Fort Flagler State Park

Since the reservation system does not allow same day reservations, we showed up hoping to grab one of the few available sights as first come, first served. There were 3 or 4 sites listed as available in the lower campground and we found one that was perfect for us. We had the choice between a full hook up site and a dry site and chose the latter as it was perfectly level and offered more privacy.

It’s interesting to note the different pricing levels from ‘popular’ to basic. Some sites were tightly packed and others were absolutely enormous with great views. Our site, 105, had a very tight neighboring spot on just one side (a no show which gave us a much roomier feeling) and an ample area with picnic table, fire pit, and enough room for two tents behind the pad. A short trail, albeit somewhat overgrown, at the back of our site lead right to the beach.

The campground, while quite full, was incredibly quiet. I’m sure things are different in the summer time with more families camping. The hosts and maintenance folks were all very friendly.

Perhaps my favorite part of this campground is the location with miles of beach to walk. I was surprised that with our frequent strolls on the beach with the pups, we only passed a small number of people.

The dump station worked as expected and had potable water available.

It is a great place to take the family. Nice balance of activities, facilities, and views. Still popular and well maintained as of June 2022. Note on T-Mobile cell service: I think the antenna may be at Port Townsend, so there is a great signal across the water when at the campground and the museum area. Some places of the island were dead zones.

I've been taking my son to Fort Flagler for several years now. We go once or twice a year. It is the perfect campground for kids.

It has 2 main camping areas, lower and upper. Lower campground is better suited in general for RVs. It has little tree cover and there is more wind down there. Upper campground has heavy tree cover which keeps your site and tent cool during the day.

There is a general store on site that sells firewood, ice cream, burgers/hotdogs/etc, kites, canned food, drinks, and lots more. It is a great resource. Nearby is a kids playground too. Around this area is plenty of open space which is perfect for kite flying.

There is plenty of beach to comb, some on the Kilisut Harbor side, and some in the Admiralty Inlet. Kilisut Harbor is cold, but protected and is a pretty good option for boating/kayaking.

One of this campgrounds best features are the trails, suitable for hiking and bicycling. On these trails you'll see deer, and they lead to amazing views of the surrounding areas. What's more, there are WW1 and WW2 bunkers and batteries to check out, which my kid just loves. Bicycling is probably our favorite activity when camping here.

A day trip to Port Townsend is nice. Be sure to stop by for ice cream at Elevated Ice Cream Co & Candy Shop. I highly recommend the orange and swiss chocolate flavor.

For many people, driving to Fort Flagler involves a ferry ride, which is a nice part of the trip too.

The only downside I've ever experienced is loud noises at night from something outside the campground. We're not sure if it is wind on the cliffs or planes from military exercises. We don't hear it every stay, and never two nights in a row.

The quieter of the two State Parks near Port Townsend. Lower beach area is open year around with sewer and electric. Water is off at the sites from November to April but is available at one site. Lots of trails to walk, nice beach access. Spectacular views of Mt. Baker and the north Cascades, Olympics and water. Beach sites can accomodate large rigs. Short drive to Port Townsend. Lots of history at the old gun batteries.