Camping spots near Anderson Island, Washington offer a mix of beachfront access and forested retreats around the South Puget Sound. The average elevation in this region is just 200-300 feet above sea level, creating mild temperature variations between coastal and inland sites. Campgrounds typically remain open year-round with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 35°F, though some smaller parks like Joemma Beach operate seasonally from March through October.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: Jarrell Cove State Park provides excellent opportunities for discovering marine life. According to one camper, "When the tide goes down the rocky beach comes out full of crabs and other treasures that were fun to find" and "A short drive to Harstine Island state park is great for collecting sand dollars and clams, you see a ton of little crabs and we went kayaking."
Hiking forest trails: Dash Point State Park features several well-maintained paths for all skill levels. A visitor noted, "Facilities were good and trails around are fun and easy enough for me and 2 kids. The beach and its tides are why we came." Another camper mentioned, "There are also some nice forest trails for an easy hike or post-takeout digestion walk."
Fishing and boating: Penrose Point State Park offers water access ideal for anglers. "This park is on an east-facing peninsula in the south of the sound. Views are rolling wooded hills, with some shorelines to explore. It's not the most exceptional park in this area if you're looking for classic PNW experiences, but it is a great camping site if you just want to take your boat out."
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: Many campers appreciate the natural buffers at certain parks. At Dash Point State Park, one reviewer stated, "This campground is remarkable in the privacy between each of the camping spots, the bird life, the wild and deep forest vibes, and the walking trails."
Clean facilities: Millersylvania State Park maintains well-kept amenities despite high usage. "Clean facilities, some nice perks like a beer garden and ice cream and the lake is great. You're packed in pretty close to each other, but the trees provide pretty good insulation."
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common at several campgrounds in the region. At Jarrell Cove State Park, a camper observed, "Several deer came up throughout the day to eat the apples off the ground and trees in those spots, that was fun." Another mentioned, "I read previous reviews and they do have deer that roam and when we pulled up there was one at our site to greet us."
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: While most state parks require advance booking, some smaller locations offer first-come options. At Joemma Beach State Park, "It is now reservable online, but if you get there and there is an available spot it is $12 a night that you pay at site. The host is on site and checks the areas very regularly."
Cell service inconsistency: Signal strength varies significantly by location and provider. At Jarrell Cove State Park, visitors report "zero Verizon cell service," while at Lakebay Getaway, a camper noted, "We use Verizon and no issues."
Payment options: Many campgrounds require specific payment methods. At Joemma Beach State Park, "You get the little slip, fill out the info and out cash/check and deposit the envelope portion, keep the detachable slip and display on vehicle." For shower facilities at Penrose Point, "There's only 1 shower per bathroom, and you have to pay to make it work... it's tokens, not quarters."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Riverbend Campground offers specific areas for children. As one visitor mentioned, "Friendly staff, nice river walks and nice picnic spots. Children and dog play grounds."
Plan for busy weekends: Family-oriented parks fill quickly during summer months. A Penrose Point camper advised, "The campground was full with lots of families with young kids (guilty as charged) but the sites felt relatively private and the whole park is heavily wooded. Bathrooms are clean!"
Pack for temperature changes: Despite mild daytime temperatures, evenings can cool significantly. At Joemma Beach, "It got little chilly at night but wasn't too bad." Another camper at Penrose Point noted, "Honestly,if you have a boat or kyak absolutly check this place out. If you don't care about entertaining young kids and just want a quiet, relaxing, off grid place to watch the water this is your spot."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor offers pull-through sites but space can be limited. A camper noted, "The spaces are very close together, but there are a lot of trees and it's very well kept. The facilities and grounds are clean and well cared for. I stayed for almost three weeks and it was quiet and relaxing, despite how close together the sites are."
Consider hookup locations: At some campgrounds, utility connections may require planning. One Riverbend Campground visitor shared, "This site does is a back in, but the slab is at a 90 degree angle from the drive. So you will have to back your trailer around a corner if you plan to park it on the slab. Didn't see other sites like this."
Check for dump stations: Not all parks with RV sites offer full hookups. At Penrose Point State Park, "There are two sites here with hookups. No dump station on the grounds. Site 8 is a pull through and is very large, but not so private as everyone walking to the main dock walks right past your site."
