(Originally printed in the May 2022 edition of Olympic Peninsula Tourism newsletter)
Like many people, I was introduced to camping through my family. We used parks for camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. So, as I was growing up, going camping at parks was a favorite family activity. From my experience, here are a few tips for visiting Washington State Parks in Jefferson County.
Spending time in parks is an excellent way for families to engage with nature and develop a love and appreciation for the outdoors. There’s also a wellness benefit to getting outside, like hiking, biking, or taking walks on the beach. Parks are for everyone, from beautiful sandy beaches and majestic views to forested hiking trails.
Photo courtesy of Deborah Milne
Washington State Parks in Jefferson County
Jefferson County is home to a dozen Washington State Parks (WSP), each with a unique story to tell. Those offering camping can accommodate up to eight people per site. Camping gives you affordable access to everything parks offer for the entire family.
Visitors ask, “What is a typical stay like?” The answer is there’s nothing “typical” about camping and each park is different. Jefferson County’s parks offer a variety of camping opportunities from tenting to RV sites, group camps, cabins, vacation houses, and some retreat center accommodations.
Most parks are equipped with comfort stations with clean flush toilets. Some even have park stores or concession areas for purchasing firewood, camping necessities or treats.
Be Prepared
Beyond packing and knowing how to use the “Ten Essentials,” do some research about your destination. Read the facility’s web page. Check out the park’s information to learn what amenities are available. Be aware of any park alerts or important “Need to Know” information prior to your trip. You might want to know if fires are allowed and if so, is firewood available for purchase? Make a checklist and try to think of everything you may need. I often see our visitors have forgotten some gear or are short on supplies and then have to make a last-minute run to the nearest town or store.
Three Popular Destinations
Here are three state parks located in east Jefferson County.
Fort Flagler Historical State Park
Fort Flagler Historical State Park is a favorite year-round camping spot, with 1,451 acres surrounded on three sides by over 3.5 miles of walkable beaches. The park has 116 campsites for tents and RVs as well as five vacation houses for rent. There are trails with stunning scenery from the bluffs overlooking Port Townsend Bay and the Admiralty Inlet, historic Coast Artillery gun emplacements, and plenty of water access for boating, fishing, and beach walks. If you would like a kayak adventure in the local harbor, you can rent a kayak or take a guided tour adventure with Olympic Kayak Tours.
Fort Worden Historical State Park
Fort Worden is a 432-acre historical and multi-use park with more than two miles of walkable beaches. The park features a variety of services and facilities, including 80 campsites, a variety of overnight housing accommodations, a Coast Artillery Museum, Marine Science Center, and a full-service conference center. It is a popular destination for its trails, picnic areas, sandy beach, historic gun emplacements, and its many Victorian-era buildings. The park’s central location in Port Townsend makes it easy to fill your day with plenty of activities, shopping, and dining possibilities.