Garden Key Campground

Overview

Camping at Garden Key is an incredible experience with amazing star gazing, snorkeling, sunsets, and more! But you must be prepared to camp in this remote location. To assist you in your planning, be sure to review the information on this page to learn more about camping at Dry Tortugas National Park.

Camping transportation is limited to private vessel, permitted tour guides, or commercial ferry. Reservations on the Yankee Freedom ferry are limited and sell out months in advance. Once you arrive at Garden Key, camping is first come, first served for all regular sites (up to 6 people). All camping fees are paid on Garden Key and all LARGE groups of 10-20 require an advance reservation with the Park.

A primitive campground is located on Garden Key and is a short walk from the public dock.

• Reservations are not accepted for the 6-person sites. All campers, once they arrive, will be guaranteed a place to camp.

• The individual sites can each accommodate up to three 2-person tents (total of 6 people), and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  When you arrive:

  • Look for a table in the campground with a stenciled number. Only those tables with numbers are assigned to campsites.

  If all regular sites are occupied:

  • Should you find all eight regular sites occupied, you must share the overflow area with other campers. The overflow area is a grassy area near the regular campsites.

  • Tables and grills are provided in overflow sites, but they must be shared with other overflow campers. As campers leave, you may move to a regular site if one becomes available.

    Campers Supply Checklist

  • Food and Water: We recommend two gallons of water per person per day (remember the heat). Bring an extra day's supply of food and water in case of ferry cancellations. Bring food items in hard-sided containers for protection from rats and crabs. Posts are available to hang food and trash.

  • Shelter: Tent (required), sleeping bag and pad, and strong stakes for the frequent high winds.

  • Cooking: Match-light charcoal for campground grills (fuel is not permitted aboard ferries), waterproof matches and lighter, cooking utensils, biodegradable soap, and trash bags.

  • Clothing: Cold and warm-weather clothing, rain gear, lightweight long-sleeve shirt and pants for sun and bug protection, wide-brimmed hat.

  • Personal Equipment: Medications, first-aid kit, knife, flashlight with spare batteries, snorkel gear, binoculars, sunglasses and sunscreen, insect repellent, and personal items. Private boaters and paddlers require additional safety gear.

Recreation

The beach adjacent to the campground is only feet away from your campsite. Popular activities include fishing, swimming, exploring the Fort and snorkeling.

Natural Features

The campground is located right outside of Fort Jefferson on the shores of The Gulf of America.