Prior to our visit, we did a little research on Fort Ord Dunes State Park. According to one recent reviewer, it is the most difficult state park to find in the entire California State Park system. Since we haven't visited all 280 state parks in the system, we can't verify that this is true. After visiting, we can confirm that it's a little hard to find, but also that it's worth the effort.
The park is located on Monterey Bay, just a short 20-minute drive from our Pacific Grove home. The difficulty in finding it isn't due to its location, but a lack of signage. Thankfully, Google Maps guided us in perfectly, although for a minute or two as we passed abandoned structures, we weren't sure if we were on the right track.
The land that makes up what is now Fort Ord Dunes State Park was purchased by the military in 1918. It was named in honor of Union Army Major General Edward Ord. It was known as Camp Ord from 1918 until 1940. In 1940, adjoining land was acquired, and the now 2,000-acres area was re-designated to Fort Ord.
From 1940 until it's closure in 1994 the fort served as a training facility for infantrymen and home to the Army's 7th Infantry Division. Because it had been used for live round ammunitions training, operating at times with as many as fifteen rifle ranges, extensive cleanup effort was required. In 2009, assured that the area was safe, it became part of the California State Park System.
The amenities are minimal. There are some interpretive exhibits about the history of Fort Ord, as well as the plants and animals that live on the dunes and in Monterey Bay. The main feature of Fort Ord Dunes State Park is the four miles of beach. We enjoyed relaxing on the beach, listening to the crashing waves and enjoying the views.
