Tent campsites near Chimacum, Washington offer varied terrain from coastal bluffs to alpine meadows. The Olympic Peninsula receives nearly 150 inches of annual rainfall in some areas, though Chimacum sits in a rain shadow with approximately 25 inches yearly. Camping conditions range from sea level sites with mild temperatures to high-elevation locations where nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Fort Ebey State Park Campground provides excellent opportunities to observe native wildlife. "We've camped here a few times, and we've seen wildlife each time, mostly deer," notes Don in his review of Fort Ebey State Park Campground.
Explore historic military installations: The concrete gun emplacements from WWII at Fort Ebey are accessible via short trails. "There are old (but well maintained) battery and concrete gun emplacements from WW2 when the Fort was used to defend the West coast," explains Margaret S. about her experience camping there.
Fishing for salmon: The Dungeness Forks area provides access to wild salmon fishing spots. "Right next to the creek/water which was beautiful with wild salmon that we spent the morning fishing for," reports Danielle C. about her stay at Dungeness Forks Campground.
Mountain biking on designated trails: Several campgrounds maintain trail systems specifically for mountain biking. "There are great hiking and mountain biking trails through forest, ocean views and beach access," mentions Don about Fort Ebey State Park.
What campers like
High-elevation camping experience: Deer Park Campground offers rare alpine camping opportunities in Olympic National Park. "The drive was long to get up, but well worth it. We set up camp during a short rain break. We couldn't see the view at all that night. The next day we woke up and were stunned by the mountain peak view," writes Noah L. about Deer Park Campground.
River convergence sites: Several campsites sit at the junction of two waterways. "Beautiful little spot right next to a river that collides with another one. Trees are so beautiful and smell so good," shares a reviewer about Dungeness Forks Campground.
Lakeside solitude on weekdays: To avoid crowds at popular lake camping areas, plan mid-week visits. "Mid week camping might be luckier to find a spot than weekend camping, because there are only 9 sites," advises Mishqueen about Lena Lake Campground.
Accessible boat-in camping: Kinney Point offers tent sites reachable only by water. "This is a great boat-in-only site. No running water but vault toilets. No reservations. Rack for kayaks above high tide," explains Thomas B. about Kinney Point State Park Campground.
What you should know
Water availability varies significantly: Many campgrounds require you to bring all water needed. "There is no water, so bring your own and there a couple of vault toilets," notes Chad K. about Deer Park Campground.
Road conditions can be challenging: Some campgrounds have access roads unsuitable for certain vehicles. "Scariest road I've ever driven on. Very narrow steep cliffs on the side. Please be careful of oncoming traffic when turning corners," warns Ethan H. about the road to Deer Park.
Weather changes rapidly: Temperature swings can be extreme, especially at higher elevations. "In March we woke up to snow just fair warning," reports a camper about Dungeness Forks.
Limited camping spaces fill quickly: Arrive early, especially on weekends. "We got up there about 1 o'clock on a Friday. You definitely need to be there earlier! Everything was crazy packed full already," advises Meghan S. about Slab Camp/Deer Ridge Trailhead.
Tips for camping with families
Start with shorter hike-in options: For families new to backpacking, choose shorter trails to camp. "Lena Lake campground offers a rewarding view after a steady climb up meandering switchbacks," notes Lance R. about the 3.5-mile trail to campsites.
Parks with interpretive features: Some campgrounds offer educational components. "There are also several mountain biking trails around the park and lots to do and see at the beach," mentions Margaret S. about Fort Ebey State Park.
Wildlife encounters can be educational: Many campgrounds offer safe wildlife viewing opportunities. "We were pleased to be greeted by a couple of somewhat overly friendly mountain goats on the way, and saw fish surface for bugs on the lake as the sun went down," shares Lance R. about Lena Lake.
Know bathroom facilities in advance: Toilet facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The campground has level tent sights that offer a fantastic 360 degree view. There is no water, so bring your own and there a couple of vault toilets," explains Chad K. about camping at Sequim Glamping.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions are serious: Many campground access roads cannot accommodate larger vehicles. "The drive to the site was accurately steep with little room on either side. Our 19ft campervan made it up and down but a car did need to pull off to the side for us and back up a ways for us to squeeze by," explains Danielle C. about accessing Dungeness Forks.
Limited hookup availability: Most tent campsites near Chimacum, Washington lack RV amenities. "Ebey State park camping was quite luxurious (as far as camping goes)! The sites are extremely well kept, bathroom facilities very clean," writes Erin S., though most sites have minimal hookups.
Consider campervans for remote access: Smaller campervans can navigate roads unsuitable for traditional RVs. "We did not tow anything behind us and I wouldn't recommend it," advises Danielle C. about accessing Dungeness Forks with her campervan.
