Dry Tortugas National Park
Camping and Transportation
Fort Jefferson
camping and picnic grounds
Camping and transportation
Dry Tortugas National Park is open all year. Transportation
and day trips can be be booked in advance on the Tortugas
Ferry.
Fort Jefferson on Garden Key is open during daylight hours. Loggerhead,
East and Middle Keys are open year-round during daylight hours. Bush
Key is closed to visitors February through September to protect bird
nesting. Hospital and Long Keys are closed all year.
The 10-site campground is located on the same island as Fort Jefferson
and is a short walk from the public dock. Eight individual
camp sites can accommodate up to 6 people and 3 tents, and
are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A group
site is available for 10-40 people and must be reserved in
advance. Call 305-242-7700 to obtain a reservation
application. The campground is a self-service fee area with a nightly
fee of $3 per person. Fees paid for transportation (seaplane or ferry)
do not include camping fees. Campsites have picnic tables and grills.
Saltwater flush toilets and saltwater sinks are available at the dock.
Campers must bring all supplies, including fresh water, fuel, ice,
and food. All trash and garbage must be carried out upon departure.
Getting there by ferry
You can arrange for transportation to the Tortugas aboard the Fast
Cat II; a high speed catamaran ferry. The cost is $110 per person.
The ferry departs at 8am and returns at 5pm. Advanced reservation
are suggested. See more pictures in our
Tortugas
photo gallery.
Getting
there by seaplane
Sea plane transportation is provided by Seaplanes of Key West. For
schedules, prices, and reservations, contact 800-950-2FLY or 305-294-0709.
Getting there by private boat
Private boats are welcome, but must be fully self-sufficient. U.S.
Coast Guard and Geodetic Survey Chart #11438 is necessary for navigation
to the Dry Tortugas.
