Fort Flagler Historical State Park

Step into U.S. military history at Fort Flagler Historical State Park on the northern tip of Marrowstone Island. Tour and explore a significant coastal defense fort established more than a century ago to guard the entrance to Puget Sound.

Built in the late 1890s and manned during World War I, World War II and the Korean War, Fort Flagler now features a military museum and gift shop. The park offers guided tours of the gun emplacements and other facilities during the summer. Or find the batteries on your own and wander through them at leisure.

Fort Flagler activities include hiking, boating, kite-flying, beach exploration, saltwater fishing, clam digging and crabbing. Experienced paragliders can bring their wings and ride thermals up to stupendous aerial views.

Group camps Hoskins, Richmond and Wilson are available for retreats of up to 250 people, and historic officers’ vacation houses can be booked for group gatherings and romantic getaways. Beachfront tent and RV sites boast some of the best views in the region. So gaze out on the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north, the Olympic Peninsula to the west and Whidbey Island to the east, and breathe deep of the ocean air.

The group of forts once known as the “Triangle of Fire” (made up of Fort Flagler, Fort Worden and Fort Casey) is a must-see for military, armament and maritime enthusiasts. Fort Flagler’s off-the-beaten track location and its wide, manicured former parade lawns make it a winning destination.

PARK FEATURES

Fort Flagler Historical State Park is a 1,451-acre, marine camping park surrounded on three sides by 19,100 feet of saltwater shoreline.

Vacation Houses

Full details regarding all Fort Flagler Vacation Rental Houses is online at https://parks.state.wa.us/383/Fort-Flagler

CAMPSITE INFORMATION

The park has 59 standard sites, 55 full-hookup sites, two primitive sites, one Cascadia Marine Trail (PDF) site, one dump station, two restrooms.

Forty-seven standard tent sites and two primitive sites are in the upper camping area. This area is suitable for tents and some sites can accommodate RV’s up to 25 feet.

Twelve standard sites and 55 full-hookup sites are in the lower camp area and have easy access to the beach. Maximum site length is 50 feet (limited availability).

Check-in time is 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time is 1 p.m.

GROUP ACCOMMODATIONS

The park provides two primitive group camps with vault toilets, and a group shelter, water, picnic tables and fire rings.

The Scout Camp accommodates tents only and has a maximum occupancy of 40 people. There is a fire ring and one open-sided shelter.

The Wagon Wheel Camp accommodates both RVs and tents. It offers a covered picnic shelter and has a maximum occupancy of 100 people. There are two vault toilets and no hookups. Fees vary with size of the group.

RESERVATIONS & FEES

Lower Beach Campground (sites (48-116) are reservable 9 months in advance beginning April 1 – October 31.

Upper Forest Campground (sites 1 – 47) are reservable 9 months in advance beginning May 1 – September 30.

Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT (888-226-7688). For fee information, check out our camping rates page.

INTERPRETIVE OPPORTUNITIES

Visitors may explore the military museum, featuring displays about area history. The museum includes a gift shop. Both are open daily, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. For group visitors or special arrangements, call (360) 385-3701. Admission to the museum is by donation.

GUN EMPLACEMENT GUIDED TOURS: A guided walking tour of the historic gun emplacements and other historic sites are offered on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30 a.m., Learn about Fort operations and history. See projectile lifts and sliding targets in action. The tour lasts approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours. A donation of $2 – $5 is suggested for tours. Tours begin the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.

HOSPITAL GUIDED TOURS: Step back in time as you take a guided tour of a 1905 military hospital. Hear about the incredible history of this beautiful building that was awarded the Mary P. Johnson award for Historic Preservation in 2012. Tours are offered on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m., May 15 to Sept. 7. Donations are appreciated for all tours. Tours begin the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.

PICNIC & DAY-USE FACILITIES

The park provides one reservable kitchen shelter with a power outlet and water on the west side of the island across the road from the Kilisut Harbor launch and concession area. The shelter has five picnic tables and a large fire ring. Restroom facilities and water are nearby. Maximum 100 people.

The park provides numerous unsheltered picnic tables, all scattered throughout the park with the largest number located on the beach, available first come, first served.

CONCESSIONS: There is a seasonal concession at the lower beach campground offering camp fire wood, ice, espresso, grill food, snacks and sundries. For more information, call (360) 385-7637.