Dry Tortugas National Park: planning guide
A small island west of Key West with a brick fort and clear water. You get there by ferry or seaplane.
Dry Tortugas National Park is in FL, United States. Reached by ferry or seaplane from Key West, about 70 miles offshore. Key West is the closest mapped town — about 68.6 mi (110 km) away, not a drive.
When to go
Best window: March through May, then September through November. Shoulder season: February and December.
Midsummer is hot, humid, and buggy; winter is mild and one of the better times to visit.
Biting insects and afternoon storms dominate summer. Repellent and a rain shell matter more than warm layers.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Key West | 68.6 mi (110 km) | Not a drive |
| Cudjoe Key | 86.2 mi (139 km) | Not a drive |
| Big Pine Key | 95.2 mi (153 km) | Not a drive |
| Marathon | 112 mi (180 km) | Not a drive |
| Marco Island | 116 mi (186 km) | Not a drive |
| Marco | 117 mi (188 km) | Not a drive |
| Naples | 124 mi (200 km) | Not a drive |
| East Naples | 125 mi (201 km) | Not a drive |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garden Key | Reservable | — |
Where Dry Tortugas National Park sits
Official Dry Tortugas National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park sits close enough to Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Everglades National Park | 131 mi (210 km) | 3 hr 32 min |
| Biscayne National Park | 188 mi (303 km) | 4 hr 54 min |
Parks close by
- Everglades National Park
A wide, slow-moving wetland across southern Florida. Sawgrass, mangroves, and wildlife — mosquitoes are part of it.
- Biscayne National Park
Mostly water: mangrove shoreline and coral reef south of Miami. Best seen by boat or snorkel, not by hiking.
- Isla Contoy National Park
A small barrier island north of Isla Mujeres. Protected seabird and turtle nesting site — day visits by permit and boat only.
- Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres National Park
Shallow reef and seagrass beds along the west coast of Isla Mujeres and nearby Cancún waters. Mostly marine — snorkeling and boat access.
Common questions
Where is Dry Tortugas National Park?
Dry Tortugas National Park sits in FL, United States. Key West, about 68.6 mi (110 km) away on the map. Reached by ferry or seaplane from Key West, about 70 miles offshore. That distance is not a drive.
When is the best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park?
Generally March through May, then September through November, with February and December quieter on either side.
Can you camp in Dry Tortugas National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 1 campground at Dry Tortugas National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.