Can you stay in the Tortugas?

Sleeping in or near Dry Tortugas Dry Tortugas has no lodging within park boundaries. Most people stay in Key West before and/or after their travel to and from the park, which can be done only by boat or seaplane. Key West lies at the end of US-1, the Overseas Highway, and has many lodging options.



Yes, you can stay overnight in Dry Tortugas National Park, but the only option is primitive camping on Garden Key, right next to Fort Jefferson. There are no hotels, lodges, or water/electricity hookups. In 2026, you must bring everything with you—including all your fresh water, food, and fuel—and take all your trash back to the mainland. A supportive peer "logistics" warning: while the park doesn't take reservations for the 6-person individual campsites (they are first-come, first-served), the Yankee Freedom ferry that transports campers only has a limited number of "camper spots" available per day. These ferry spots often sell out 9 to 12 months in advance in 2026. If you miss the ferry reservation, your only other option is to arrive via private boat or seaplane (though seaplanes don't allow overnight stays with gear). It is a true "bucket list" experience with world-class stargazing and total seclusion.

People Also Ask

The campground is a self-service fee area with a nightly fee of: $15 per night, per individual site. $30 per night for the LARGE group site.

MORE DETAILS

The entrance fee for Dry Tortugas National Park is $15.00 per person and is good for 7 consecutive days. Any person under 16 years of age is exempt from paying an entrance fee (this includes international visitors).

MORE DETAILS

Located some 70 miles west of Key West, and consisting of wide-open water and a smattering of small islands, Dry Tortugas is actually the wettest national park in the country—one that necessitates swimming and snorkeling to really grasp its breadth.

MORE DETAILS

A definite yes! I wasn't sure as well if it was going to be worth the money and worth the money to stay in the party town of Key West for a couple of nights. But let me tell you not only is Dry Tortugas one of the best national parks i have been too, it is almost a life-changing experience!

MORE DETAILS

Dry Tortugas is a cluster of seven islands located about 70 miles west of the Florida Keys. Of course, one of the reasons for its low visitorship is that it's only accessible by boat or seaplane.

MORE DETAILS

More than 80,000 people a year come to see and explore this secluded oasis and all of its eco-wonders. Elevation: 10 feet. Average annual precipitation: Throughout the year, in Dry Tortugas National Park, there are 87.8 rainfall days, and 36.42? (925.1mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

MORE DETAILS

Unfortunately, while the Dry Tortugas were an attractive destination for marauding pirates, they were also the site of some 200 shipwrecks before the construction of the lighthouse on Loggerhead Key.

MORE DETAILS

Weather of Dry Tortugas National Park The Keys are hot and humid during the wet summer season and the insects bite and swarm. Be aware that seas are rough from October through January. Always wear sun screen whenever you visit.

MORE DETAILS

Hundreds of species of marine animals lie just below the surface of the water. There are opportunities to view sharks, sea turtles, coral, lobsters, squid, octopus, tropical reef fishes, and Goliath groupers.

MORE DETAILS