Thinking of staying awhile? Primitive camp sites are available at Fort
Jefferson on a first-come, first served basis. Groups of 10 or more must obtain a special permit in advance. Camping is $3.00 per
person per night. All supplies, including fresh water, must be brought in.
Campers must be self-sufficient. You
must bring your own food, water and camping equipment. Restroom facilities are
provided but there are no sinks or showers. Picnic tables and cooking grills are
also provided by the National Park Service, but you must bring your own Match Light
charcoal. Weight allowance for bags is restricted to 40 pounds per camper. All trash must be brought back to Key
West. Please - no dive tanks, Coleman stoves or combustible items. (Other overnight accommodations are available in Key West, 70 miles (112.9km). Supplies are available in Key West.)
Please remember the island is small and you may wind up sharing
an area with others. The 11 regular camp sites will accommodate parties up to 6
people and 3 tents. To avoid conflict and confusion during heavy use periods, a
ranger may meet with the arriving campers and assign sites. If a ranger does not
assign camp sites, please look for a table with a stenciled number. Any location
without a numbered table is not a camp site. Should you find all 11 regular camp
sites occupied, you must share the overflow area with others. The overflow camp
site contains 6 tables an a gang BBQ. - only the first overflow groups will have
their own table - all parties must share the BBQ.
The Group Camp Site must be reserved in advance
and is normally available for parties of 10 to 40 people.
Advanced
Reservations Required! (888) 382-7864
Fees
On the day of arrival, campers must obtain an envelope at the self-service
fee station, fill out all pertinent information, deposit the envelope with
payment in the fee station collection post, and keep the stub at the camp site
for ranger inspection. Remember... fee paid for commercial transportation
(ferry, seaplane ,fishing) do not include camping fees.
Check-Out Time - 10 A.M.
Please be sure to have all your gear and courtesy carts returned to the dock
by 10 a.m. Please stack your gear at the dock - please leave the campground
clean for the new arrivals.
Cooking Fires
Propane containers (i.e. Coleman Propane) or
any other form of liquid or gas fuels are not allowed. For safety reasons self
starting charcoal is the only form of fuel allowed. Wood fires are not
allowed.
Quiet Hours
Please remember that must people come to enjoy the peace the quiet of
this secluded island. Please be considerate and observe quiet hours 10 P.M.
to 6 A.M.
Access to Fort Jefferson
You may explore the interior of Fort Jefferson in the day time. Due to poor
visibility that invites accidents the Fort is closed after sunset.
Kayaks & Other Crafts
Campers who bring boats of ANY kind must keep them out of the buoyed swim
area. Feel free to keep boats in you camp site, but please launch only at
designated dinghy beach. It is possible to kayak to Loggerhead Key - The
distance is almost 3 miles (one way) and there are frequently rough seas,
significant currents and strong winds to deal with. Please notify someone on
land of your plans, carry an anchor, a marine hand held radio and please always
wear your life jackets.
Cooperation + Flexibility + Respect for others
= A great Dry Tortugas Camping Experience for Everyone!