Burn Ban - Level 1

Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills allowed.

Shellfish

Start Date:

Seasons are subject to closure by the Department of Health for marine biotoxins. Please check the following links to determine closures or season changes.

Sun rays coming through evergreen trees with picnic tables under the trees on green grass.
Picnic tables and grills around the historic Parade Grounds.
Friends Barn- reservable indoor program space.
Reservable amphitheater overlooking Port Townsend Bay.
Fort Townsend Campsite

Fort Townsend Historical State Park

1370 Old Fort Townsend Road, Port Townsend, WA 98368

On the surface, Fort Townsend is a classic state with beach access along Port Townsend Bay. But a closer look reveals a hidden history. Built in 1856, Fort Townsend operated as a U.S. Army site on and off until a fire destroyed its barracks in 1895. The small camping park south of Port Townsend is unique among Washington's coastal forts because it has all but returned to nature.

Rules

  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires Allowed in Designated Areas
  • Horses not Allowed

A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Cell service varies depending on your carrier and location within the park.

Pets must be on leashes in all areas of the park. There is no off-leash dog park at Fort Townsend State Park.

Activities

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Beach Exploration

First Day Hike Events

Biking

Bird Watching

Camping

Fishing

Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running

Scuba Diving

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Shellfishing

Amenities

Drinking Water

Fire Pit

Park Ranger Station

Restrooms

Showers

Trash Service

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Firewood

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Buoys

Moorage

Grill

Picnic Shelters

Picnic Tables

Accessible Parking

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Trailer Dump

Horseshoe Pits

Amphitheater

Interpretive Opportunities

Bike Trails

Hiking Trails

Park features

Field

Forest

Mountain View

Rocky Beach

Saltwater

Seasonal Wildflowers

Viewpoint

Wildlife Viewing

Rules

  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires Allowed in Designated Areas
  • Horses not Allowed

A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Cell service varies depending on your carrier and location within the park.

Pets must be on leashes in all areas of the park. There is no off-leash dog park at Fort Townsend State Park.

Map & visitor guide

48.0734, -122.7893

Picnic and Day Use Facilities

Bring a set of horseshoes and a picnic for a fun-filled day at Fort Townsend State Park. Picnic shelters and tables are available on a first come, first served basis.

For larger groups, you may wish to reserve the Friends Barn. It is a modern replica of a historic 1800s stable, with a maximum capacity of 100 guests.

Camping

There are 40 reservable standard campsites and four hiker/biker campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Maximum site length is 40 feet, limited availability. One group camp is available for up to 50 people at the site of the historic torpedo tower.

Hiking

Lovers of plants, mushrooms, wildlife, and nature photography will delight in this rugged and enchanting forest. Wander among towering Douglas firs, western hemlock, and cedar trees along 6.5 miles of hiking trails.

Interpretive Opportunities 

Uncover the rich military history of the fort by strolling along the self-guided interpretive trail. A self-guided botany trail lets you explore the unique plants in this park's mature forest.

Group Tours and Activities

To request an interpretive program, please complete the Interpretive Program Request Form. For questions about programming, contact Kelsey Lang

Birdwatching and Nature Walks

Discover the birds of Fort Townsend on birding and nature tours every first Friday of the month. Bird walks are about two to three hours long. Wear sturdy footwear, dress for changeable weather and bring binoculars and your own water. If you have questions, please email Bevybirds53@gmail.com with the subject "Birdwatching Walk". Tours depend on good weather and are limited to five people. 

Moorage and Boating

Moorage buoys lie one mile south of Glenn Cove directly adjacent to Port Townsend State Park’s beach. Moorage fees are charged year round for mooring at buoys from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m. For information, call (360) 902-8844.

The buoys are at latitude: 48º 4' 35.76" N (48.0766) and longitude: 122º 47' 7" W (-122.7852).

Boat Pumpout 

The nearest pumpout is at Port Townsend Boat Haven. Visit their website or call (800) 228-2803 for more information. Pumpout Coordinates are latitude 48° 6.389′ N and longitude 122° 46.257′ W.