RV & camping guide

Dry Tortugas National Park by RV

18 min from EYWCamping score 7/10

Trip snapshot

Arrival airport
EYW
Airport drive
18 min · estimate
Suggested stay
1–2 days
Reservation demand
Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
No vehicles are permitted in the park; transportation is by boat or seaplane only.

Your route

EYW

Key West International Airport

Dry Tortugas National Park

About 18 min · 4 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.

Vehicle & road notes

Which vehicle

No vehicles are permitted in the park; transportation is by boat or seaplane only.

parking

Key West Terminal Logistics

Parking in downtown Key West is expensive and limited. Use long-term municipal lots or hotel parking and arrive at the ferry terminal at least 60 minutes before departure.

signal

Complete Digital Disconnection

There is no cell service or public Wi-Fi on Garden Key. Inform others of your itinerary before leaving the mainland and carry physical copies of permits.

fuel

Personal Hydration Requirements

The park provides no fresh water. Day visitors must utilize ferry supplies; campers must carry a minimum of two gallons per person per day.

Campground reservations

Mandatory Ferry and Seaplane Transportation Booking

Reach the park by reserved concession ferry or seaplane, private vessel, or permitted tour operator. Campers cannot travel by seaplane; reserve limited ferry camping transport well ahead. Regular Garden Key campsites for up to six people are first come, first served on arrival, with camping fees paid on the island; large groups of 10–20 require advance park reservations.

Official source

2 · Choose a motorhome or campervan

Fleet rentals from established depots. Compare pick-up cities against your flight.

Prefer a car and campground trip?

3 · Where to park the rig near Dry Tortugas National Park

Private campgrounds and RV parks outside the park, plus overnight stops for members.

Your route

  1. Day 1 · Fortress in the Gulf

    Fort Jefferson → Moat Wall Walk

  2. Day 2 · Coral Reefs and Marine Life

    South Coaling Dock Ruins → Garden Key Beaches

  3. Day 3 · Avian Observation and Isolation

    Bush Key → Fort Jefferson Ramparts

Viator

Tours & experiences near Dry Tortugas National Park

Explore guided activities around Dry Tortugas National Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.

Open tour listings separately

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Dry Tortugas National Park

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

Quick answers

Can I take an RV to Dry Tortugas National Park?

Yes, Dry Tortugas National Park is a good fit for camping trips. Check vehicle length limits on park roads and campgrounds before you book, and plan fuel stops on remote stretches.

Where do I pick up an RV for Dry Tortugas National Park?

The nearest airport is Key West International Airport (EYW), about 18 min away by car. Rental depots are usually in larger cities, so compare pick-up points before booking flights.

Do campgrounds near Dry Tortugas National Park need reservations?

Reach the park by reserved concession ferry or seaplane, private vessel, or permitted tour operator. Campers cannot travel by seaplane; reserve limited ferry camping transport well ahead. Regular Garden Key campsites for up to six people are first come, first served on arrival, with camping fees paid on the island; large groups of 10–20 require advance park reservations.

Full guideStays, day-by-day plan and route map for Dry Tortugas National Park