Seattle Area Van/Camping: Fort Flagler (Nordland, WA)

Campsite is full but some campers just got a reservation from the alerts on the website, I suggest you try if you’re interested in attending.

Folks let's camp in the fall at Fort Flagler State Park on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula! This park has a nice blend of being not too hard to get to, but it shouldn't be too crowded. See description below and secure your campsite in the Upper Campground and note that sites here don't have electricity. Campsite link.

Fort Flagler Historical State Park occupies the northern tip of Marrowstone Island in Washington’s Puget Sound and offers one of the most unique camping experiences in the state. The 1,451-acre park combines scenic shoreline, forested trails, dramatic coastal bluffs, and fascinating military history. Originally built in the late 1890s as part of the “Triangle of Fire” coastal defense system protecting Puget Sound, the former military fort now serves as a beautiful state park with campgrounds, historic buildings, beaches, and miles of trails. From many areas of the park, campers enjoy spectacular views of Port Townsend, Whidbey Island, Admiralty Inlet, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Baker on clear days.

September is an ideal time to visit. Summer crowds have diminished, temperatures are typically mild, and sunsets over Puget Sound can be spectacular. The campground offers RV and tent sites, restrooms, showers, beach access, and easy access to the park's extensive trail network. Between hikes, visitors can explore historic gun batteries, military bunkers, the park museum, beaches, and the nearby communities of Nordland and Port Townsend.

Top 5 Hikes in the Park:

1. Beach & Bluff Trail Loop – A scenic combination of shoreline walking and bluff-top viewpoints overlooking Admiralty Inlet.
2. Fort Flagler Trail Loop – A moderate route through forests, historic fortifications, and coastal overlooks.
3. Anti-Aircraft Battery, Bluff Trail & Lagoon Loop – The park’s premier hike, combining military history, forest trails, shoreline, and lagoon views.
4. Fort Flagler Museum Loop via Bluff Trail – An easy hike linking historic batteries, museum exhibits, and scenic viewpoints.
5. Wilderness Trail & Coastal Loop – A quieter route through mature forest with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy water views.

Event/Reservation Details:

• Please reserve in the upper campground. Sites here do not have electricity, but if you need it, set an alert for the lower campground and reserve there. Campsite link.
• Fees: $37-43 for each night. Booking one night is allowed.
• Bathrooms/shower: Yes, both
• Pets: Allowed (please leash/control at ALL times)
• Activities: we'll have nightly campfires/BYO food and firewood if there isn't a fire ban, and van show and tells. Saturday midday we can hike/walk, visit the museum or visit Port Townsend (30 minutes away).
• Getting there: the campground is on the northeastern area of the Olympic Peninsula, you may need to take a ferry.

Questions about how our events work or how to book a campsite? Check out the "how to" on the group description and PM Mary/group organizer with any questions.