September 21, 2026
Reserving camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park
This is how you reserve your camping spots in Dry Tortugas National Park
Paying for your campsite at Garden Key Campground
Camping fees are payable only through Recreation.gov. Once you arrive to the island, a park ranger will direct you to the camping fee station to work through this checklist.
1. Connect to "NPS VISITOR WIFI" via your phone's settings.
2. Download and open the Recreation.gov app from the app store on your phone.
3. Log in, sign up, or continue as guest to create your Recreation.gov account.
4. Use the SCAN button in the bottom right corner of the app to scan the site's QR code.
5. Follow the prompts in the app. For your license plate, put N/A, and enter your phone #.
6. Your confirmation will be in RESERVATIONS in the app.
Congratulations, you're ready to set up camp!
For camping fees and planning information, please visit https://www.nps.gov/drto/planyourvisit/camping.htm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a campsite at Dry Tortugas National Park?+
Garden Key campsites are booked through Recreation.gov, separate from your ferry ticket. Reservations open about six months ahead and peak dates sell out within days, so book as early as possible.
How do I pay for camping on the island with no cell service?+
Connect to the free "NPS VISITOR WIFI" network, open the Recreation.gov app, tap Scan, and scan the QR code on your campsite post. Enter "N/A" for a license plate and your phone number; your confirmation appears under Reservations.
Is there cell service or wifi at Dry Tortugas?+
There's no cell service — Dry Tortugas is 70 miles into the Gulf of Mexico with no stores, restaurants, or regular signal. The only connectivity is the park's "NPS VISITOR WIFI," used mainly for on-site Recreation.gov payments.
How much does it cost to camp at Dry Tortugas?+
Camping at Garden Key is $15 per night, plus the national park entrance fee. Ferry transportation on the Yankee Freedom is booked and paid for separately.
What if Dry Tortugas campsites are sold out?+
Cancellations open up on Recreation.gov, so check back often or set an availability alert. With only a handful of sites, staying flexible on dates greatly improves your chances.
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