Fort Flagler State Park RV & Campground Guide
Washington
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Fort Flagler State Park on Marrowstone Island in Washington offers a captivating blend of coastal beauty and dense woodlands. With a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, visitors can explore its well-preserved gun emplacements and barracks. Nearby attractions like Port Townsend and Fort Worden State Park provide cultural experiences and recreational opportunities. Fort Flagler is a must-visit destination inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Nearby Cities:
Port Townsend, WA
Marrowstone, WA
Port Hadlock-Irondale, WA
Central Whidbey, WA
Spring 40-63 F
Summer 53-75 F
Fall 50-65 F
Winter 36-49 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fort Flagler State Park
Campground Accommodations
Fort Flagler Upper Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: Limited
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 20 feet
Other amenities: Bathrooms and showers
Fort Flagler Lower Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Limited
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 50 feet
Other amenities: Restaurant, convenience store on-site, bathrooms, and showers
Fort Flagler Upper Campground
The Upper Campground is located on a cliff that overlooks the Pacific, and it presents a stunning view of the landscape. The area has an abundance of trees that provide a serene shaded environment, but it is not suitable for large RVs, unfortunately. This campground hosts 47 standard tent sites where visitors can camp, along with two biker/hiking areas and four reservable walk-in sites. If you are looking for a full-hookup campsite, there are 55 convenient spots that RVers can take advantage of. There are also bathrooms and showers for those that may require them.
Fort Flagler Lower Campground
The Lower Campground is a bit smaller, but it's still intriguing and located on the beautiful coast. Guests can tour the historic buildings nearby or hike and bike the trails. This area features 57 full-hookup campsites and twelve tent sites, so it's best suited for RVs. However, it is still a wonderful spot for conventional campers too. Visitors can grab a bite to eat at the local restaurant and shop at the convenience store for some essentials. This campground also has bathrooms and showers for guests that are camping without an RV.
What to Do at
Fort Flagler State Park
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or outdoor adventurer, this park has something for everyone. Boating enthusiasts can explore the pristine waters of Puget Sound, while hikers can traverse the park's scenic trails. In addition to these activities, visitors can immerse themselves in the park's rich history, exploring the well-preserved military structures and learning about its vital role in the region’s defense.
Inside Fort Flagler State Park
There are many exciting activities for visitors of Fort Flagler. The park is known for its historical setting and guided tours of the old buildings and bunkers that were formerly used by the U.S. Army. It's a unique place on the coast with captivating views and plenty of wildlife to see. Guests can relax on the beach, hike the scenic trails, or go boating for some traditional fun. The sheltered and unsheltered tables scattered throughout the park provide excellent places to picnic and relax for a quick meal or family barbeque.
Fishing
Marrowstone Island, where the park is located, is surrounded by the rich waters of Puget Sound, making it an excellent fishing destination. Within the park, you can cast your lines from the shoreline or try your luck at Mystery Bay and Kilisut Harbor. These areas are known for abundant catches of species like salmon, trout, perch, and flounder.
Geocaching
Fort Flagler State Park presents an enticing geocaching experience with caches hidden throughout the park. You might find a cache in the forest or near the military bunkers. Follow the clues to seek a little bit of treasure.
Nature Watching
Fort Flagler is a prime location for spotting majestic bald eagles. Along the Puget Sound shoreline, you can observe an abundance of marine life, including seals, sea otters, and even occasional pods of orcas. The thick forests are home to black-tailed deer, raccoons, and other small mammals.
Stargazing
On clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the sky, providing a breathtaking display of stars. The nearby Marrowstone Point Lighthouse adds a touch of magic to the night. As its beam sweeps across the dark waters, it creates an enchanting backdrop for stargazers.
Flora and Fauna
You’ll encounter towering Douglas firs, western red cedars, and lush ferns. Spring brings an explosion of vibrant camas, lilies, lupines, and other native blooms. Along the shoreline, you can see beach grasses and dune-building vegetation that stabilizes the sandy shores.
Hiking
The Coastal Discovery Trail has several points of interest, including gun emplacements and historical structures. The Marine Vista Trail takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the coastline with a moderate hike. For a longer and more challenging hike, the Perimeter Trail encircles the park.
Boating
The Puget Sound's calm waters, combined with the park's strategic location, make Fort Flagler an ideal destination for boating of all kinds. While there, paddle the waters of Kilisut Harbor or Mystery Bay in your kayak or canoe. With consistent wind patterns, Fort Flagler is a popular destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Swimming
The park's saltwater shoreline provides an excellent opportunity for a saltwater swim. However, if you prefer the beach, the one at Marrowstone Point Lighthouse is a popular spot for swimming. This location features a gradual entry into the water, making it suitable for swimmers of all levels.
Biking
The Perimeter Trail encircles the park, providing a scenic route for bikers. Along with that, the Marine Vista Trail is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. It winds through the woods and rewards bikers with splendid views of the Puget Sound.
How to Get to
Fort Flagler State Park
To reach Fort Flagler State Park from Seattle, start by heading north on Interstate 5 toward Everett. Take exit 199 for WA-528 E towards Marysville, and follow WA-528 E as it transitions into State Route 528 and later State Route 532. Continue through the towns of Stanwood and Camano Island until you reach the Camano Island – Clinton ferry, which will transport you to Whidbey Island. After disembarking, drive north on State Route 20, passing through Coupeville and Oak Harbor. Keep going on State Route 20 until you reach the junction with WA-116. Take WA-116 towards Marrowstone Island, and once you arrive on Marrowstone Island, follow the signs that lead you to Fort Flagler State Park.
Entering Fort Flagler State Park
Fort Flagler State Park has plenty of parking facilities for visitors. A one-day pass is $10 per day. However, you can buy an annual pass for $30.
Fort Flagler State Park One-Day Pass : $10.0
Fort Flagler State Park Annual Pass : $30.0
Fort Flagler State Park is an incredible place to visit for people of all ages. Whether you crave some adventure or desire a peaceful day on the beach, there are plenty of activities to take part in and prominent spots to relax. The area is full of history that dates back to the era of World War 2. Visitors can explore antique buildings, hike or bike trails, camp, and go boating for some excitement. When you do take the time to visit this wonderful park, be sure to rent an RV from RVshare.com for a comfortable trip. Let others know how much fun you had by sharing your experience on social media. You can also send in your trip photos to RVshare by emailing your pictures to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Flagler State Park
The best time to visit Fort Flagler State Park in Washington depends on your preferences. Summer is perfect for warm weather and water activities, while spring and fall offer pleasant conditions with fewer crowds. Winter provides a peaceful, less crowded experience, making it great for enjoying the park's history and natural beauty.
Fort Flagler State Park’s forests, shorelines, and wetlands provide habitats for various animals. Birdwatchers can spot over 200 species, while marine life, like orcas and intertidal creatures, can also be seen from the shores.
These campgrounds cater to a range of RV sizes. The lower campground provides 12 standard and 55 full-hookup sites for RVs up to 50 feet in length, while the upper campground offers 46 standard sites, with some accommodating RVs up to 20 feet. Whether you prefer modern amenities or a cozier, more rustic experience, Fort Flagler's campgrounds have options for all types of RV enthusiasts.
Reservations are required from April through October, and they can be made up to nine months in advance, with the cost ranging from $20 to $50 per night. During the quieter period of November through March, the lower campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pets are welcome at Fort Flagler State Park but must be kept on a leash and controlled throughout your visit. You can enjoy the park's trails and campgrounds with your furry companions, provided you adhere to these guidelines. Always be a responsible pet owner by cleaning up after your pet to help maintain the park's natural beauty and cleanliness for all visitors.
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