Campground

Garden Key Campground

Campground
Tents and supplies set up on the campground.

Garden Key Campground sits on a remote island 70 miles west of Key West and is reachable only by ferry, seaplane, or private boat—there are no roads to this place. The 8 individual tent sites and 1 group site occupy sandy, grassy terrain near Fort Jefferson and are steps from the dock, but this is true primitive camping: no water spigots, no showers, composting toilets only, and you must pack out all trash. Rats forage the island, so food storage in hard-sided containers is non-negotiable. Arrive prepared to be entirely self-sufficient.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Individual sites: First-come, first-served (walk-up on arrival). Group sites (10–20 capacity): Call 305-242-7700 to reserve.
Reservation Window
Individual sites: None—arrive and secure a spot on first-come basis. Group sites: Call 305-242-7700 (advance planning recommended, especially for peak seasons).
Reservation Tips
Individual campers: Arrive on an early ferry to secure your pick of sites. Group parties (10+): Call 305-242-7700 well in advance, especially October–April. Confirm ferry schedule with your concessionaire operator; ferry availability varies.
Fills Up Speed
Individual sites: Usually available (first-come basis). Group sites: Book weeks or months in advance (popular for organized groups).

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Individual sites: First-come, first-served (walk-up on arrival). Group sites (10–20 capacity): Call 305-242-7700 to reserve.
Reservation Window
Individual sites: None—arrive and secure a spot on first-come basis. Group sites: Call 305-242-7700 (advance planning recommended, especially for peak seasons).
Reservation Tips
Individual campers: Arrive on an early ferry to secure your pick of sites. Group parties (10+): Call 305-242-7700 well in advance, especially October–April. Confirm ferry schedule with your concessionaire operator; ferry availability varies.
Fills Up Speed
Individual sites: Usually available (first-come basis). Group sites: Book weeks or months in advance (popular for organized groups).
Per Night Cost
$15 per site, per night. Golden Age or Golden Access Pass holders: $7.50.
Extra Vehicle Fees
Not applicable (no vehicles)
Day Use Fees
$15 per person entrance fee (7-day pass). Children under 15 free. Ferry or seaplane tickets are separate and do not include camping fees.
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80 covers entrance fee, 7-day pass). Golden Age Pass (seniors 62+). Golden Access Pass (disability). Ferry tickets include entrance fee, but NOT camping fees.

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
8
Site Types
Tent camping only (individual and group sites)
Site Type Breakdown
8 individual tent sites, 1 group campsite
RV Max Length
RVs not permitted. No trailers. Vehicles are not transported to the island.
Group Sites Available
1
Group Site Capacity
10–20 campers
Hookups
Dry camping only. No water, electrical, or sewer hookups.
Site Features
Composting toilet (shared/nearby), fire grill (charcoal or gas only), sandy/grassy ground, no table or bear box
Ground Type
Sand and grass (keys terrain, generally flat)
Site Privacy
Limited. Eight sites on a small island means neighbors are close; plan for community atmosphere, not solitude.

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Composting toilets (year-round)
Potable Water
No water available on-site. Bring all potable water you need for drinking, cooking, and washing. Plan for 1–2 gallons per person per day minimum.
Dump Station
No dump station
Trash Service
Pack it out. No dumpsters. All trash, including food waste, must leave the island in your boat or bag.
Camp Store
No camp store on-site. Small gift shop at Fort Jefferson. All food and supplies must be brought from Key West or your mainland departure point.
Cell Service
No cell phone service on the island. Download offline maps and communicate plans before departure from Key West.
Nearby Facilities
Key West (70 miles away by ferry). All supplies, food, water, fuel, and medical services must be sourced before or during ferry transit. Small gift shop at Fort Jefferson only.

Access

Road Type
No roads. Island access by water or air only.
Road Conditions
No vehicle access. Ferry or seaplane required. Ferry crossings can be rough in winter; check sea conditions before booking.
Vehicle Restrictions
No RVs, trailers, or personal vehicles allowed. Access by ferry, seaplane, or private boat only.
Clearance Needed
Not applicable (no vehicle access)
Gate Hours
24/7 (island access via ferry from Key West only; ferry schedule varies by concession operator)
Distance From Entrance
Dry Tortugas National Park has no road access. Garden Key is reached by ferry (approximately 2.5 hours from Key West) or seaplane (approximately 45 minutes). Private boats also welcome.
Nearest Gas Services
Key West (ferry-dependent access). No fuel available on-island. Plan and refuel on the mainland.
Accessibility
All 8 campsites are wheelchair-accessible. Dock has a ramp for power chairs and wheelchairs. Restrooms (composting toilets) are accessible. Campsites may be sandy and grassy. Fort Jefferson first tier is accessible on grass surface and brick walkway; second and third tiers not wheelchair-accessible.
ADA Accessible Sites
All 8 individual sites are wheelchair-accessible with ramp access at dock. Composting toilets are accessible.

Rules & safety

Food Storage Requirements
Hard-sided containers (required—rats will chew through tents and packs if they smell food). Hang food from provided posts, but rats can climb; best practice is hard-sided storage at all times.
Fire Restrictions
Wood fires prohibited. Only charcoal briquettes in provided fire grills or gas camping stoves allowed (commercial ferries do not permit gas stoves on board—verify before booking).
Generator Hours
Not specified
Quiet Hours
Not specified
Max Stay Limit
Not specified
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Explore Fort Jefferson (3-story fort, first tier wheelchair-accessible), snorkel at Little Africa Patch Reef, fish, birdwatch (American White Pelican and other seabirds), visit nearby shipwrecks (Bird Key Wreck, Windjammer Wreck) by dinghy
Trailheads Nearby
Fort Jefferson trails and grounds on-site. Snorkel sites and shipwrecks accessible by dinghy launch from W. Garden Key Dinghy Beach (short walk from campground).
Fishing Details
Fishing is permitted in Dry Tortugas National Park. License and regulations vary by state of residence. Check with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before your trip.
Wildlife Viewing
American White Pelican, Brown Pelican, other seabirds, sea turtles (at distance), rats (common—store food carefully), fish
Stargazing Quality
Excellent. Remote island location far from light pollution—ideal for stargazing and Milky Way photography.
Shade Coverage
Minimal to none (open island, exposed to sun)
Scenic Views
Gulf of Mexico, Fort Jefferson (historic 19th-century brick fort on the same island), Tortugas Harbor
Noise Level
Generally quiet (island setting far from roads and towns). Wind and water noise dominant.
Best Time To Visit
Late October to April (mild weather, fewer storms, lower hurricane risk). Avoid summer (June–September) for rough seas and thunderstorms.
Vibe Check
This is not a forested or backcountry campground—it's a primitive island settlement where you share space with park staff and other campers in an open setting. No privacy between sites. The ambiance is rustic, exposed, and wind-swept.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You're an experienced backpacker or bushcraft camper who thrives on self-sufficiency, wants to explore a remote national park, and can navigate zero amenities. ❌ SKIP IF: You need showers, potable water on-site, cell service, or a "car camping" experience—or if you've never camped before.
Tips Advice
  • Pack 1–2 gallons of fresh water per person, per day—this is the hardest constraint.
  • Bring a headlamp; no electric lights at campsites.
  • Use hard-sided bear-proof containers for ALL food (including trash)—rats will destroy soft packs.
  • Stake tents firmly against Gulf wind; practice your knots before you go.
  • Bring wool socks and a fleece; island wind cuts chill.
  • Empty gray water below the high-tide line at the dinghy beach.
  • Plan your charcoal or gas carefully—resupply is ferry-dependent.
  • Sunscreen and shade cloth: minimal natural shade.

More details

Park Area
Garden Key, Dry Tortugas National Park (70 miles west of Key West, Florida)
Sites Tent Only
8
Sites Group
1
Family Friendly Notes
Primitive and remote setting requires serious preparation. Suitable for older children (10+) with outdoor experience. Families with toddlers should consider alternative parks: no playground, limited shelter, mandatory water discipline, and rat presence demand constant supervision.
Senior Access Discounts
50% camping discount with Golden Age Passport or Golden Access Passport
Amphitheater
No amphitheater (no ranger programs mentioned in park data)
Boat Launch
Hand-carry or dinghy launch from W. Garden Key Dinghy Beach (short walk from campground). Shallow, sandy approach.
Nearby Attractions
Fort Jefferson (on-site, historic 19th-century fort), Loggerhead Key (accessible by boat), Bird Key Wreck (snorkel destination), Windjammer Wreck (snorkel destination), Little Africa Patch Reef (snorkel spot), Dock House and Information station
Terrain Type
Flat (sea-level island)
Temperature Ranges
Summer (June–September): 85–95°F daytime, 75–80°F nighttime. Winter (December–February): 60–75°F daytime, 50–60°F nighttime.
Snow Season
None (subtropical climate)
Monsoon Season
Summer storms are common (July–September). Rough seas and weather are typical in winter (November–March). Check weather forecasts before booking your ferry.
Wind Exposure
High. Garden Key is exposed to Gulf winds; expect consistent wind, especially in winter. Protect your tent and gear; stake firmly.
Bug Season
Mosquitoes and biting insects year-round; bring repellent. Summer storms are common (July–September).
Setup Strategy
Gear arrives by ferry or seaplane only—no vehicle access. Cart service is available to move supplies from the dock to your campsite (short walk). Sites are on sand/grass; level ground, no high-clearance needed. Expect wind; stake tents firmly. Bring all supplies in one trip if possible—no resupply on-island.
Bath Laundry Recon
No showers. No laundry facilities. All hygiene is creek/ocean/washbasin-based. Plan accordingly.
Review Summary
Campers consistently report Garden Key as authentic primitive camping—remote, beautiful, and uncompromising. Most praise the snorkeling and Fort Jefferson history; all emphasize the need for thorough preparation (water, food storage, wind preparation). Not a beginner destination.

Location

Frequently asked questions

No water on-site? How do we drink and shower?

You bring all potable water (1–2 gallons per person, per day minimum). Showers are ocean salt-water rinses or washbasin/biodegradable soap baths. Gray water goes below high-tide line at the dinghy beach. Plan for no hot water—this is truly primitive.

Rats? Really?

Yes. Rats are present on the island and forage campsites for food. Hard-sided containers are mandatory, not optional. Tents and backpacks will be destroyed if they smell food. Store all food, including trash and toiletries with scent (sunscreen, bug spray), in hard-sided containers or hang from posts, but hanging is less reliable.

How do we get there? What's the ferry like?

Ferry from Key West takes about 2.5 hours. Seaplane (45 min) is faster but pricier. Ferry tickets run ~$130–190 per person round-trip (not including camping). Rough seas are common in winter; check weather before booking. Private boats welcome.

Is it really that primitive? No electricity, no showers, no water?

Yes, completely. You get a campsite, a composting toilet, and a fire grill. Everything else—water, food, shelter, waste—is your responsibility. This is a wilderness experience, not a campground.

Group site details: how many people, how far in advance?

Group site holds 10–20 campers. Call 305-242-7700 to reserve (not online). Book weeks or months ahead, especially for peak season (Oct–Apr). Costs $15/night × number of people (same rate as individual sites).

Can we bring a gas stove? What about charcoal?

Gas stoves are permitted by the park but NOT allowed on commercial ferries—seaplane only. Charcoal briquettes in provided campsite grills are the safest bet. Wood fires are prohibited.

Is there any cell service or internet?

No cell service and no internet on Garden Key. Download maps before you leave. Communicate plans with mainland contacts before departing Key West.

Sources

  • YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.