Fay Bainbridge Park and the island's other parks
Fay Bainbridge Park is the one most visitors ask about. It covers 17 acres on the northeast coast and has 1,420 feet of saltwater shoreline. The island's other main parks are Fort Ward Park, Battle Point Park and Grand Forest, and each one is very different.
The parks are spread across the island, so plan how you will get around first. If you would rather have someone else plan the day, things to do on Bainbridge Island covers gardens, wine and guided trips as well.
Guided trips on and around Bainbridge Island
Day trips, wine tours and sightseeing options that fit a day outdoors on the island.
Island parks compared
Each park has a different character.
| Park | Setting | Camping | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fay Bainbridge Park | 17 acres, 1,420 feet of shoreline | Tent and RV sites, 5 cabins | A day on the beach, an overnight stay |
| Fort Ward Park | Former coastal defense on Rich Passage | Only for arriving paddle craft | Shore walks, old gun positions, boat launch |
| Battle Point Park | Former radio station | None | Sports fields, playgrounds, disc golf |
| Grand Forest | About 240 acres, 3 parcels | None | Forest walks |
For most visitors, Fay Bainbridge Park is the first choice for a day by the water, and Grand Forest is the choice when you want shade and a long walk.
Fay Bainbridge Park camping and beach
The park offers tent and RV sites and 5 cabins. Cabins need a stay of at least 2 nights. Reservations made by phone or at the office cost an extra $10. Check the current nightly rates with the park district before you book.
Check-in for tent and RV sites is at 2:30 p.m. and check-out at 1 p.m. For cabins, check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out at 11 a.m. A stay is normally limited to 10 nights in 30 days, and quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Day visitors can use the park from dawn to dusk. Drones are not allowed.
Fort Ward Park
Fort Ward Park lies on the coast at Rich Passage and used to be a coastal defense site. It has boat ramps, a rocky beach and an underwater area used for diving. The boat ramp is free.
Camping is limited to a marine trail site for people who arrive by paddle craft, first come, first served. It is not a general car campground. Dogs must be on a leash, wildlife should be left alone, and vehicles belong only in the areas that are open to them. The park is open from dawn to dusk, so plan to be out by dusk and check the signs at the gate.
Battle Point Park
Battle Point Park was a radio station. Today it has an observatory and sundial, sports fields, playgrounds, disc golf and paths. The observatory has its own opening times, so check before you plan around it.
Grand Forest
Grand Forest covers about 240 acres in 3 parcels and has about 8 miles of trails through second-growth Douglas fir, cedar and maple. In February 2025 the park district secured another 39 acres, called Grand Forest East, for permanent protection. That is protected land, not a new parking lot. Ask the park district about wheelchair access.
Bainbridge Island beaches and water safety
Not every shoreline is a swimming beach.
Swimming
There is no general all-clear for swimming around the island. Follow the signs at each beach and do not swim near the Wyckoff site in Eagle Harbor, where cleanup of soil, groundwater and shoreline sediment is still going on. That does not mean all of Eagle Harbor is closed.
Pritchard Park
The Creosote Road entrance to Pritchard Park has been closed since March 2025 because of cleanup work, and some eastern trails are limited. The park is the setting of the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. Check access before you go.
Fires and grills
Fire restrictions can apply. Ask the park district whether charcoal fires are allowed before you bring a grill.
Orcas on the water
If you paddle, stay at least 1,000 yards (about 914 meters) from southern resident orcas. The rule has applied to kayaks too since 1 January 2025.
Plan the rest of your trip
More places to go with a park day.
Bainbridge Island parks: frequently asked questions
Who runs the parks?
The island's park district runs the parks, so ask it for current rules, rates and closures.
Can I camp at Fay Bainbridge Park?
Yes. The park has tent and RV sites and 5 cabins, and cabins need at least 2 nights. Check the current rates and rules before you book.
Can I camp at Fort Ward Park?
Only at the marine trail site, and only if you arrive by paddle craft. It is first come, first served and not a car campground.
Are dogs allowed?
At Fort Ward Park, dogs must be on a leash. Look for signs at each park, because rules can differ.
Are there beaches on Bainbridge Island?
Yes, Fay Bainbridge Park has 1,420 feet of saltwater shoreline and Fort Ward Park has a rocky beach. Follow the signs for swimming and stay away from the cleanup area at Eagle Harbor.
How long should I plan for Grand Forest?
The forest has about 8 miles of trails in 3 parcels. You can choose a short walk or a longer one.