Best Campgrounds near Shelton, WA
Shelton, Washington provides access to diverse camping environments around the Hood Canal and southern Puget Sound region. Established options include Potlatch State Park Campground, Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park, and several state parks within a 30-minute drive. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, while Belfair and Millersylvania State Parks also offer cabin and glamping accommodations. The area features a mix of waterfront sites along Hood Canal and more secluded forested settings, with options ranging from fully developed campgrounds with hookups to more primitive sites.
Weather conditions remain relatively mild year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for rain and cooler temperatures. Most state parks in the area operate throughout the year, including Potlatch, Twanoh, and Belfair, while Joemma Beach State Park operates seasonally from March through October. Campground reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds provide full hookups for RVs, with several offering 50-amp service. A visitor noted: "Depending on the time of year you come here will determine what kind of time you'll have. In the summer it's hard to get a spot and it's very crowded. But if you come in the spring and fall is a very lovely place to be."
The Hood Canal waterfront represents a primary draw for campers visiting the Shelton area. Potlatch State Park provides beach access across Highway 101 from the campground, though some visitors mention road noise as a consideration when selecting sites. Several state parks offer boat-in camping options, including Jarrell Cove, Hope Island, and Twanoh. For those seeking more amenities, Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park provides full hookups with nearby dining options. According to one camper, "The day use area is on the Hood Canal and very nice. Campground borders a busy highway and traffic noise is bad. Some nice campsites in a wooded loop along a nice little creek for tenters." Sites farther from main roads typically offer more privacy and natural settings, particularly in the national forest areas northwest of Shelton.
