Scenic Locations, Tips, and Activities

Discover the Top 20 Most Popular Camping Sites in the Puget Sound Region, where nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers can immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. From serene forested retreats to picturesque coastal getaways, each camping site offers unique opportunities for camping, hiking, birdwatching, and beach exploration. Whether you seek tranquil solitude, family-friendly activities, or rugged adventures, these camping destinations in the Pacific Northwest promise unforgettable moments under the stars. Explore the best of nature while camping responsibly and preserving the beauty of these pristine outdoor spaces.

1. Deception Pass State Park – Oak Harbor

• Best for: Scenic views, beach access, hiking
• Location: Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island
• Deception Pass State Park offers beachfront camping with stunning views of Deception Pass Bridge, hiking trails through old-growth forests, and beachcombing opportunities.
• Tips: Reserve campsites in advance during peak seasons. Explore the nearby bridge for panoramic vistas.

2. Fort Flagler State Park – Nordland

• Best for: Historic sites, beach access, birdwatching
• Location: Nordland, Marrowstone Island
• Fort Flagler State Park features historic military structures, beachfront camping areas, birdwatching opportunities, and views of the Olympic Mountains.
• Tips: Visit the old gun batteries for historical insights. Bring binoculars for birdwatching along the shoreline.

3. Camano Island State Park – Camano Island

• Best for: Island camping, wildlife viewing, kayaking
• Location: Camano Island, Saratoga Passage
• Camano Island State Park provides island camping, opportunities for wildlife viewing including bald eagles, seals, and deer, kayaking in calm waters, and scenic beach walks.
• Tips: Book campsites with water views for a serene experience. Bring binoculars for bird and wildlife spotting.

4. Manchester State Park – Port Orchard

• Best for: Beachfront camping, boating, crabbing
• Location: Port Orchard, Kitsap Peninsula
• Manchester State Park offers beachfront camping, boat launches for boating and crabbing, scenic views of Puget Sound, and easy access to water activities.
• Tips: Check state regulations for crabbing seasons and limits. Pack fishing gear for shoreline angling.

5. Penrose Point State Park – Lakebay

• Best for: Beach walks, kayaking, family camping
• Location: Lakebay, Key Peninsula
• Penrose Point State Park features beach walks along Puget Sound, calm waters for kayaking, family-friendly camping areas, and views of Mount Rainier.
• Tips: Reserve campsites with beach access early. Bring water shoes for rocky shorelines.

6. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park – Ravensdale

• Best for: Riverfront camping, fishing, hiking
• Location: Ravensdale, Green River Gorge
• Kanaskat-Palmer State Park offers riverfront camping along the Green River, fishing spots for salmon and trout, hiking trails through forests, and scenic river views.
• Tips: Obtain a fishing license for angling activities. Explore nearby trails for birdwatching opportunities.

7. Twanoh State Park – Union

• Best for: Waterfront camping, shellfish harvesting, boating
• Location: Union, Hood Canal
• Twanoh State Park features waterfront camping along Hood Canal, opportunities for shellfish harvesting (clams, oysters), boat launches for boating and kayaking, and scenic views of the canal.
• Tips: Check state regulations for shellfish harvesting seasons and limits. Reserve campsites with water access for a peaceful stay.

8.  Illahee State Park – Bremerton

• Best for: Waterfront camping, beachcombing, fishing
• Location: Bremerton, Kitsap Peninsula
• Illahee State Park offers waterfront camping with beach access, opportunities for beachcombing and tide pooling, fishing spots for salmon and perch, and views of Puget Sound.
• Tips: Bring a fishing license for angling activities. Explore nearby trails for forest walks and birdwatching.

9. Kopachuck State Park – Gig Harbor

• Best for: Scenic views, hiking, beach walks
• Location: Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula
• Kopachuck State Park features scenic views of Puget Sound, hiking trails through forests and meadows, beach walks along the shoreline, and opportunities for wildlife sightings.
• Tips: Pack binoculars for birdwatching and marine life spotting. Respect park rules for a pleasant experience.

10.  Blake Island Marine State Park – Bainbridge Island

• Best for: Island camping, Native American culture, kayaking
• Location: Bainbridge Island, Puget Sound
• Blake Island State Park offers island camping with Native American-themed experiences, kayaking around the island, beach walks, and cultural performances.
• Tips: Reserve campsites and activities in advance, especially during summer months. Learn about the park’s history and cultural significance.

11. Scenic Beach State Park – Seabeck

• Best for: Scenic beachfront camping, picnicking, birdwatching
• Location: Seabeck, Kitsap Peninsula
• Scenic Beach State Park provides beachfront camping with stunning views of Hood Canal, picnic areas with waterfront settings, opportunities for birdwatching, and beachcombing.
• Tips: Pack a picnic and enjoy waterfront dining. Bring a bird identification guide for spotting local species.

12. Saltwater State Park – Des Moines

• Best for: Beachfront camping, scuba diving, beach activities
• Location: Des Moines, South Puget Sound
• Saltwater State Park offers beachfront camping, scuba diving in designated areas, beach activities like swimming and beachcombing, and scenic views of Puget Sound.
• Tips: Check scuba diving regulations and obtain necessary permits. Respect marine life and underwater ecosystems.

13. Dash Point Campground – Federal Way

• Best for: Family camping, beach access, water activities
• Location: Federal Way, South Puget Sound
• Dash Point Campground provides family-friendly camping with beach access, water activities such as kayaking and fishing, picnicking areas, and scenic views of Puget Sound.
• Tips: Reserve campsites with beachfront views for a memorable stay. Pack water gear for swimming and paddling adventures.

14. Hope Island State Park – Shelton

• Best for: Island camping, boating, kayaking
• Location: Shelton, South Puget Sound
• Hope Island State Park offers island camping experiences, boat access for boating and kayaking, secluded beaches for picnicking, and opportunities to explore a natural island setting.
• Tips: Book boat transportation in advance for island access. Bring camping supplies and essentials for a comfortable stay.

15. Tolmie State Park – Olympia

• Best for: Waterfront camping, shellfish harvesting, hiking
• Location: Olympia, South Puget Sound
• Tolmie State Park features waterfront camping along Nisqually Reach, opportunities for shellfish harvesting (clams, oysters), hiking trails through forests, and scenic views of Puget Sound.
• Tips: Check state regulations for shellfish harvesting seasons and limits. Pack binoculars for birdwatching along the shoreline.

16. Fort Ebey State Park – Coupeville

• Best for: Coastal camping, beach walks, historical sites
• Location: Coupeville, Whidbey Island
• Fort Ebey State Park offers coastal camping with beach walks along Admiralty Inlet, historical sites including old military bunkers, scenic viewpoints, and forested trails.
• Tips: Explore the park’s historical landmarks for insights into military history. Pack windproof gear for coastal camping.

17. Kitsap Memorial State Park – Poulsbo

• Best for: Beachfront camping, boating, scenic views
• Location: Poulsbo, Kitsap Peninsula
• Kitsap Memorial State Park provides beachfront camping with access to Hood Canal, boat launches for boating and fishing, scenic views of the Olympic Mountains, and picnicking areas.
• Tips: Reserve campsites with waterfront views for a picturesque stay. Pack fishing gear for shoreline angling.

18. Joemma Beach State Park – Longbranch

• Best for: Beachfront camping, water activities, picnicking
• Location: Longbranch, Key Peninsula
• Joemma Beach State Park offers beachfront camping with scenic views of the Key Peninsula shoreline, opportunities for water activities such as swimming and kayaking, and peaceful picnicking spots along the beach.
• Tips: Reserve beachfront campsites in advance for a prime location, especially during busy seasons. Bring water gear for swimming and kayaking, and pack a picnic to enjoy by the water’s edge.

19. Eagle Island Marine State Park – Brownsville

• Best for: Island camping, wildlife viewing, kayaking
• Location: Brownsville, South Puget Sound
• Eagle Island State Park is ideal for island camping adventures, wildlife enthusiasts looking to spot eagles and marine life, and kayakers exploring the scenic waters around the island.
• Tips: Reserve island campsites well in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly. Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing, and consider renting a kayak to fully explore the island’s coastline.

20. Mukilteo Lighthouse Park – Mukilteo

• Best for: Lighthouse views, beach walks, ferry watching
• Location: Mukilteo, Snohomish County
• Mukilteo Lighthouse Park in Mukilteo, Snohomish County, is renowned for its iconic lighthouse views, scenic beach walks, and ferry watching opportunities.
• Tips: Check for availability of guided lighthouse tours to learn about its history and significance. Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal with a view at one of the park’s designated picnic areas. Plan your visit to coincide with ferry arrivals or departures for a unique experience of ferry watching from the park’s vantage points.

As you wrap up your camping bucket list for the Puget Sound, remember to pack your sense of adventure and leave only footprints behind! Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsy soul or a family looking for a weekend escape, these top camping spots offer a slice of nature’s paradise right in your backyard. From serene forest hideaways to beachfront havens, each site is a gateway to unforgettable memories with loved ones. So, grab your tent, pack your s’mores essentials, and get ready to discover the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Happy camping!