Friends Barn Wedding Day-Use Site
The Parks headquarters Information Center is moving from its current location in Tumwater to the Department of Ecology building at 300 Desmond Drive SE in Lacey. Our customer service team is located at the front desk, just inside the main entrance.
Burn Ban - Level 1
Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills allowed.
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.
All pets must be kept on leashes throughout the park, as there is no designated off-leash area. Cougars have been spotted occasionally, so keep your pets close and children nearby for safety. For more information on cougar sightings, refer to the Fact Sheet.
Activities
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Beach Exploration
Biking
Bird Watching
Camping
Fishing
Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running
Ranger Talk
Scuba Diving
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Shellfishing
Amenities
Drinking Water
Fire Pit
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Firewood
Park Ranger Station
Restrooms
Showers
Trash Service
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Buoys
Moorage
Grill
Picnic Shelters
Picnic Tables
Accessible Parking
Parking
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.
All pets must be kept on leashes throughout the park, as there is no designated off-leash area. Cougars have been spotted occasionally, so keep your pets close and children nearby for safety. For more information on cougar sightings, refer to the Fact Sheet.
Map & visitor guide
48.0734, -122.7893
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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. Groups MUST contact the park in advance at (360-385-3595) for a Special Activity Permit for weddings over 20 people, amplified music, special equipment (i.e. canopies, dunk tanks, inflatable bouncer toys, climbing walls, or similar items).
Enjoy a video tour of the park to see more of what Fort Townsend has to offer.
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.
Winter Schedule
Learn about seasonal closures and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.
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
Self-Guided Interpretive Trails
Tales & Trails: Magic of the Forest
This new interpretive trail opens with an event on June 28, 2025. Begin at the Camper's Trail and follow the interpretive signs along this rugged, winding 1.2-mile loop. The best seasons to enjoy this trail are spring through early fall for most blooms and berries, and fall through winter for variety of fungus. Experience the trail firsthand, or explore from home by reading the interpretive signs online. However you choose to journey, the forest is always waiting to share its magic.
Historical Walk
Enjoy a historic tour of the Fort's parade grounds on this 0.3-mile trail. Begin at the bulletin board in the day-use parking lot and uncover the rich military history of the fort by reading the interpretive signs through the historic parade grounds and along the looped forest trail.
Group Tours and Activities
Are you planning a visit to Fort Townsend State Park with your family, scout group, club, or co-workers? Add a fun, interactive, and educational experience to your trip by filling out the Group Program Request Form. View the program descriptions to learn more about the types of programs offered
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.
Park History
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