Yankee Freedom III, LLC is authorized by the NPS and the Department of the Interior to serve the public at Dry Tortugas National Park.
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Dry Tortugas Camping

Dry Tortugas Camping Section

Camping in the Dry Tortugas National Park is definitely an experience of a lifetime! Imagine sleeping under the stars, on an island 70 miles from civilization, with the warm tropical breezes blowing through palm trees and the rhythmic sound of the ocean waves playing in the background. Camping at the Dry Tortugas is very popular. Reservations on the ferry are limited and sell out months in advance so please plan ahead!

Camping at Fort Jefferson is PRIMITIVE CAMPING! In other words, you must bring everything (water included) with you.

Before you make a camping reservation, please read about our Dry Tortugas Camping Information. For your comfort and safety it is extremely important that you read this information and you will be required to provide an electronic signature acknowledging that you have done so when you complete your reservation purchase. If you have any questions please call 1-800-634-0939.

If you would like to camp at the Dry Tortugas National Park, you must be at the Yankee Freedom no later than 6:00am the morning of your trip with all of your gear and provisions.

Download PDF of Camping Information

Map

photo of the yankee freedom three ferry ride Itinerary - Tablet Itinerary - Mobile
Itinerary
PHOTO ID required at check-in.

Check in time campers: 6:00 am
Check in time day trips: 7:00 am
Boarding time: 7:30 am
Departure time: 8:00 am
Arrive at Fort Jefferson: 10:30 am*
Fort Jefferson Tour: 11:00 am
Lunch: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Depart: 3:00 pm
Arrive in Key West: 5:30 pm*
*Times may vary depending on weather
MORE SPECS
Campers should confirm their return dates at the time of ticket purchase and with the captain on the outbound trip. Due to space constraints, the Yankee Freedom is happy to accommodate campers wishing to stay up to 4 days (3 nights).

Map

Image of people snorkeling at the Dry Tortugas included w/ trip - Tablet
included w/ trip
  • Breakfast Snack and Box Lunch (arrival day only). View menu
  • Complimentary snorkeling equipment
  • No hidden fees – ticket includes entrance fee to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson
  • Fully narrated 45 minute tour of the fort.
  • Beach walk, snorkel, swim, or just relax in the sun
  • Awesome boat ride

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photo of kids having fun on the ferry onboard services - Tablet
onboard services

The galley on board the Yankee Freedom is a virtual oasis when visiting the Dry Tortugas. Not only do we stock regular and diet soft drinks, but a wide variety of refreshing fruit juices as well. For the adult guest, there are two fully stocked bars that are opened on the return trip. Popular brands of beer, wine and liquors are highlighted with a tasty array of delicious frozen drinks including Rum Runners, Pina Coladas, Strawberry Daiquiris and frozen Margaritas.

For those interested in a snack, we have fresh popped popcorn, an assortment of chips and candy bars. If you need more than a snack, our galley serves pizza, burgers, hot dogs and soft pretzels. An ice cream bar makes the perfect dessert.

Terrific souvenirs are also available in the galley that include the official Yankee Freedom caps and t-shirts. We also stock suntan lotion, playing cards, and disposable cameras (regular and underwater.)

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Two women conversing aboard the Yankee Freedom on the way to the Dry Tortugas Trip Details - Tablet
Trip Details

Campers must have all gear on the dock (NOT left in camping area) by 10:30am on the day of departure from Ft. Jefferson to load on the boat. Equipment must be packed and cleaned of sand before re-boarding. Please keep with you items you will need for the day, as the boat may be off the dock for much of the day.

Upon boarding at 7:30am from Key West, you will enjoy a breakfast snack.

En route to Dry Tortugas National Park our onboard naturalist will give you an orientation about the area and the national park’s surroundings. During your voyage to one of America’s most remote National Parks, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marquesa Islands, Boca Grande, and frequent turtle and dolphin sightings.

You can travel inside the main cabin in air-conditioned comfort or outside on one of the observation decks. The Yankee Freedom also features comfortable cushioned seats, three restrooms, fresh water rinse shower, full galley serving snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, mixed drinks (on return trips only), film, and souvenirs. You will reach the National Park boundaries within 2 hours and 10 minutes after leaving Key West harbor.

Once at Dry Tortugas National Park, you will disembark at Fort Jefferson and have the option to join a guided tour or short informative talk. Following the tour and back at the Yankee Freedom, you will enjoy a complimentary box lunch.

Visitors can take advantage of the swimming, Key West snorkeling, beach walking, exploring, birding, and the flora and fauna of this pristine island.

Learn More About Camping in the Dry Tortugas

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