Fort Casey State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Fort Casey State Historical Park is a fascinating state park located on beautiful Whidbey Island, WA, where it looks out over picturesque Puget Sound. The park is a great recreational destination, but it's mainly known for its unique historical attractions. For instance, visitors can check out the 1903 vintage lighthouse, which boasts its own interpretive center and gift shop. That said, the primary attraction is the park's namesake fort, which features bunkers, batteries, and a variety of amazing relics.
In addition to its interesting history, the park offers several quality opportunities for outdoor recreation as there are several short hiking trails to explore, many tranquil picnic spots, and some excellent places to partake in boating and saltwater fishing. The climate tends to be mild all year at Fort Casey State Historical Park, with temperatures rarely rising above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or dropping below 35.
Nearby Cities:
Seattle, WA
Oak Harbor, WA
Anacortes, WA
Port Townsend, WA
Spring 40-64 F
Summer 50-72 F
Fall 37-63 F
Winter 35-51 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fort Casey State Park
Campground Accommodations
Fort Casey State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 40 Feet
Other amenities: Boat ramp, BBQ grills, picnic tables, available firewood, gift shop, grills, showers, flush toilets
Cliffside RV Park
This wonderful RV park is nestled along the Whidbey Island shoreline. The park overlooks the Olympic Peninsula and the Strait of Juan De Fuca. The ambiance, extensive shoreline, and breathtaking view are reasons to visit Cliffside RV Park. RV check-in at the park starts at 2:00 p.m. Other facilities offered include:
Free Wi-Fi
Full hookups, including water, electricity, and sewer
Recreational facilities, including a golf course
Showers and restroom facilities
North Whidbey RV Park
North Whidbey RV Park is strategically located across the street from Deception Pass State Park. It makes an ideal base camp for exploring the surrounding area. There is a swimming beach, fishing spot, and hiking trails all around the park. You can get to this park in just 30 minutes from Fort Casey. The check-in time for RV campers is at noon every day. Daily rates start from $40 per vehicle with two adults and two kids. Amenities offered include:
Full hookups, including water, sewer, and electrical
Free internet
Bathhouses and free hot showers
Propane (available for a fee)
Pets are allowed
Laundry services
Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass State Park is the most-visited park in Washington. It holds this distinction for a good reason. There is plenty to see from its mysterious coves to the famous Deception Pass Bridge. It is the perfect destination for a family road trip. You can either swim at Lake Cranberry or collect shells along the shorelines. Other activities include hiking, boating, fishing, and diving. Available camping amenities include:
Partial hookups like water and electrical
Dump stations
Washrooms
Pioneer Trails RV Resort
Pioneer Trails RV Resort has all the hallmarks of a great campground. The resort is located outside Anacortes, Washington. You can get to any of the other parks via Interstate 5 in minutes. In addition to the wooded firs' and cedars' tranquility, the garden is also well-maintained and impeccably clean. Kayaking, boating, biking, hiking, and golfing are some of the outdoor activities available. The camping amenities include:
Full hookups like water, electrical, and sewer
Wi-Fi
Showers and restrooms
Pet-friendly
Fire pits and picnic tables
Laundry services
A fitness center
What to Do at
Fort Casey State Park
By far the most popular attraction at Fort Casey State Historical Part is Fort Casey itself, which was originally constructed around the turn of the 20th century. In addition to exploring the historical fort, you can check out the picturesque Admiralty Head Lighthouse. If you're up for a hike, several short trails wind through the park, and you may be lucky enough to spot some of the local birds and other wildlife while you explore. Alternatively, you could spend an afternoon at the park boating, saltwater fishing, or diving in the Keystone Underwater Dive Park. Many visitors to Fort Casey Historical Park opt to spend their time relaxing on the beach or enjoying a peaceful picnic with gorgeous waterfront views.
Inside Fort Casey State Park
Whether you are a military buff or love the outdoors, there is something here for everyone. There is more than 10,000 feet of shoreline at the Admiral Inlet that you can enjoy, and for those who enjoy water sports, there is a watercraft launch at the Keystone Ferry terminal. Alternatively, you can ditch the boat and dive at the Dive Park in the same location. If you prefer wandering in the wilderness, part of the Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT), a 1,200-mile-long foot trail that runs through the Pacific Northwest, goes through Fort Casey State Park. As you see, there is no shortage of activities and fun at the park.
Fishing
As long as you have a permit, you can try your hand at saltwater fishing in Fort Casey State Historical Park. Fish species regularly caught in the area include cod, perch, steelhead, and salmon.
Geocaching
Visitors to Fort Casey State Historical Park are welcome to partake in geocaching, and the fascinating historic fort can potentially offer some excellent hiding areas.
Nature Watching
If you spend time exploring the trails around the park, you may spot interesting wildlife such as deer, chipmunks, foxes, or even otters. The park is also inhabited by numerous avian species, including Canada geese, eagles, gulls, hawks, and herons.
Stargazing
All of Whidbey Island is known for superb stargazing opportunities, and Fort Casey State Historical Park is no exception. During the summer, the park sometimes hosts dedicated stargazing nights.
Flora and Fauna
If you appreciate colorful wildflowers, you'll have a wonderful time exploring Fort Casey State Historical Park. Some of the wildflowers often seen blooming in the area include chocolate lilies, prunella, scarlet and golden paintbrushes, and numerous others.
Hiking
There are approximately 1.8 miles of scenic hiking trails winding through Fort Casey State Historical Park. Additionally, the state park provides visitors access to the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, which stretches from Olympic National Park to the Rocky Mountains in Montana.
Boating
Boating and watersports are very popular activities for visitors to Fort Casey State Historical Park, especially during the summer. There are also two boat launches at the park, but they require a $7 fee to use.
Swimming
Some visitors do occasionally go for a swim at the park, but the area is fairly rocky and there is no lifeguard on duty, so caution is advised.
How to Get to
Fort Casey State Park
To reach the state park from Seattle, you'll need to head north on I-5, then take WA-525 N to Mukilteo. From Mukilteo, you'll then need to take the Clinton-Mukilteo Ferry to Clinton, which is located on Whidbey Island. From Clinton, you'll continue back onto WA-525 N and follow it until you come to State Rte. 20 W. Take a left, then continue onto S Engle Rd, and Fort Casey State Historical Park will be on your left.
Entering Fort Casey State Park
To enter Fort Casey State Historical Park, you'll need a Discover Pass. You can buy a one-day pass for $10 or a year-long pass for $30. There are several convenient parking areas available with no additional parking fee after entering the park.
Fort Casey State Park Discover Pass Per Vehicle (1-4 people), daily : $10.0
Fort Casey State Park Discover Pass Per Vehicle (1-4 people), annually : $30.0
Whether you're looking for outdoor recreation or you're simply a history buff, there are great adventures to be had at Fort Casey Historical Park. In addition to exploring the fort and visiting the lighthouse, you can partake in several land and water-based recreational activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Casey State Park
Generally, the summer is the ideal time to visit the park. The weather during this season will be warm and pleasant, but it shouldn't get uncomfortably hot, and you should also be able to stay dry.
Fort Casey State Historical Park is known to be a great birdwatching destination, with several types of hawks, eagles, gulls, geese, and herons often spotted in the skies and on the water. There are also plenty of interesting land creatures inhabiting the area, including deer, otters, squirrels, foxes, and many others.
Yes. The campground at the park features 35 total camping spots, and 14 of those are dedicated RV campsites equipped with water and electrical hookups. Four of these RV campsites are beachfront/pull-through sites.
Yes, it's advised that you reserve your campsite in advance of your trip to Fort Casey State Historical Park. You can make your reservation either over the phone or online, and you may be charged a small reservation fee.
Fort Casey State Historical Park is a pet-friendly park, and as long as you're a responsible pet owner, you're welcome to bring your furry friends with you. That said, you'll need to keep your pets leashed and under physical control at all times in every area of the park. You must also consistently clean up after your pets during your visit.