Posted in Washington Camping April 09, 2023 by

Fort Worden In Washington Is The State’s Most Haunted Campground

Originally designed as a military base to protect Puget Sound from invasion, Fort Worden in Washington is now an iconic state park in the beautiful little city of Port Townsend. Inside the complex, you’ll find restaurants, cottages, retreat housing, and dozens of campsites. Campers will have their choice of 30 forested campsites, 50 beach campsites, and four primitive sites. But there’s more to Fort Worden In Washington than meets the eye… check it out if you dare! Is Fort Worden haunted? Well… you be the judge: 

As peaceful of a place as Fort Worden is to spend the night, it’s also harboring a (well-known) secret: it's kinda haunted.
Mr. Regala / Flickr
In fact, it’s considered one of the most haunted places in Washington.
Fort Worden was established in 1889 as part of the Coastal Defense System.
PRODan DeLuca / Flickr
The original soldiers who were stationed here lived in tents on top of Artillery Hill, with the first existing buildings built from 1902-1904. By the time the construction was finished, Fort Worden was more like a small city than a base.
So why would there be hauntings here?
Wikimedia
Perhaps because it goes to reason that the fort would have had a jail for the enlisted personnel who had issues with anger or alcohol and needed some time in the "Brig." It could be because after the base shut down in 1953, it was purchased in 1957 by the state and became a treatment facility for "troubled youth" until the 1970s. Maybe it’s because of the onsite military cemetery. There are also rumors of a soldier taking his life there.
The stories of strange things happening at Fort Worden are nearly endless.
Eli Duke / Flickr
Hikers and campers report that on cloudy days, moans can be heard from the confines of the dark hallways of the barracks. At dusk, images of vibrating lights can be seen inside some of the buildings that don’t have running electricity. The smell of burning coal, burning rubber or hot sulfur has been noticed in the front area of the main house, just inside the front door. There has even been a photo of a spirit in purple clothing captured by a Seattle paranormal investigator. Many people who visit claim they feel like they’re being watched.
Of course, plenty of people have camped at Fort Worden without seeing or sensing anything.
Dale Musselman / Flickr
And it truly is a beautiful place to stay. So check it out the next time you’re in the area… if you’re feeling brave.

Explore Fort Worden in all its eerie glory in this firsthand walkthrough video:

For more information, including rates and availability, check out the official campground website.

Have you ever visited Fort Worden in Washington? Let us know in the comments below! And if you feel like going ghost hunting, here are even more haunted places in Washington that are said to be oh-so-spooky.

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Address: Fort Worden Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Fort Worden in Washington

February 19, 2021
Jackie Ann

What are the most haunted places in Washington?

It’s no surprise that one of the most haunted spots in Washington is a cemetery, and Black Diamond Cemetery has earned its reputation for good reason. Here, visitors have reported sightings of a galloping phantom horse, seeing spooky swinging lanterns and hearing ghostly voices, and eerie whistles. Unexplained activities like flickering lights and mysteriously tripped alarms at The Tacoma Old City Hall have earned its ranking among one of the most haunted places in The Evergreen State. The violent history of the Oxford Saloon in Snohomish has lent to reports of multiple hauntings in the building, including sightings of a woman’s figure roaming the halls dressed all in purple.

What are the most popular ghost stories in Washington?

One of the most popular and bone-chilling ghost stories in Washington is that of Point Defiance Park. As the tale is told, the ghost of a murdered little girl has been seen riding her bike around the park but vanishes if anyone approaches. Once a hospital In Olympia, The Capitol House Apartments on Sherman Street is a hot spot for paranormal activity. Among the scary observances in the building is a figure rocking in an old chair on the bottom floor. One of the most reportedly haunted restaurants in Washington is located in Aberdeen, Billy’s Bar and Grill. The bar was named after the secretary of the sailor’s union, Billy Gohl who had been known to brutally murder sailors after luring them to the bar. It’s said you can see the visage of Billy looming behind the bar.

What are the most unique places to spend the night in Washington?

Washington is home to an abundance of unique stays ranging from scenic overnight spots to world-class natural spas. Head out to The Mount Rainier National Park when you're in the mood for a completely relaxing retreat. The Stormking Spa offers guest cabins with starry skylights, luxurious hot tubs, and cozy hammocks perfect for hours of stress-free lounging. In Quincy, surround yourself with scenic vineyards and lush landscapes at the Cave B Inn & Spa. Stay in one of their Cavern Rooms which feature a basalt rock cave entrance and soaking tubs with views of the Columbia River. A favorite stay in Bellingham is in the Lighthouse Suite of the Hotel Bellwether. There, guests marvel at the 360-degree views of Mount Baker, Squalicum Harbor, and the San Juan Islands from the observation area accessed by a charming spiral staircase.