Parks

Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West lies the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is known the world over as the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson, picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs and marine life, and the vast assortment of bird life that frequents the area.

Map showing location of park.

South Florida National Parks report status after Hurricane Helene

2024-09-27

Following the passing of Hurricane Helene, visitors to the South Florida National Parks and Preserve should continue to exercise caution with the potential for unidentified hazards on land and in park waters. Marine waters continue to be open in all locations, but parks are still assessing missing or damaged aids to navigation. Closures or special conditions are available on each park’s website under Alerts.

A man in uniform stands atop a red brick fort with blue skies in the background

Brett Koch selected as chief ranger at Dry Tortugas and honored with the National Ranger Excellence Award for the Southeast Region

2024-07-15

Dry Tortugas National Park announced the selection of Brett Koch as chief ranger. His new role will include leading the law enforcement park rangers at one of the nation’s most remote national parks. Koch’s dedication to the National Park Service's (NPS) mission was recently recognized when he was selected as the Southeast Region’s National Ranger Excellence Award (previously the Harry Yount Award) recipient for 2023.

View of construction area adjacent to campground and moat from atop the brick fort with view of ocean beyond

Dry Tortugas National Park reopens campground and South Beach after moat dredging

2024-04-25

On April 25, Dry Tortugas National Park reopened the campground as scheduled after dredging the Fort Jefferson moat and redistributing sand that had built up from several hurricanes.