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The best way to truly experience the islands of the Dry Tortugas is by actually spending a night out in that island wilderness. Like most national parks, visitors to the Dry Tortugas have the option of spending a few nights out on their own. The islands feel like they are truly in the "middle of nowhere," as you are about 70 miles from civilization.
Dry Tortugas Camping is highly limited. There is not enough space out on the islands to hold an unlimited amount of campers. Because of this, the ferry that travels to the Dry Tortugas only transports ten campers per day. It is a good idea to plan well in advance due to the low number of available spaces. Furthermore, each camper can only transport a total of 60-70 pounds. This does not include the containers of water campers will need to bring.
The actual Tortugas islands are only accessible by boat or plane. The most common way to get out here is via the Yankee Freedom or sea plane. The flights aboard the seaplanes are slightly more expensive and have very limited availability. The ferry departs daily at 8AM from Key West and returns at 5PM.
This has got to be the most unique campground in the National Park Service system! We throughly enjoyed our one-night stay tenting on the island. Once the ferry leaves and the planes stop for the day, there are only a handful of people left there. We spent some time enjoying the beautiful blue water and white beaches and had the entire beach to ourselves! The campground was nice and clean and the restrooms are nicer than you might think being 70 miles from civilization! If you’re at all able to, we highly recommend a stay at this campground!
