Camping options near Bremerton, Washington range from rustic forest sites to developed fairgrounds. Located on the Kitsap Peninsula with elevations between 400-500 feet, the area experiences mild temperatures with summer averages of 70-75°F and winter lows around 35-40°F. The region receives approximately 50 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions with predominantly Douglas fir and western hemlock trees.
What to do
Trail riding with horses: Access extensive trail networks from Collins Campground where campsites are positioned along the Duckabash River. "Amazing little campground all sites except for two or on the river quiet clean bathrooms," notes Tyler S. The nearby trails accommodate horses of various experience levels.
Off-road vehicle adventures: Explore designated ORV areas from Kammenga Canyon Campground. "Nice open sites with space for multiple vehicles or trailers. Easy access to ORV trails," reports Tim. The campground has open, spacious sites designed to accommodate trailers and multiple vehicles.
Waterfall hikes: Take a short drive from Collins Campground to nearby waterfall trails. "There is some hiking nearby including a short hike to some beautiful waterfalls," writes Lawrence F. The trailhead is approximately 2 miles from the campsite with an easy 0.8-mile hike to reach the falls.
What campers like
River access: Most sites at Collins Campground feature direct water access. "There are 15 sites and most are along a river with private access from your campsite," says Asia M., who also mentions the privacy between sites. The natural setting allows for cooling off during summer months.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently note the well-maintained bathrooms at several horse campgrounds near Bremerton. At Dungeness Recreation Area, visitors appreciate the attention to cleanliness. "Warm showers, flushing toilets, sparkling clean restrooms," Molly L. reports.
Location convenience: Millersylvania State Park Campground provides easy access for last-minute camping trips. "Very convenient if you're in Olympia and need a campsite late/on the fly. Clean bathrooms, water, and a (very cold) shower!" notes Anna P. The park has both RV and tent sites available year-round.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather can significantly impact camping conditions. Collins Campground may have marshy areas after rain. "Our spot was a little more marshy but the river spots looked fantastic," reports Kathleen J. Bring appropriate footwear for potentially muddy conditions.
Limited amenities: Most equestrian camping areas near Bremerton have basic facilities only. At Dungeness Recreation Area, "The campsites do not have electricity, water or sewer but on the other hand are rather inexpensive ($26 a night)," explains Alex S. Potable water sources are limited at many sites.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation. Asia M. warns about Collins Campground: "The road from highway 101 to the campground has SO MANY potholes. Big ones that we had to navigate in our RV but nothing that made it too hard to access the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Youth-oriented activities: Tolt MacDonald Park offers family-friendly camping with varied accommodations. "Tolt MacDonald is super cute park and campground! They offer the typical primitive campsites with fire pits and picnic tables, as well as yurts and shipping container conversions," explains Mercedes D. The suspension bridge across the river is particularly interesting for children.
Playground access: Facilities for children are available at certain campgrounds. Dungeness Recreation Area features "playgrounds near the bathrooms" according to Melissa J., who adds, "You are a short drive from the Olympic Game Farm, well worth a visit. Check it out online, the kids will love feeding the buffalo and elk."
Budget-friendly options: Campground costs vary significantly in the region. Charlotte H. notes that Dungeness Recreation Area has "quiet unlike many state park campgrounds" and is "a family campground with cheap and clean showers (50 cents/2 minutes)." This makes it more affordable for longer family stays.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: When visiting equestrian campgrounds near Bremerton with an RV, site leveling varies by location. At Tolt MacDonald Park, Russ H. shares, "The only campground we've been to where we didn't need to level the trailer. RV sites are all pull through its fairly quiet."
Dump station access: Plan for waste disposal needs when dry camping. Alex S. notes that Dungeness Recreation Area has "a dumpsite on the way out of the park convenient for RVers who dry camped." Some locations charge additional fees for dump station use.
Hookup availability: Research utility connections before arrival as many equestrian-focused campgrounds have limited services. Whidbey Island Fairgrounds offers "electrical boxes & (some) water connections" according to Christine, who adds there is "a dump out on site and potable water" but the campground has minimal landscaping.
