The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is a national memorial, established in 1994, dedicated to recognizing the dead of the Port Chicago disaster, and the role played by Port Chicago, California during World War II. The 1944 Port Chicago disaster occurred at the naval magazine and resulted in the largest domestic loss of life during World War II. 320 sailors and civilians were instantly killed on July 17, 1944, when the ships they were loading with ammunition and bombs exploded. The memorial is located at the Concord Naval Weapons Station near Concord, California.
No camping is allowed on grounds.
Martinez, California has lodging and food within walking distance of the John Muir NHS. Additionally, Concord, California is a short drive from the John Muir NHS. Concord, is a larger city with multiple choices for food and lodging.
Visiting the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is free. Since we do not collect an entrance fee, we also do not sell National Park passes.Public access to the Memorial is through a two week advance reservation only, Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays (allow 1½ hours) beginning at 12:45 PM. No access Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and during Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) operations.