Burton's camping areas provide access to the Puget Sound with average summer temperatures around 75°F and winter lows near 35°F. Most camping sites sit within Olympic National Forest land at elevations between 200-700 feet, offering both coastal and forest camping options that remain accessible year-round despite seasonal precipitation patterns.
What to do
Hike island trails: Hope Island Marine State Park Campground features 2 miles of hiking trails across a small island accessible only by boat. "A lovely boat-in campground on Hope Island Marine State Park. We kayaked here from Boston Harbor on a beautiful summer week-end," notes one camper who appreciated the island's compact trail system.
Explore lake swimming: Green Mountain offers tent camping near freshwater swimming options, providing alternatives to saltwater beaches. "Very close to Bremerton, Silverdale, Kitsap county. Has about 5 tent spots with picnic tables and fire pit," reports a camper who found the location convenient for day trips.
Kayak to campsites: Several camping areas require water transportation, creating unique access experiences. "To access take Hwy 101 to Taylor Town and drive out to Arcadia Point. There is a gravel parking lot. Kayak the short jont east to the island," explains a camper about reaching Hope Island's primitive sites.
Hike to alpine views: Lena Lake Campground requires a 3.5 mile hike to reach tent sites with mountain views. "A nice 3.5 miles ish hike from the parking area to campground. The campsites offers fire rings and has plenty of amazing views of the lake," explains a recent visitor who found the trek worthwhile.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Blake Island Marine State Park Campground provides opportunities to observe native wildlife. "We camped here when I was a kid and it was such a fond memory that I had to relive it. You do need a boat or a ticket on the Argosy to get here, but it's so worth it," shares a return visitor who appreciates the island's natural setting.
Solitude on boat-in sites: Several tent camping areas near Burton require boat access, limiting crowds. "It has 2 miles of hiking trails and 8 primitive campsites. If you plan on camping it is important to note that there are no fires allowed and no potable water," warns a camper about Hope Island's remote conditions.
Diverse terrain: The region offers both coastal and forest camping options within short distances. "Really fantastic location. Very strict rangers which can be good or bad depending on your preference. Quiet hours are at 10pm which is early for some people so be aware," notes a camper about Blake Island's management style.
Forest camping: Malaney Creek Farm provides secluded tent sites within wooded settings near Burton. "Our spot was the Trillium site which has a few hundred foot hike from where you park your car and the portable toilet. The site was pretty cool and very secluded," describes a camper who appreciated the private experience.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Many camping areas enforce seasonal or permanent fire bans. "In summer there is generally a burn ban and if you don't have a shaded spot, the heat can be pretty punishing but the temps go way down at night and you'll have a great breeze off of the water," advises a Blake Island visitor.
Water supply limitations: Most tent camping sites near Burton have limited or no potable water. "It is important to note that there are no fires allowed and no potable water. There is some wildlife on the island deer and birds," explains a camper about preparing for Hope Island's primitive conditions.
Noise considerations: Mowich Lake Campground and other established sites have specific quiet hours and noise restrictions. "The campground is pretty basic- campsites had table and fire ring, and the spaces were normal size. Clean, but only has 1 bathroom that we were able to find," reports a visitor.
Access challenges: Many tent camping locations require non-standard transportation methods. "Getting here by boat is about an hour from Seattle and there are volunteers that help at the dock," notes a Blake Island visitor about planning for marine access.
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra insulation: Temperatures drop significantly at night even during summer months. "Even in July there is snow and temperatures reached as low as 40F. Fortunately we were prepared, but you may not be," cautions a Mowich Lake camper about unexpected temperature variations.
Plan for boat logistics: Families accessing Blake Island need to coordinate boat transportation logistics. "Beautiful park, great hiking! Only accessible by boat," reminds a visitor who found the extra planning worthwhile for the quality of experience.
Consider noise sensitivity: Some campgrounds like Green Mountain experience noise from nearby recreation. "Can be noisy due to dirt bike traffic. Escape the city and enjoy the outdoors while recluse to home and comforts," notes a visitor about considering noise levels for family camping.
Research fishing regulations: Several lake and coastal camping areas permit fishing with proper licensing. "We saw fish surface for bugs on the lake as the sun went down," mentions a Lena Lake visitor who enjoyed wildlife observation opportunities suitable for families.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: NF-2419 Dispersed Site offers one of the few RV-accessible options in the Burton vicinity. "Not a bad find that doesn't require any permit of any kind which was great! Would stay here again I pitched a tent which was nice and found a spot right by the river," shares a camper who appreciated the flexibility.
Road conditions: Forest service roads leading to dispersed camping require careful navigation. "My 2011 Ford Flex made it up no problem. Bring in water and plenty of fire wood," advises an RV camper about preparing for self-sufficient camping.
Traffic patterns: Even remote camping areas experience periodic traffic. "NF-2419 is a very busy road at all hours. 2 or 3 cars drive by all day and all through the night," reports a camper about noise considerations for light sleepers in RVs.
Cell service availability: Some areas maintain connectivity despite remote locations. "It was beautiful and I had 4g on my Tmobile," notes a camper who found unexpected connectivity at NF-2419, helpful for RVers needing to stay connected.
