Top 20 Best Camping Sites in the Puget Sound Region

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!

Tagged Puget Sound