Best Campgrounds near Chimacum, WA

The Olympic Peninsula region surrounding Chimacum, Washington contains multiple state parks and established campgrounds accommodating various camping styles. Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground, located on Marrowstone Island, provides tent, RV, and cabin camping options with beach access and historical attractions. Fort Worden near Port Townsend, Sequim Bay State Park, and Fort Townsend Historical State Park form a network of developed campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of Chimacum, most offering hookup sites for RVs alongside more primitive tent camping areas.

Washington state parks in the Chimacum vicinity typically operate year-round, though some facilities like Fort Townsend Historical State Park limit full operations to May through September. Most developed campgrounds in the area require advance reservations through the Washington State Parks reservation system, particularly during summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Proximity to water features affects site popularity, with beachfront and bay view locations commanding premium fees and earlier bookings. A visitor to Sequim Bay State Park noted: "The camping for RV's with hookups is iffy. It's very close to the highway and the sites are extremely close to one another... Overall though, the campground was good. A lot of wonderful hiking trails and an adjacent biking trail."

Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the area, with most state parks accommodating both tent and RV campers in separate loops or sections. Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly at Fort Flagler and Fort Worden where campers can access beaches directly from their sites. Highway noise affects some campground experiences, especially at Sequim Bay and sites closer to major roads. Several campgrounds feature historical attractions alongside natural amenities, with restored military installations at Fort Worden, Fort Flagler, and Fort Casey providing additional activities beyond typical outdoor recreation. A camper at Oak Bay County Park wrote: "There are two sections to this small, tucked away campground on the edge of the Salish Sea, one in the forested area and another out on the beach spit. We camped along the spit, and had an amazing time."

Best Camping Sites Near Chimacum, Washington (309)

    1. Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nordland, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 385-1259

    "The kids had a blast exploring the fort and the forest around the campsite. There's a big beach with a small general store/burger joint within walking distance."

    "As the beach side has a lot of open camping we opted for the side nearer the trails that had a feeling of being a step away from the woods. "

    2. Beach Campground — Fort Worden Historical State Park

    33 Reviews
    Port Townsend, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 344-4400

    "The trade off is the endless opportunity for walking, hiking and learning the history of the area.

    Charming Downtown Port Townsend is close by and a true National Historic resource! "

    "Fort and battery tours. a real gem in Washington."

    3. Sequim Bay State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Sequim, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 902-8844

    $32 - $50 / night

    "The bike trail runs through the campground and there is access to sports fields via a tunnel under the highway. There are a few short trails around a creek and the beach."

    "The winding paths leading from the upper campsites to the water’s edge are a treasure trove for a photographer. Great fun."

    4. Fort Townsend Historical State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Port Townsend, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 344-4431

    $32 / night

    "I would also avoid #2 and #3 as they are literally directly next to the bathrooms and there is a bright metal halide light outside the bathroom."

    "I'm slowly overtime trying to visit all of Washington's State Parks, and there are a large number of them in the Port Townsend area."

    5. Fort Casey Campground

    19 Reviews
    Coupeville, WA
    11 miles
    Website

    "Take your family this summer to enjoy hiking trails, explore the remains of Fort Casey, and visit the diving park at Washington’s Keystone."

    "Only 88 miles away from our home, a perfect getaway for a short trip. We are fairly new to the RV life style (always tent camped) and this only our 3rd trip in our new travel trailer."

    6. Deception Pass State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    Anacortes, WA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 675-2417

    $12 - $40 / night

    "Some trails walking distance from the campsite to gorgeous beaches while others we drove to get to other trails and scenic lookouts. I loved every minute staying there."

    "This is one of the most popular locations in Washington State and easy to see why. Both fresh and salt water experiences are within a few steps away with amazing sunsets and breathtaking views."

    7. Camano Island State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Greenbank, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 387-3031

    "It was a quick walk to views of the water, and there were plenty of walking trails around."

    "The system in Washington is sometimes showing how overwhelmed and understaffed they are, and this park is so severely understaffed it’s sad."

    8. Point Hudson Marina & RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Port Townsend, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 385-2828

    $33 - $77 / night

    "Where this place shines is in its location with beautiful views across the mouth of Puget Sound to Whidbey Island, the Cascades beyond, as well as Point Wilson Lighthouse nearby at Fort Worden."

    "Port Townsend is one of our favorite locations, having come here by sailboat for decades and now with a travel trailer."

    9. Lower Oak Bay Park

    8 Reviews
    Chimacum, WA
    2 miles
    Website

    $30 / night

    "There are two sections to this small, tucked away campground on the edge of the Salish Sea, one in the forested area and another out on the beach spit."

    "Nice stream of locals walking dogs and travelers on a pit stop."

    10. Dosewallips State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Brinnon, WA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 796-4415

    $12 - $50 / night

    "The grounds are well-maintained with easy access to some hiking trails that are easy to moderate in difficulty."

    "Dump station close by worked great on exit. Wooded with ferns. Rain was nice to enjoy through the windows."

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Recent Reviews near Chimacum, WA

1541 Reviews of 309 Chimacum Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Falls Creek — Olympic National Park

    Quinalt

    Extremely serene and clean. Seasonal campground on lake. Mediocre toilets. Lodge and store nearby. Right on water

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Dungeness Recreation Area

    Nicely treed park.

    Spectacular views and walking on the beach and the spit. We were able to drive in and reserve a spot on the fly. Free hot showers. RV dump site for a $10 fee, $40 for a site per nite. We were ok with that as we have been paying $12 in the cascades.

  • Chuck P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    North Whidbey RV Park

    Nice park

    Great checking. It is an RV park and there is jet noise from the Naval Air Station. We would stay here again.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Elwha Dam RV Park

    Nice, clean campground

    If you can stay in the park, do it. If you can't get a reservation or spot, or just need to hook up and shower for a night, then this campground is good. Some of the spots are close and don't have much for a lawn area (ours), and others are really nice. Showers are clean and big, they have a laundry/kitchen area, a lawn with Cornhole and horseshoe, and a garden that you can sit in and enjoy and take veggies from.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Stayed here for another night after our week up on the Mount Baker Scenic Byway. Besides a vagrant issue in the neighboring site (which was handled by hosts and rangers the next morning), our stay was pleasant enough for traveling through.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Shadow Mountain RV Park and Campground

    Don't pick the dispersed camping

    Okay, I'm sure the more expensive paid sites are fine. But the 'dispersed camping' is a joke. 19 dollars and the area they want you to stay in is not just 'next' to the highway. There are basically no trees in the way— it's less dispersed and more 'camping on the shoulder of a highway'.

    They do say it's next to the highway in the listing, but I think they misunderstand what dispersed camping is generally understood to be.

    Did it seem safe? Not really. It was unclear whether the field above the building was an option for dispersed campers, but some people appeared to have given up and had set up there.

    I will give them credit for having laundry facilities and hot showers, though they seem to be intended largely as an additional cost to tack on.

    Overall? Go elsewhere.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    RV@Olympic

    Brand New

    If you want crisp, clean and new this is a park for you. We choose it for access to Hurricane Ridge. 15min to park entrance, 45 to the ridge. The spots are wide and you can park next to your coach. The clubhouse is nice and new. I did not make it to the bathhouse or laundry but I’m sure they are nice. Someone commented about walking dogs but I did not have a problem. There is a big grassy area in a circle of sites. If you have a dog, get one of these. I just walked through several vacant sites to the area. Maybe I shouldn’t have, but I did. Nice place for access to the northern part of Olympic.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shaw Island County Park

    Uneven ground

    The camping spots are quiet but uneven. The park ranger is very friendly.

  • L
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Vasa Park Resort

    Vasa Park Resort

    We have enjoyed our 3 week stay at this little water front event and RV campground. This is in the shore of Lake Samammish, giving access to swim, paddle, picnic. The facilities and grounds are kept clean and well maintained. It been fun watching the buffet groups come in and have their celebrations. Everyone is friendly and kind.


Guide to Chimacum

Camping near Chimacum, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Deception Pass State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “The hike to see Deception Pass Bridge is awesome,” making it a great spot for families and photographers alike.
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground. A camper shared, “Witnessed a beautiful sunset camping on the bluff,” highlighting the stunning views you can expect.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Dosewallips State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, “Saw an otter on the beach once,” which adds a fun element to your camping experience.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Dosewallips State Park Campground said, “Super clean bathrooms and showers,” which is always a plus when camping.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the park staff. One reviewer at Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground remarked, “The hosts and maintenance folks were all very friendly.”
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy the sense of privacy at sites like Heart O' the Hills Campground. A visitor noted, “The sites were pretty tight... but there were plenty of bigger rigs that were just fine,” indicating a good mix of space.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Sequim Bay State Park Campground, can be noisy due to nearby highways. One camper mentioned, “Upper loop has quite a bit of highway noise,” so consider your site choice carefully.
  • Reservations: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Dosewallips State Park Campground advised, “Probably need to reserve far in advance,” to secure a good site.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Camano Island State Park Campground, may lack certain amenities. A visitor noted, “No trash receptacles any longer in campground—pack it out!” so be prepared to bring your trash home.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and open spaces. One reviewer at Dungeness Recreation Area mentioned, “Had a nice playground for kids,” making it a great choice for families.
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to allow kids to play. A camper at Bay View State Park Campground said, “It is not noticeable that it was full,” indicating good spacing between sites.
  • Plan for Quiet Evenings: Many campgrounds quiet down by 9 PM, which is perfect for families. A visitor at Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground noted, “The campground, while quite full, was incredibly quiet.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Heart O' the Hills Campground mentioned, “Sites are just a pad (no hookups or dump station),” which is important for RV planning.
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper said, “Offered on a first come first serve basis over the winter months.”
  • Be Prepared for Tight Turns: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Camano Island State Park Campground noted, “Narrow road into campground creates issues if you meet a wide Class C on the road,” so plan your route accordingly.

Camping near Chimacum, Washington, provides a great mix of nature, fun activities, and family-friendly options. Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities do Chimacum campgrounds offer?

Campgrounds near Chimacum offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Fort Worden Historical State Park provides two distinct camping experiences—a wooded Upper Forest Campground and a Beach Campground—both with reasonable access to shorelines. Sites are somewhat close together but include basic facilities. For RV travelers, Lake Pleasant RV Park offers full hookups in a well-maintained setting with a picturesque man-made duck pond. Most state parks in the region provide potable water, flush or vault toilets, and fire rings, though hookup availability varies by location.

What campgrounds are available in Chimacum, WA?

While Chimacum itself has limited camping options, the surrounding Olympic Peninsula offers excellent alternatives. Dosewallips State Park Campground is about 30 minutes away with well-maintained grounds and access to hiking trails of varying difficulty. Another nearby option is Fort Townsend Historical State Park Campground, which provides drive-in sites with water and toilet facilities. Both parks are within easy driving distance of Chimacum and serve as great basecamps for exploring the area.

What is the best time of year to camp in Chimacum?

Summer months (June through early September) offer the most reliable weather for camping around Chimacum, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. Moran State Park on nearby Orcas Island showcases this summer advantage with opportunities for lakeside camping and refreshing swims. Fall can be beautiful but unpredictable, while winter camping at locations like Dungeness Forks Campground may involve significant rainfall, especially in November through February. Spring brings emerging wildflowers but often with intermittent showers. For the best experience, aim for July and August when conditions are driest and warmest.