EXPLORE: Manchester State Park | Port Orchard

VISITEXPLORE

Feb 4

Written By Serotonin Creative

This historic state park sits on the eastern shores of Port Orchard and offers camping, beach exploration, event facilities, and hours of fun. Watch Seattle/Bremerton ferries chug past as juvenile bald eagles roost overhead among the thick pine boughs. Locals love Manchester and visitors who are savvy use it as a jumping off point to further Kitsap Peninsula adventures!

7767 E Hilldale Rd, Port Orchard, WA

**Why we love it**

A 111-acre forest-draped, waterfront State Park with 3K+ feet of shoreline on the Kitsap Peninsula, easily accessed from Seattle. Decades ago Manchester was a harbor defense installation that defended the Peninsula and the city of Bremerton. Now it’s a great place to picnic or camp.
The fern-covered evergreen forests, overnight camping options, AND a big ol’ high-ceilinged brick artillery warehouse that serves as a reservable picnic shelter (popular in the summer for weddings and parties).
The former torpedo warehouse with its high echoey walls, vaulting stone fireplace, weathered beamed ceiling, and windowless arches, has become a beloved venue for reunions, picnics, weddings, and gatherings.

bunkers + beach access

I’ve been going to Manchester State Park since I was a kid. Church bible camps, family picnics, random adventures turning over barnacle-studded tideland rocks to harass the scampering crabs that skittered away, ducking out of view. Manchester felt like a special world embedded within the normal one, like a taste of the wilds of the Olympic Peninsula that my family loved to camp in all summer.
Beach access and bunkers, what more could you want?! How about about trails of towering evergreens and picnic tables? Ok! Grab your camping spot and make sure that you either have your Discovery Pass or a way to pay for the day parking/camping.

Low key escape

Being an easy and low-key escape into nature and a playground for Kitsap Peninsula residents and visitors alike, Manchester State Park is known for its historic military bunkers, lush PNW landscapes, and the barking of distant sea lions.
More than 2 miles of hiking trails and over 3,400 feet of saltwater shoreline make Manchester a day trippers and/or campers paradise due to its popularity for kayaking, swimming, and diving.

35 tent camping spots are first come, first serve…

Manchester State Park offers 35 tent spaces, 15 utility spaces and two restrooms/showers…a million opportunities for adventure. Maximum site length is 60 feet (check availability) and there is dump station located near the entrance of the park by the ranger check in station.

Reservations for campsites can be made by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. During the off-season (September 16 through May 14), campsites are only available first-come, first-served!

THE EXPLORING NEVER ENDS

READ

EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Molly Brahmer

Molly Brahmer, local muralist and owner of Molly Brahmer Art, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.

EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Brittany Hess

Brittany Hess, owner of Dos Casas Thrift, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.

EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Danielle Rimbert

Danielle Rimbert, local artist, community leader, and owner of Rimbert Illustration, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.

Walkable Pet Friendly Kid Friendly Bremerton Waterfront

If you only have a few hours on the bremerton waterfront and want explore public parks on foot, here’s a great walkable itinerary that takes you to easy accessible parks and public spaces to relax and play.

EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Coreen Haydock

Coreen Haydock, Port Orchard’s Citizen of the Year and co-owner of Waterman Mitigation Partners, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.

Explore Native Culture and History with the Suquamish Museum's Cultural Bus Tour

Step aboard the new Suquamish Heritage Bus Tour - a small group guided experience created by the Suquamish Museum to some of the most culturally and historically significant sites of the Suquamish people.

EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Korum Bischoff

Korum Bischoff, Deputy Director of Bainbridge Island Museum Art, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.

EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Jake + Jackie

Jake + Jackie are local veterans, teachers and authors from the South Kitsap community. They’re sharing their favorite local adventures, swimming holes, tours and eateries in this episode of Secret Summer.

Explore - The Bremerton National Airport - Kitsap’s largest airstrip is for more than just planes!

Your guide to the Bremerton National Airport, Kitsap’s largest and most well appointed airport!

EXPLORE Unique Public Art & Murals All Around the Kitsap Peninsula

Ready, set…SNAP! Who doesn’t love to take a selfie in front of something beautiful, unique, extraordinary and hashtag worthy? Finding yourself in front of a colorful mural or a giant wooden gnome is a PERFECT excuse to memorialize the moment with a selfie for Facebook and Insta. Here is a round up of just a few of the amazing places on the Kitsap Peninsula to take photos in front of!

EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Paranormal Pete Orbea

Explore with local Port Gamble Town Manager, Pete Orbea, or as he’s known in the paranormal realms - Paranormal Pete! Port Gamble is a small historic town in North Kitsap known for its beautiful views, small town charm and paranormal activities.

Port Orchard + Bremerton Night Markets Summer 2025

Explore South Kitsap’s two great night markets in Bremerton & Port Orchard.

Port Orchard, Rain or Shine

Keep reading for a list of fun, family-friendly activities & things to do in Port Orchard, Washington, rain or shine!

Tails & Trails | Port Orchard Waterfront

The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet friendly place to travel, adventure and explore. Here’s our list of 20 dog friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup!

EXPLORE: The Kitsap Peninsula Farmer's Markets Guide 2025

Spring on the Kitsap Peninsula means the start of FARMER'S MARKET SEASON and we couldn't be happier! Each Farmer’s Market around the Kitsap Peninsula has its own notable flair, no two are alike. That’s why we’ve created this handy round-up so you can plan to experience them all!

13 Gardens, Nurseries and Greenhouses on the Kitsap Peninsula to see spring blooms.

Spring blooms are blossoming across Kitsap and there are many wonderful gardens, greenhouses and nurseries to visit to experience the very best of Spring!

20 pet friendly places in Kitsap to explore with your dog this Spring & Summer

The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet friendly place to travel, adventure and explore. Here’s our list of 20 dog friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup!

Tails & Trails: Illahee Preserve & El Balcon

The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet friendly place to travel, adventure and explore. Here’s our list of 20 dog friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup!

EXPLORE: Manchester State Park | Port Orchard

This historic state park sits on the eastern shores of Port Orchard and offers camping, beach exploration, event facilities, and hours of fun. Watch Seattle/Bremerton ferries chug past as juvenile bald eagles roost overhead among the thick pine boughs.

EXPLORE: Illahee State Park | Bremerton

75 acres of perfect park and 1785 feet of saltwater shoreline, Illahee (ill-uh-hee!) State Park is a local favorite for diving, beach combing, hiking, boating and waterfront adventures.

EXPLORE: Guillemot Cove Nature Reserve | Seabeck

Tucked into the folds of the Seabeck shoreline, the nature reserve takes some driving to get to, but trust us, it’s worth every moment.

EXPLORE: 11 Little Parks to Take Your Kids on the Kitsap Peninsula

EXPLORE: Fay Park | Bainbridge Island

A wind-swept stretch of beach strewn with a ba-zillion pieces of driftwood - Fay Bainbridge Park on the Kitsap Peninsula, is a local Bainbridge Island favorite for picnics, beachcombing, and taking in the huge views of the Puget Sound.

Kingston, Rain or Shine

Sometimes it seems like Kitsap experiences all 4 seasons on the same day. Especially in Spring, the Kitsap Peninsula can go from sunshine to drizzle to a double rainbow and back to blue skies all in the same day.

EXPLORE: Point No Point | Hansville

A historic lighthouse and a perfect beach await you at the northern tip of Kitsap County. Point No Point in Hansville is well worth the journey - walk among the driftwood as the wind whips the wavelets.

Bainbridge Island, Rain or Shine

Things to do on Bainbridge Island in any weather - rain or shine! Let’s explore indoor activities for day when you want to avoid the rain and outdoor adventures when you want to be outside!

EXPLORE: Clear Creek Trails | Silverdale

Explore 8 miles of trails winding through Central Kitsap’s retail area of Silverdale. The Clear Creek Trail is a local favorite for a good reason!

EXPLORE: Family Friendly Pumpkin Patch Adventures in Kitsap

October on the Kitsap Peninsula - the days grow shorter, darker, and as we approach Halloween, the family festivities and fun go into full swing. Kingston,Bremerton, Poulsbo, and beyond host a variety of pumpkin patches and Halloween events for families.

EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Melissa Kittrell of Bushel & Barrel

Melissa Kittrell, owner of Bushel & Barrel Ciderhouse in Poulsbo, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months.

EXPLORE: Secret Summer with Kylie Danskin

Kylie Danskin, owner of Northmade Marketing + The Cedar Bar, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.

Scroll through to see some of our favorite options for your overnight stay in Port Orchard.

STAY

Bald Seagull | Port Orchard

Stunning beachfront on the shores of Port Orchard with unobstructed, waterfront vistas from inside the window-lined living area and furnished deck beneath by a canopy of trees.

Carriage House | Port Orchard

With stunning views of Sinclair Inlet and the mighty Olympic Mountains, the historic Carriage House is the perfect place for a South Kitsap adventure.

The Chapel | Port Orchard

An 1895 historic chapel featuring gorgeous stained glass windows, open space design, 25 ft ceilings, loft bedrooms, huge work space, and fabulous art!

Comfort Inn on the Bay | Port Orchard

The only hotel located on the Port Orchard waterfront pathway, you’ll be just a few steps away from countless adventures.

Heron Haus | Port Orchard

Heron Haus is a sleek, artfully appointed retreat with unparalleled views of Mount Rainier, Bainbridge & Blake Islands.

Mrs Howe’s Bed & Breakfast

Mrs. Howe’s Bed & Breakfast is located in a beautifully maintained home built in 1923 by Harry and Edith Howe.

Quality Inn & Suites | Port Orchard

Quality Inn Port Orchard is a freshly refreshed, friendly stay nestled just off Highway 16, offering clean and quiet rooms with thoughtful amenities like hot tubs, massage chairs, and free parking that make it easy to unwind after an adventurous Kitsap day.

Red Cottage Guest House | Port Orchard

Just feet from the Port Orchard Waterfront, downtown shops and restaurants and the Bremerton foot ferry, Red Cottage is a cute and comfortable oasis perfect for staging your Kitsap adventure!