The 4300-foot long shoreline in this 137 acre park is a good place to watch birds and stretch your legs. Watch the busy boat and ferry traffic in Rich Passage and for divers in the underwater park. This former military installation once protected the shipyard. Now the park protects valuable shoreline and aquatic resources for the public.
One of our members has written a lovely historical document on the park. Download the Fort Ward Park and read it at your leisure.
Location: Ft. Ward Park is on the southwestern shore of Bainbridge Island, on Rich Passage. The campsite is just inland of the trail along the water, south of ranger houses and north of the picnic area.
Hazards: Watch for ferries in Rich Passage
Sites: 5
Water: None
Sanitation: Vault toilets in picnic area, open year-round
Overflow: None
Fires: BBQ's at site
Extras: Bird blinds
Fees: No Fee.
Special Considerations: Watch out for poison oak in the undergrowth! There's a scuba park just offshore.
Natural History: This early 20th century military base was one of a pair (with Manchester SP) built to protect the Bremerton Naval Shipyard in case of war. The fortifications included four gun batteries, which are now the only evidence of the fort's existence. Several of the buildings once used for military purposes are now private residences.
Max People:
Max Nights:
Reservations: No
Latitude: 47.5823
Longitude: -122.5275
2 thoughts on “Fort Ward Park”
As of July 23rd at least there is fresh water from a spigot near the toilet.
Thank you Barry, this is good to know!