Fort Worden State Park, Washington

There’s so much to do at Fort Worden State Park, it feels more like the sleepaway summer camps of our youth than a rustic camping experience. There are fitness classes, tennis courts, and Victorian museums to explore. Boats—and agile water skiiers—motor about the blue water of Puget Sound. Big groups gather to take advantage of the park’s roomy conference centers (and on-site cafe serving up lip-smackin’ good burgers!). But if it is a more rustic, getting-back-to-nature vibe that you’re looking for, Fort Worden has that too. Hike along 12 miles of nature trails, or pedal over the equally long separate biking trails. Anywhere you look there’s a view: the stormy straights of Juan de Fuca, the stately Artillery Hill, and the misty peak of Mt. Baker. So stay awhile and take advantage of Fort Worden’s seemingly endless activities—or just take a peaceful nap at your campsite beside the salty sea. Both sound good to us!