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Step into U.S. military history at Fort Flagler Historical State Park on the northern tip of Marrowstone Island. Tour and explore a significant coastal defense fort established more than a century ago to guard the entrance to Puget Sound.
Built in the late 1890s and manned during World War I, World War II and the Korean War, Fort Flagler now features a military museum and gift shop. The park offers guided tours of the gun emplacements and other facilities during the summer. Or find the batteries on your own and wander through them at leisure.
Fort Flagler activities include hiking, boating, kite-flying, beach exploration, saltwater fishing, clam digging and crabbing. Experienced paragliders can bring their wings and ride thermals up to stupendous aerial views.
Group camps Hoskins, Richmond and Wilson are available for retreats of up to 250 people, and historic officers' vacation houses can be booked for group gatherings and romantic getaways. Beachfront tent and RV sites boast some of the best views in the region. So gaze out on the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north, the Olympic Peninsula to the west and Whidbey Island to the east, and breathe deep of the ocean air.
The group of forts once known as the "Triangle of Fire" (made up of Fort Flagler, Fort Worden and Fort Casey) is a must-see for military, armament and maritime enthusiasts. Fort Flagler's off-the-beaten track location and its wide, manicured former parade lawns make it a winning destination.
Fort Flagler Camping has 59 standard sites, 55 full-hookup sites, two primitive sites, one Cascadia Marine Trail (PDF) site, one dump station, two restrooms.
Forty-seven standard tent sites and two primitive sites are in the upper camping area. This area is suitable for tents and some sites can accommodate RV's up to 25 feet.
Twelve standard sites and 55 full-hookup sites are in the lower camp area and have easy access to the beach. Maximum site length is 50 feet (limited availability).
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time is 1 p.m.
The camping grounds were kept nicely when my group arrived. The bathrooms were cleaned well. The showers are free and have warm water. There’s a cafe and playground which is a nice touch. The museum is definitely worth a visit as well. The only downside to this park, for me, was how close the campsites were to each other and the strict “quiet time.” I understand the purpose of the quiet time, but it just isn’t quite for me. Overall, I recommend this state park. It was a nice experience that anyone should give (at least) one try.
Camped two nights in the upper and lower campground using WA state's Disabled Veterans State Parks For Life Pass to camp for free.
The upper campground is very wooded and felt comfortable, with most people tent camping. Quiet hours were respected and the sites were well sized.
The lower campground was a short walk from the beach. I did feel closer in comfort to a trailer park than a campground for a tent camper.
The bunkers were fun to explore. I set up a mobile recording station in one of the U shaped bunkers, and recorded some guitar and vocals with a mic, electric guitar and amp. The reverb tail was at least 10 seconds and I will be using it for other various projects.
We had such a great stay at the lower campground! It was so peaceful and quiet…lots of birding, watching otters, viewing Mt Baker over the canal, and even seeing the light from Fort Worden Lighthouse at night.
Hidden gem along the ocean!
We booked a vacation house and it was old building, built in 1905, but was clean!
2 bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs and kitchen living room and porch on the main level. Lush grounds, lots of walking tracks and amazing ocean views , made it a very relaxing and quiet vacation!
Gorgeous views from the porch and bedroom, lots of deer,birds and boats!
A family favorite spot for decades. Great place to walk around and explore. So much to see and do. Love the history of the fort. The museum is filled with amazing artifacts. Beautiful camping spots if you are into that.
