Is Fort Townsend State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Fort Townsend State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Fort Townsend State Park before I book?

Yes! Fort Townsend State Park has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Fort Townsend State Park?

Yes, Fort Townsend State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Fort Townsend State Park have?

Fort Townsend State Park has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Fort Townsend State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Fort Townsend State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Fort Townsend State Park?

Fort Townsend State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Fort Townsend State Park?

Popular activities at Fort Townsend State Park include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Fort Townsend State Park

4.24

33 reviews

Scenic Views

Featured in:Beach Camping Washington Hidden Gem Campgrounds Washington

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

262 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Washington State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

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Only 40 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

262 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Washington State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Fort Townsend State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Official fees not provided. One visitor review complained about pricing, mentioning $27 for small campsites and $32 for an RV with hookups; this is...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 33 reviews

20 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

noisesmall

"Reviewers praise the park's shady, well‑groomed forest setting, clean restrooms and showers, and its network of trails and beach access. The tent/forest loop (sites 1–27) is repeatedly called the highlight. Common criticisms focus on the cramped RV loop (sites 28–40), small site sizes, and occasional pests or local smells."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Fort Townsend State Park

48.0780, -122.7945

Nearby places

Port Townsend — a few miles (short drive)

Best Time to Camp at Fort Townsend State Park

Summer brings the most reliable conditions: mid-60s to low-70s°F during the day, cool 50s at night, low rainfall, and long daylight hours for hiking and beach exploration. Trails and tidepools are most pleasant then. Weekends fill quickly, so midweek visits or advance reservations help avoid crowds. Other seasons see more rain and shorter days, typical for the Pacific Northwest coast.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer offers most reliable weather (mid‑60s to low‑70s°F), long daylight for hiking and tidepooling.

Planning Tips

About Fort Townsend State Park

Fort Townsend State Park sits in a coastal Douglas-fir forest along Port Townsend Bay, offering 40 sites split between a well-regarded tent loop and a tighter RV area. The tent/forest loop (sites 1–27) earns consistent praise for privacy and mature tree cover, while the RV loop (sites 28–40) draws criticism for cramped spacing. Trails connect the campground to a rocky shoreline popular for tidepooling.

State park campground with a forested tent loop and a separate RV loop; small number of sites keeps the campground relatively quiet.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions: mid-60s to low-70s°F during the day, cool 50s at night, low rainfall, and long daylight hours for hiking and beach exploration. Trails and tidepools are most pleasant then. Weekends fill quickly, so midweek visits or advance reservations help avoid crowds. Other seasons see more rain and shorter days, typical for the Pacific Northwest coast.

Natural Features and SceneryDouglas-fir and evergreen canopy shades most of the campground, densest in the tent loop where mature trees create a quiet, cathedral-like feel. Well-marked trails descend through the understory to a rocky beach on Port Townsend Bay. Low tide exposes tidepools. The forest meets the saltwater shoreline at 262 feet elevation, close enough to smell the bay and occasionally catch a whiff of nearby mill operations.

Geological RegionCoastal forest along Port Townsend Bay (Pacific Northwest coast)

Scenic ViewsForest canopy throughout the park and shoreline views of Port Townsend Bay from trails and beach access; tidepools and rocky shore scenery.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://washington.goingtocamp.com); official park page: https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/fort-townsend-historical-state-park

Total Campsites40 campsites

Best CampsitesSites 1–27 in the tent/forest loop are the standout choice. Reviewers consistently call them larger, more private, and better groomed than the RV sites. Mature trees provide shade and separation. If you're tent camping, reserve early and request this loop. RV sites 28–40 work for hookups but expect tight maneuvering and close neighbors.

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Amenities available

Small, wooded state‑park campground with walk‑in access to a rocky saltwater beach. Restrooms and showers are available in the campground; potable water spigots are distributed throughout. No services at individual sites; an RV dump station is available.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Forested campground with an extensive network of well‑marked trails and downhill access to a rocky saltwater beach on Port Townsend Bay. Trails are used for walking/hiking and the shoreline is used for tidepooling and shoreline exploration.

Hiking

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGround‑nesting hornets have been reported at individual sites and staff have relocated campers when nests were found. The walk to the beach is downhill and somewhat steep; the rocky shore can be slippery and rough underfoot. RV sites are very tight, which can make backing and maneuvering difficult.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Weather at Fort Townsend State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

33 reviews

Satisfactory

Fort Townsend State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers praise the park's shady, well‑groomed forest setting, clean restrooms and showers, and its network of trails and beach access. The tent/forest loop (sites 1–27) is repeatedly called the highlight. Common criticisms focus on the cramped RV loop (sites 28–40), small site sizes, and occasional pests or local smells.

Review Summaries

Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Large, private, well‑groomed tent sites under mature trees; clean restrooms and showers; well‑marked trail system and easy access to a rocky shoreline for tidepooling; courteous staff and a quiet...

Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

• Multiple reviewers criticize the **RV loop (sites 28–40)** as **extremely cramped, stall‑like, and lacking privacy**, where you can hear every word from neighbors on both sides.[2][4] • At least...

Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book early and reserve tent/forest loop sites (1–27) for more privacy and larger sites. If using an RV, plan for tight maneuvering in sites 28–40 and be prepared to back in carefully. Ask staff about...

Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

"site 22 is a gem!"; "The trees are magnificent."; "Plus: Es gibt Duschen 🙌"; "Ridiculously overpriced for two persons!"

Based on 33 reviews

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Fort Worden State Park

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Fort Worden State Park sits on the Port Townsend peninsula at 85 feet elevation, combining 93 campsites with miles of beach access and historic military structures. The RV campground offers full hookups and renovated restrooms, while the park's century-old bunkers, officer quarters, and museums draw history enthusiasts alongside beachcombers and trail hikers.