Mule Barn Camp

Welcome, fellow Washingtonians, to your guide to Mule Barn Camp in Port Townsend! This isn't your typical year-round, secluded wilderness campground. Instead, Mule Barn Camp offers a unique, vibrant, and temporary camping experience, primarily serving as a hub for music enthusiasts and a highly convenient lodging option during specific events, most notably the annual Festival of American Fiddle Tunes. For locals who appreciate a communal atmosphere, a passion for music, and a flexible approach to camping, Mule Barn Camp provides an exceptional and affordable alternative to other accommodations in the scenic Port Townsend area. This overview will shed light on what makes this camp a distinctive choice, from its event-centric location to its essential services and highlights that foster a truly memorable gathering.

Mule Barn Camp operates as a special event campground, primarily during the time of the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, held at nearby Fort Worden. Its existence is a testament to the strong community spirit and love for traditional music in the region. As described by attendees, it’s a "campout event (tents and campers on a flat treeless field that is otherwise the local fairgrounds) where people that all like the same kind of music camp and play a lot of it together. It's my kind of thing." This highlights its core appeal: a place for like-minded individuals to gather, jam, and enjoy shared passions. While it's particularly popular with Fiddle Tunes participants, it also welcomes others who simply want to experience the lively atmosphere and affordability.

The organizers clearly prioritize guest comfort and convenience, offering important amenities like "segregated restrooms with four flush toilets and four showers on each side" and ensuring "No tokens are required for the showers!" This level of service, often unexpected in a temporary fairgrounds camp, makes for a much more comfortable stay. The inclusion of "electricity for charging your electronic devices" further adds to the practical benefits. For Washingtonians looking for an alternative camping solution that prioritizes community, affordability, and essential comforts during a beloved local event, Mule Barn Camp is an excellent choice.

Mule Barn Camp is located in Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA. Crucially, its physical location is at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, specifically at 4907 Landes St., Port Townsend WA. This is a key piece of information, as it clarifies the type of environment to expect – a relatively flat, open field rather than a traditional forested campground.

The camp boasts excellent accessibility, particularly for those attending events at Fort Worden Historical State Park. It's conveniently situated "only a half mile from Fort Worden's west gate," making it an ideal off-site camping alternative for festival-goers who find Fort Worden's own campgrounds fully booked (which is often the case during popular events like Fiddle Tunes). This close proximity allows for easy walking or biking to the main event venues, minimizing reliance on vehicles and parking.

Port Townsend itself is a charming Victorian seaport town on the Olympic Peninsula, easily accessible from major population centers in Western Washington. Visitors typically reach it via a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound (e.g., Edmonds-Kingston or Mukilteo-Clinton routes) or by driving south from Tacoma on I-5, then west on State Route 16, and north on State Route 104/19/20. The roads leading to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds are well-maintained and suitable for all types of vehicles, including RVs and those pulling trailers. The included "parking is included with no limits on the number of cars" further enhances its accessibility and convenience for groups and individuals arriving with multiple vehicles.

Mule Barn Camp provides a robust set of services, especially considering its nature as a temporary, event-driven campground, prioritizing the comfort and needs of its unique community of campers. While it operates on a more basic principle than a full-service RV resort, its offerings are notably comprehensive:

• Tent and RV Space: The camp offers ample space for "tents or RVs." It's important to note that while RVs are welcome, there are "no hookups" for water, sewer, or electricity at individual sites.
• Flush Toilets: A significant amenity, setting it apart from many primitive or fairgrounds camping options, is the provision of "segregated restrooms with four flush toilets on each side," ensuring a higher level of comfort and hygiene.
• Showers: Full shower facilities are available, with "four showers on each side" of the restrooms, and notably, "No tokens are required for the showers!" This is a huge convenience for campers.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available at the camp, essential for drinking, cooking, and basic washing.
• Limited Electricity for Charging: While no site hookups, there is "some limited electricity for charging your electronic devices," a helpful feature in modern camping.
• Covered Structure: The camp has access to a "30' x 60' covered structure with a cement floor," which serves as a communal gathering space, providing shelter from the elements and a central hub for activities.
• Picnic Tables: Picnic tables are provided within the camping area, offering convenient spots for meals and socializing.
• Garbage Collection: Trash disposal services are available, making it easier for campers to maintain a clean environment.
• Dishwashing Area: A designated "place to wash your dishes" is provided, further enhancing hygiene and convenience.
• Included Parking: Parking is included in the camping fee, with "no limits on the number of cars," which is highly beneficial for groups.
• Quiet Area: The camp specifically includes a "quiet area for those campers that must get some sleep to attend FT classes!" with quiet hours between 10 pm and 8 am, balancing social activity with the need for rest.

Note: "NO wood campfires or generators! Propane campfires are allowed." This is a crucial policy, often implemented due to burn bans or the fairgrounds setting, and campers must adhere to it. Gas/propane self-contained camping stoves and portable gas/propane fire pits are generally permitted.

Mule Barn Camp offers a unique set of features and highlights, particularly appealing to a specific niche of campers and event-goers. These aspects contribute to its distinctive charm and strong community appeal:

• Music-Centric Community: The paramount highlight is its role as a "jamming and camping weekend" spot, especially during the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes. It's a place where "people that all like the same kind of music camp and play a lot of it together," fostering an unparalleled communal atmosphere for musicians and music lovers. "Late jamming is allowed," making it a haven for impromptu sessions.
• Affordable Alternative to Fort Worden: For those attending Fiddle Tunes or other events at Fort Worden, Mule Barn Camp serves as an "affordable option" when Fort Worden's campgrounds are "usually full." Its close proximity ("only a half mile from Fort Worden's west gate") makes it incredibly convenient.
• Comfortable Amenities for a Temporary Camp: Despite being on a "flat treeless field," the camp provides surprisingly robust amenities for a temporary setup: "flush toilets," "showers (no tokens needed!)," and "electricity for charging your electronic devices." These elevate the comfort significantly.
• Communal Covered Structure: The "30' x 60' covered structure with a cement floor" acts as a central hub, providing shelter for gatherings, jamming, and socializing, regardless of weather.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: "Dogs are welcome, but must be tethered at all times!" This makes it accessible for campers who want to bring their furry companions along.
• No Car Limits: The policy that "Parking is included with no limits on the number of cars" is a highly convenient feature for groups and families, removing typical parking anxieties.
• Focus on Propane Fires: While "NO wood campfires or generators" are allowed, the allowance of "Propane campfires" means campers can still enjoy the ambiance of a fire responsibly, even during burn bans.
• Flexible Booking: While primarily event-driven, the organizers communicate that there's "enough space to accommodate all campers that want to join us," suggesting a welcoming approach to capacity.
• Proximity to Port Townsend Attractions: Beyond the fairgrounds and Fort Worden, campers have easy access to the charming town of Port Townsend itself, with its Victorian architecture, unique shops, restaurants, and maritime attractions.

For inquiries, reservations, or further information regarding Mule Barn Camp, direct contact with the organizer is the most effective method, especially given its unique operational model tied to specific events.

Address: Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA (Located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 4907 Landes St., Port Townsend WA)

Phone: (360) 269-8833

Mobile Phone: +1 360-269-8833

Email: mulebarncamp@gmail.com

Website: www.mulebarncamp.com (This website is the primary source for the most up-to-date information on camp dates, fees, policies, and how to sign up. It’s essential to check this resource for details on annual operations, as the camp runs for specific periods, particularly in coordination with the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes.)

Given its temporary and event-focused nature, it is highly recommended to contact the camp organizers directly or visit their official website to confirm dates, availability, and any specific requirements or changes before planning your trip. This ensures you have the most current information for your unique camping experience at Mule Barn Camp.

Mule Barn Camp is an exceptionally suitable destination for Washington locals, particularly those who are deeply embedded in the vibrant folk music scene or simply looking for a unique, communal, and affordable camping experience. For residents of our state, it offers a distinct alternative to traditional campgrounds, especially during busy event periods in the popular Port Townsend area.

Its primary appeal for locals lies in its role as a social and musical hub. For musicians and music lovers, the opportunity to camp alongside like-minded individuals, with "lots of jamming" and a shared passion for folk music, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. This communal spirit is a rarity and a significant draw, fostering connections and camaraderie that go beyond a typical camping trip. Furthermore, its affordability and close proximity to Fort Worden make it a highly practical solution for attending major festivals like the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, providing a comfortable and convenient base when other local accommodations are scarce or expensive.

The surprisingly robust amenities for a temporary camp—including flush toilets, showers with no tokens, and electricity for charging—demonstrate a genuine commitment to guest comfort, which is highly appreciated by locals. It's a place where you can experience the lively culture of Port Townsend events without sacrificing basic comforts. For Washingtonians seeking a unique blend of community, music, affordability, and convenience in a beautiful setting, Mule Barn Camp is an ideal and memorable choice.

Mule Barn Camp

Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA