Stage in the Keys, Sail to a Brick Fortress

Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park in an RV is a two-part adventure: make a comfy home base in the Florida Keys, then take a ferry or seaplane 70 miles offshore to explore Fort Jefferson, coral gardens, and star-splashed skies.

Quick Overview: How Dry Tortugas Works (for RVers)

• No roads, no bridges. The park sits ~70 miles west of Key West; access is by ferry (Yankee Freedom) or seaplane; private boats welcome. Access the NPS map here. 
• Camping is island-primitive on Garden Key (first-come sites; bring everything, pack out everything). NPS recommends two gallons of water per person per day; the ferry transports campers in limited numbers. 
• RV reality: You’ll camp near Key West with hookups and services, then day-trip or overnight-camp on Garden Key. Ferry parking is a city garage in Key West (not RV-friendly); plan rideshare/taxi from your campground. 

RV-Friendly Home Bases in the Keys (Full Hookups)

• Boyd’s Key West Campground (Stock Island) — Waterfront sites, minutes from Old Town. Full hookups; long-running favorite. 
• Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA Resort (MM 20) — Upscale RV resort with marina, pool, and on-site pub; about 30 minutes from Key West. 
• Bluewater Key RV Resort — High-end, privately owned sites with tiki huts and canals; book early. 

Pro tip: Leave the rig at your campground and Uber/Lyft to the ferry terminal; the recommended garage at 300 Grinnell St is ideal for cars, but Key West has no free parking and garage clearance may not suit RVs. 

Getting There: Ferry vs. Seaplane

• Yankee Freedom Ferry — The official ferry from Key West; books out months in advance, only 10 campers/day, max 3 nights on the island via ferry. 
• Seaplane (Key West Seaplane Adventures) — Fast, spectacular views; does not transport camping gear (day trips only) and is the only seaplane service permitted in the park.

Garden Key: Fort Jefferson, Beaches & Camping

• Fort Jefferson is one of the largest 19th-century masonry forts; Garden Key hosts the campground, visitor center, and swim beaches. 
• Campground basics: First-come sites (up to 6 people/site), composting toilets (closed mid-day—use ferry restrooms then), no water, no stores, no trash service. Bring charcoal (ferry prohibits gas canisters). 
• Snorkeling highlights: North/South Swim Beaches and coaling dock ruins (experienced snorkelers). Grab a simple area map before you go. 

Off the Beaten Path: Lesser-Known Ideas

• Loggerhead Key day trip (private boat only): Home to an 1857 lighthouse, Carnegie’s early tropical research lab site; day-use only and a tranquil snorkel paradise. (Note: some areas like the moat wall have repair closures—check current alerts.) 
• Shoreline fishing (where allowed): Excellent action, but know the closures (e.g., Bush Key, special protection zones). Florida saltwater license required. 
• Stargazing & night photography: With no light pollution, a Garden Key overnight is a bucket-list Milky Way shot—pack a red headlamp and wind-worthy tent stakes. 

Sample 3-Step Plan for RV Travelers

1. Stage in the Keys (2–4 nights). Book Boyd’s, Sugarloaf KOA, or Bluewater Key. Settle in, prep ferry/seaplane logistics, and organize island camping bins. 
2. Day trip or camp on Garden Key (1–3 nights). Ferry for campers; seaplane for day-trippers. Prioritize snorkeling the coaling docks and exploring Fort Jefferson.
3. Recover in the RV. Return to hookups, rinse gear, and enjoy sundowners on the Keys before rolling to your next stop.

What to Pack (Island Edition)

• Water & food: At least 2 gallons water/person/day + one extra day of supplies in case of ferry delays. Hard-sided bins keep out rats and crabs. 
• Cooking supplies: Charcoal only for campground grills (no gas canisters on ferry). 
• Sun & wind gear: Long-sleeve UPF, wide-brim hat, strong sand stakes, and reef-safe sunscreen.

Little-Known Facts

• Garden Key’s neighbor Bush Key often closes for nesting seabirds; check seasonal advisories. (Also note specific fishing closures.) 
• Fort Jefferson dominates the island; Dry Tortugas’ waters shelter reefs, shipwrecks, and migratory birds—a magnet for snorkelers and birders alike. 

Why Dry Tortugas Pairs Perfectly with RV Life

You get the best of both worlds: island adventure by day (or a minimalist overnighter), and your comfortable, well-fitted RV bed back on the mainland. Be sure to pack AB Lifestyles’ RV bedding, so you’re recharged for sunrise ferries and sunset snorkels.