Fort Townsend #3

Washington State Parks owns and operates this moorage. Use of this buoy is on a first-come, first-served basis. WA State Parks offers payment options in person (on shore) or by calling Washington State Parks at 833-927-1222. This is a mooring buoy owned and operated by Washington State Parks. Actual moorage condition may differ from this listing.

On the surface, Fort Townsend is a classic park with beach access along Port Townsend Bay. But a closer look reveals a hidden history. Built in 1856, Fort Townsend operated on and off as a U.S. Army site until a fire destroyed its barracks in 1895. This small camping park south of Port Townsend is unique among Washington's coastal forts because it has all but returned to nature.

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's 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 and events over 20 people, amplified music and 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, with limited availability.

Group camp One group camp is available for up to 40 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 Begin at the Camper's Trail and follow the interpretive signs along this rugged, winding 1.2-mile loop. The enjoy this trail spring through early fall for blooms and berries, fall through winter offers a 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 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 docks, floats and buoys from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m. Daily and annual permits are available.

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.