Dry Tortugas camping is for those who need more than just four and a half hours at Americas’ remotest National Park. The ecology of The Dry Tortugas is so diverse and rich with exciting examples of marine flora and fauna, anyone who is even just remotely interested in marine life, birding, or both, will want to consider Dry Tortugas camping.
You can spend one night, two or three nights and you can bring a kayak if you want, for an extra fee. The way it works: you book a seat on a Dry Tortugas charter, and pay extra fee for a kayak if you’re taking one. Dry Tortugas National Park charges $3 per person per night for camping. Tell your charter company that you’re camping and they will tell you special instructions for boarding, etc.
The campsites at Dry Tortugas are located outside the fort’s walls, near the beaches in a shaded area (see picture). Most of the sites have a picnic table and a grill. You are not allowed to take propane fuel on the boat, so it’s recommended that you use charcoal for cooking.
Remember, this is basically wilderness camping. You have to bring in everything you’ll need for your Dry Tortugas camping experience. Your basic needs: food, shelter, water and medication, etc are your responsibility. There are salt water flush toilets, but no fresh water for showers. You are limited on the amount of gear you can take.
So enjoy the reef, the snorkeling, the birds, and everything else you’re bound to discover on your Dry Tortugas camping adventure!