Garden Key Campground
00 reviewGarden Key Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees include recreation use fees at varied levels and reservation service fees: $8 for online/app reservations, $9 through the contact center, and $3 for in-person reservations. Cancellation fees may apply ($10 late cancellation fee and forfeiting the first night's fees).
About this campground
Imagine waking up to the sound of gentle waves lapping against ancient coral shores at Garden Key Campground, where the massive walls of historic Fort Jefferson rise from turquoise waters like a hexagonal fortress from another era. This pristine primitive campground offers adventurous souls a rare opportunity to sleep under star-filled skies just steps from the public dock and piers. Each of the individual campsites welcomes up to three 2-person tents, accommodating a maximum of six people per site on a first-come, first-served basis. When the main camping area reaches capacity, an overflow area ensures no one misses out on this extraordinary experience. For larger groups seeking to share this remote paradise, advance reservations can be secured through the park website.
Garden Key Campground offers primarily primitive camping options, providing a rugged and self-sufficient experience.
Historical SignificanceStanding sentinel over Garden Key, Fort Jefferson represents one of America's most ambitious 19th-century coastal defense projects. This magnificent six-sided fortress, often called the 'Gibraltar of the Gulf,' transforms your camping experience into a journey through time. Visitors can explore the fort's massive walls, mysterious moat, and countless archways while imagining the lives of soldiers, prisoners, and even Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was imprisoned here after treating John Wilkes Booth. The fort's presence elevates a simple camping trip into an immersive historical adventure.
Weather and SeasonsGarden Key greets visitors with balmy tropical conditions year-round, where temperatures hover comfortably between 68°F and 72°F, creating perfect conditions for both daytime exploration and evening stargazing. The gentle humidity carries the salt-sweet scent of the sea, while rain remains a rare visitor with only an 8.63% chance of brief showers. Ocean breezes do pick up momentum here, with gusts reaching up to 25 mph, so campers should come prepared with sturdy tent stakes and guy lines to secure their temporary island homes against the spirited Gulf winds.
ElevationGarden Key rests at sea level, where the boundary between land and ocean blurs into a stunning tapestry of shallow reefs and white sand.
Natural Features and SceneryDry Tortugas National Park stands as one of the most remote and untouched destinations in the entire National Park System, offering campers an escape to a pristine archipelago that feels worlds away from mainland life. Garden Key emerges from crystal-clear waters like a tropical jewel, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. The island's compact size creates an intimate camping experience where Fort Jefferson's imposing brick walls provide a dramatic backdrop to your wilderness adventure. From your tent, you'll witness spectacular sunrises painting the fort's walls in golden hues and equally breathtaking sunsets that transform the Gulf waters into liquid fire.
Geological RegionPerched 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, Garden Key forms part of the Dry Tortugas archipelago—a cluster of seven small islands built upon ancient coral reefs. This remote camping destination sits atop millions of years of coral growth, creating a unique geological wonderland where campers literally sleep above one of the most pristine coral reef ecosystems in North America. The island's formation tells a story of rising and falling sea levels, hurricane-sculpted landscapes, and the persistent growth of coral colonies that continue to shape this extraordinary seascape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information provided.
Sites SizeCampground sites can accommodate up to three 2-person tents and a maximum of 6 people per site.
Sites PrivacySites are described as being close to the public dock and piers, suggesting limited privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Stay limit not explicitly mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to six persons per site (three 2-person tents allowed).
Groups
Agroup campsite is available for parties of 10 or more. Reservations must be made through the website.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutPrimitive campground layout near public dock and piers.
Reservation PlatformsReservations for group campsites available through the official website.
Walk-in Availability"Individual sites can accommodate up to three 2-person tents (6 persons max per-site) on a first-come, first-served basis."
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees if done late. "Customers may cancel a reservation prior to the day of the reservation check-in date, both online, through the app, or through the contact center."
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Garden Key Campground provides a unique, nature-immersive experience.
Boating
Accessible only by ferry, private boats, charter boats, or seaplane. This environment supports various boating activities.Cultural and Educational Programs
Garden Key is home to Fort Jefferson, a historic site offering cultural and educational insights.Winter Activities
Not applicable due to the tropical location of Dry Tortugas National Park.Water Sports
Not mentioned, but boating access suggests potential for non-motorized water activities such as kayaking.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include high winds (gust: 25 mph), and the remote nature of the area means emergency services are far away. "Located approximately 70 miles west of Key West."
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 72%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 0.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Key West, Florida, approximately 70 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo detailed information on trash or recycling facilities. Campers should assume they need to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on Garden Key near docks and piers, surrounded by Gulf of Mexico waters.
Campground Map
Driving directionsDry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote parks in the National Park System. Located approximately 70 miles west of Key West it is accessible only by a daily concession ferry, private boats, charter boats, or seaplane. There is no commercial airplane or car access to the island. Also if traveling to the island you need to make preparations for all needs as there are no facilities other than a small gift shop in the fort.
Access to the area is strictly by water or air transport. "Located approximately 70 miles west of Key West it is accessible only by a daily concession ferry, private boats, charter boats, or seaplane. There is no commercial airplane or car access to the island."Nearby places
Key West (70 miles, accessible by ferry, private boats, charter boats, or seaplane)
Nearby supplies
"There are no facilities other than a small gift shop in the fort." Visitors are advised to make preparations for all needs before arrival.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Garden Key Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available for this campground, indicating the need for potential campers to rely on official descriptions.
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Last updated August 10, 2025