding waters hold coral reefs and abundant marine life. Fort Jefferson, a 19th century brick fort, occupies the island and is the biggest brick building in the Western Hemisphere.
