Camping sites near Bremerton sit amidst the Kitsap Peninsula's lowland forests, where elevation rarely exceeds 500 feet and annual rainfall averages 52 inches. The region's temperate marine climate creates year-round camping opportunities with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-75°F. Most campgrounds require advance reservations during peak season from May through September when occupancy reaches 90%.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: Dosewallips State Park Campground features extensive mudflats during low tide perfect for shellfish gathering. "If you are looking for a more tame, less encroached camping experience, the loop that runs along the river is where you want to go. Several of the campsites in our loop had decent privacy whereas others were more open and ideal for RVs," notes Michael B.
Wildlife viewing: Dosewallips State Park Campground offers regular elk sightings throughout the camping areas. "Every night, my husband and I would walk to the wildlife viewing platform to see lots of birds, or walk down by the river and see lots of elk and bald eagles," shares Amy & Stu B.
Hiking forest trails: The trails at Dash Point State Park Campground provide accessible nature walks through dense evergreen forests. "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," says Ingrid M.
Shellfish harvesting: Twanoh State Park offers seasonal oyster collecting opportunities directly from Hood Canal. "Located right off highway 106, the campsites are really private due to the vegetation. There isn't a lot of traffic during off-season so all I heard was the sound of the canal and the creek even closer," shares Saraj B.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Scenic Beach State Park Campground receives high marks for secluded camping spaces. "This was wonderful in terms of a car campground. The sites are all secluded and tucked into the woods. The beach access, though small offers standard gorgeous PNW views. Few other campers but I barely saw them," says Justin L.
Waterfront camping: Belfair State Park Campground features sites directly on Hood Canal's shoreline. "Very popular spot on the canal. Lots of pull through sites. Hook ups with dump station. Not too far from the cities and just outside of town," states Richard M.
Dog-friendly amenities: Campgrounds near Bremerton commonly accommodate pets with specific designated areas. "The campground itself is tucked into a beautiful, forested area with plenty of trees and privacy between sites. Ours had a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table. Not exactly glamping, but comfortable," reports Saraj B. about Dash Point.
Clean facilities: Pet-friendly campgrounds maintain accessible bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were clean with flushable toilets and were stocked with soap and TP. I didn't check out the showers," notes Amy about Penrose Point State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal differences: Seal Rock Campground operates from May 15 to September 15 only. "I arrived early in the day on a Tuesday (around noon) and had no trouble finding a spot to park my van. I love the trees, and the short walk to the water," explains Rebecca B.
Site privacy varies: Many campgrounds feature inconsistent vegetation between sites. "If you are tent camping, the woods loop has more privacy than the beach loop. The sites are quite close together with minimal separation," reports a visitor to Illahee State Park.
Reservation requirements: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Bremerton require advance bookings during summer. "Pulled up late on a Wednesday night and easily found a spot. Large campsites, well maintained, but close to road so if you're a light sleeper you might want to try to find a spot a bit deeper," shares Jonah S. about Seal Rock's first-come system.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds due to proximity to highways. "The campsite was very open, bumper to bumper sites, little privacy. However there is small creek and easy boat access to the hood canal," notes Ashley Y. about Twanoh State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fay Bainbridge Park features a distinctive children's play area. "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites. Be prepared for showers to be closed but the restrooms were open. Can't beat the views," recommends Tanya B.
Beach activities: Many campgrounds offer water access for swimming during summer months. "We really enjoyed it. Our campsite backed up on the river, so we were able to wade in it and put out some chairs and sit on the beach," shares Delaney M. about Dosewallips.
Educational opportunities: Junior ranger programs run seasonally at state parks. "This campground is great. We went for our annual shrimping trips. My littles love all the trees and hidey holes they can get into during our stay," explains Mary C. about Seal Rock.
Kid-friendly hiking: Look for shorter trail options under 2 miles. "The most appropriate for us was the beach trail which is maybe 2 miles to the beach and back," advises Michael B. about trails at Dosewallips State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Check specific site measurements when booking. "We got site 16, which is a pull-through site. We have a 25ft trailer and there was more than enough room," reports Beth N. about Scenic Beach State Park.
Hookup availability: Dog-friendly campgrounds vary widely in RV services. "Plenty of FHU sites and loads of camping sites. RV sites are blacktop and level. Some sites have partial hookups w/o septic. Dump station is on site," explains James and Susan K. at Dosewallips.
Weight restrictions: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor maintains specific rules for RVs and pets. "The campground is quiet, except for the nearby construction. The staff is super friendly and accommodating. I didn't use the bathroom/shower rooms. But the laundry facilities are clean and reasonably priced," shares Kari P.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require leveling blocks on uneven terrain. "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," notes Joseph I. about Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor.
