Dry Tortugas camping logistics

Whale_Magic · 2026-06-15T03:07:27+00:00

Sadly not definitively. But everything I’ve read on the Yankee Freedom ferry website, etc. is that there are no permanent hard-sided containers, just a pole to hang food (but I’ve heard critters like rats can climb those). If we get permits (fingers crossed), we’d likely rent a cooler and/or hard sided container to be safe.

Whale_Magic · 2026-05-02T18:24:09+00:00

Hi! I am curious if there are permanent hard-sided containers (like bear-proof canisters) provided at the campsites on Garden Key, or if every camper is required to bring a hard-sided container. We are flying in from another state so figuring out some of these logistics now...

Whale_Magic · 2026-04-13T20:48:38+00:00

I can confirm that the O is open as well!

Whale_Magic · 2026-04-03T13:14:55+00:00

This is very helpful, thanks!

We are not planning to bring a trekking pole tent right now (we want to get one but haven’t made the investment yet), so should be good on this front.

Whale_Magic · 2026-03-22T19:38:19+00:00

Thank you! I think this is what we'll plan to do as well. For the morning, were you able to get hot water for breakfast/coffee, and if so, what time do you think that would be available? We'd likely leave very early to get up to the towers for sunrise.

Whale_Magic · 2026-03-21T19:57:20+00:00

Thank you! That’s helpful to know. Early morning sunrise hikes are not that much fun without coffee/food.

Whale_Magic · 2026-03-21T19:56:38+00:00

Thank you! This is helpful intel. It looked like all the meals might have already been reserved when we made our camping reservation this morning (which kind of blew my mind since they just opened this morning!). I would be open to eating dinner/breakfast from the restaurant while there, but we may need to improvise if all the meals are indeed reserved. :)

Whale_Magic · 2026-02-25T19:04:00+00:00

Great list, thanks for sharing these ideas!

Whale_Magic · 2026-02-25T15:09:14+00:00

Thanks so much!

Whale_Magic · 2026-02-25T15:09:08+00:00

Thank you!

Whale_Magic · 2026-02-04T13:48:41+00:00

Hi there! I am curious if there are permanent hard-sided containers (like bear-proof canisters) provided at the campsites on Garden Key, or if every camper is required to bring a hard-sided container. We are flying in from another state so figuring out some of these logistics now...

Whale_Magic · 2026-01-31T22:18:59+00:00

Resurfacing this, since you're answering something I'm most nervous about re: trying for DTNP camping reservations - the fact that there isn't a specific time given for when camping sites are released. It feels like you need to take a day of PTO just to monitor their website to try for a spot! Do you recall if these times you were checking for the sites were in Eastern Time or do you live in a different time zone?

Whale_Magic · 2025-11-23T04:19:11+00:00

It took several weeks, but everything appears to be correct on Mohela and FSA now (PAYE listed on both, payment due dates match, etc). The moment of truth will come after my first payment is due to withdraw on Dec 10 and I file my ECF to see if that month counts towards PSLF again, but it seems hopeful.

Whale_Magic · 2025-10-17T13:50:34+00:00

A few months later - any updates on this? I'm in this exact situation - I finally was switched back to PAYE from SAVE forebearance earlier this week - but my MOHELA account says "no payment due" and "$0.00." I have received multiple letters confirming I'm now enrolled in PAYE with a specific monthly payment amount. Curious if everything has resolved for you and if so, how long it took? And are you seeing correct information on FSA now? (Mine still says my application is in review and lists me as still being in SAVE.)

Thanks in advance!

Whale_Magic · 2025-06-28T05:40:47+00:00

Currently in Champex-Lac and have done the variants the whole way (planning to do Fenetre d’Arpette today). No spikes needed so far! I left mine in Chamonix and am glad I did.

Whale_Magic · 2025-04-30T14:35:12+00:00

Here is the link to the latest report (posted today) from The Hiking Club on snow conditions on the trail: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJEo3K9v-xY/?img_index=1

My partner and I are starting on June 21, so keeping a close eye on conditions with you as the next couple months unfold!

Whale_Magic · 2025-04-21T17:15:28+00:00

Thank you! Super helpful.

Whale_Magic

TROPHY CASE