The Garden Key Campground area is located on the south west side of Garden Key, in a grassy area dotted with palm trees, grills and picnic tables and a larger more heavily vegetated area on the fringe of the beach. Starting from the Garden Key docks and facing west, the large three tiered red brick Fort Jefferson looms on your right, encircled by a shallow saltwater moat. Across the moat from the fort is an open field and approaching the grassy campground, the groups site is indicated by a sign and a grouping of gray picnic tables and black grills. Continuing south west, smaller campsites are indicated by a picnic table, grill and 6 foot wooden pole with several hooks for hanging food and other camping materials. Wide leafed sea grape trees, palm trees and button wood trees offer sun and wind protection over small sandy patches in the grass where tents can be erected. Continuing southwest through the campground and towards the coaling dock platform, a sandy path winds around campsite, palm trees and ends at the bathroom facility. The bathrooms are located in a brown, square, wooden building up a gradual inclined ramp with thick black tap to prevent slipping. Two adjacent doors each lead to vaulted toilets. Leaving the restroom a series of signs to the left highlight interpretive information and indicate a short route to a sandy beach. Walking along the white sandy path there are small succulent green plants covering the ground of the remining camp area. Here, there white sand and waves crashing along the moat wall. Following the beach back to the fort, the campground area again comes into view as you circle back to the docks.

Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson, has a primitive campground only a short walk from public dock and piers. Individual sites can accommodate up to three 2-person tents (6 persons max per-site) on a first-come, first served basis. In the event a regular campsite is unavailable, an overflow area will be made available. Upon arrival all overnight visitors will be provided a place to camp. For parties of 10 or more, a group campsite is available through our website.

The campground is a self-service fee area with a nightly fee of $15 per campsite. A 50% discount applies to holders of the Golden Age or Golden Access Pass. No other discounts apply. Fees paid for transportation (seaplane or ferry) do not include camping fees.

Garden Key Campground Fee

A 50% discount applies to holders of the Golden Age or Golden Access Pass.

Golden Age or Golden Access Pass

Tents and supplies set up on the campground.

Tents at the Dry Tortugas

Tents are set up on the overflow area of Garden Key

Overflow Camp Area

Camping Fee

A clear view of the Milky Way as it stretches over a campground and fort.

Milky Way over Garden Key Campground

Garden Key Campground

Campgrounds are open 24/7 all year round including holidays.

Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.