Brinnon sits along the western shore of Hood Canal, with dense forests covering the eastern slopes of the Olympic Mountains. The region receives approximately 60 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation and numerous waterways around the RV campgrounds. Seasonal camping opportunities vary considerably between summer's dry months and winter's heavier precipitation periods, affecting both accessibility and amenities.
What to do
Oyster gathering and clamming: Access prime shellfish beds near Mike's Beach Resort, which offers direct beach access across from Highway 101. "If you like oysters and clams, this place is perfect... We had a blast here. Great weekend away. Family friendly," notes a camper who visited specifically for shellfish collection.
Hiking Olympic National Forest: Use Brinnon campgrounds as a base for exploring nearby wilderness trails. "Nice location for hiking or boating in the Hood Canal area," explains a reviewer from Cove RV Park & Country Store, which provides easy access to nearby trailheads and forest roads from April through October.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Launch watercraft directly into Hood Canal from shoreline RV parks. "Oceanside view stay, beautiful scenery, calm waters which is perfect for paddle boarding. You can dig for clams and oysters by paying cash to the office for your gatherings," shares a visitor at Rest-A-While RV Park.
What campers like
Community gardens: Some campgrounds maintain shared vegetable gardens. "They offer free produce to the campers from their garden & free movie rentals," explains a reviewer from Elwha Dam RV Park, highlighting unexpected amenities beyond standard hookups.
Forested settings: Tree coverage provides natural separation between sites at select campgrounds. "Simple campground with no real Amenities but the setting is fantastic with a lay out that lets you feel like you've got your privacy in the woods," notes a camper from Port Ludlow RV Park.
Camp stores: On-site provisioning eliminates trips into town. "Camp hosts are great and made for a wonderful holiday. Free Saturday night ribs and chicken made a great surprise!" shares one Cove RV Park visitor, while another mentions "The store has a good stock of stuff" - showing how on-site retail enhances the camping experience.
What you should know
No campfires allowed: Fire restrictions exist at certain RV parks. "Very close to Gig Harbor. Quiet, lots of trees, level gravel sites, and full hook ups available," notes a camper at Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor, where fires are not permitted despite the wooded setting.
Road noise: Highway proximity affects sound levels at waterfront locations. A Mike's Beach Resort reviewer notes: "Mike's Beach Resort has a campground located right on HWY 101. The highway is all that separates it from the canal."
Seasonal limitations: Many Brinnon area RV campgrounds operate with reduced services or close completely during winter months. Cove RV Park operates seasonally from April 1 to October 31, while Mike's Beach Resort runs from May 1 to October 31, limiting winter camping options near Hood Canal.
Tips for camping with families
Outdoor activities: Some campgrounds provide recreational facilities beyond RV hookups. "They have a veggie garden to share, lots of outdoor activity areas and places to explore within walking distance. It's a great base camp for exploring the peninsula," explains an Elwha Dam RV Park visitor.
Pet policies: Dog restrictions vary by location. "No dogs are allowed on the beach," cautions a Rest-A-While RV Park visitor, highlighting limitations even at pet-friendly campgrounds.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and accessibility of restrooms vary significantly. "Clean bathrooms and showers with lots of hot water. Attentive on-site staff," notes a visitor to Lake Pleasant RV Park, contrasting with primitive facilities at other locations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose spots based on specific needs. "Spaces are very close together, but there are a lot of trees and it's very well kept... I stayed for almost three weeks and it was quiet and relaxing, despite how close together the sites are," explains a Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor visitor.
Water pressure concerns: Be prepared for variable utilities. "Water pressure challenges on hill, WiFi ok/slow," warns a reviewer, highlighting infrastructure limitations at some rv campgrounds in the Brinnon area.
Off-season availability: Winter access requires planning. "We have stayed here 4 or 5 times in the past. This is the best way to spend time in our trailer, act like we're camping, while exploring Port Townsend one of the coolest towns in WA," notes a Point Hudson Marina & RV Park visitor who found accessibility during quieter periods.
