Campgrounds near Gig Harbor, Washington range from state parks to private RV resorts, with most facilities concentrated along the Puget Sound shoreline. Penrose Point State Park Campground in nearby Lakebay offers tent and RV sites with beach access, while Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor provides full-hookup RV sites with modern amenities. The region includes several waterfront camping options with varying levels of development, from primitive sites at Joemma Beach State Park to more developed facilities at Dash Point and Manchester State Parks. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, though hookup availability varies significantly by location.
Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region, with some parks like Saltwater State Park operating only from May to September. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly for summer weekends when waterfront locations fill quickly. One visitor noted, "We are so fortunate to have so many State parks along the beaches of the Sound. Penrose Point is located across Carr Inlet from Gig Harbor and Fox Island. There are trails and beaches to explore." Road access to most campgrounds is well-maintained, with paved routes leading to major state parks. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may vary in more remote locations like Joemma Beach.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Gig Harbor area, with several reviewers highlighting beach exploration opportunities. Campsites at Penrose Point and Belfair State Parks provide direct access to Puget Sound beaches, allowing for activities like beachcombing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. A camper described Dash Point State Park as "a hidden gem in the middle of a major Western Washington city. Once in the campground, you would have no idea that you are surrounded by a sprawling metropolitan area." While waterfront sites tend to be more exposed with less privacy between campsites, they offer scenic views and easy water access. Forested campgrounds like those at Dash Point provide more seclusion but may lack direct beach access. Most developed campgrounds in the region feature standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms, with shower facilities available at many state parks. For campers seeking the best campgrounds near Gig Harbor, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak summer season when these popular Puget Sound camping destinations fill quickly.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$20 / night
"Firstly, I just have to say what a positive and amazing experience I had at this campground. The volunteers were friendly, kind and absolutely awesome to interact with."
"The campground itself is tucked into a beautiful, forested area with plenty of trees and privacy between sites. Ours had a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table."
$35 - $58 / night
"Penrose Point is located across Carr Inlet from Gig Harbor and Fox Island. There are trails and beaches to explore. Lovely large campsites."
"Pros: group camp is very close to beach front area, GREAT CLAMMING AND OYSTERING!"
$57 - $104 / night
"Very close to Gig Harbor. Quiet, lots of trees, level gravel sites, and full hook ups available.
Recently purchased by Sun, who is making asthetic improvements.""Lovely RV park in Gig Harbor. Very clean. Friendly and helpful staff.
I’ve stayed here numerous times over the past few years and this place is consistently amazing."
$12 - $50 / night
"Often our first or last trip of the year, due to its proximity to the greater Seattle area. Most of the folks we meet are from western Washington. "
"On the water of the Hood Canal, it offered more family activities than many of the parks around. The campground itself is situated close to the water with several loops, tightly packed together."
$50 / night
"Nice wooded campground with access to the water. Plenty of opportunities for day hikes and not far from port orchard Washington. Some sites have hookups and others are dry camping."
"Trails, views, and history in walking distance. Coin operated showers and clean restrooms."
$12 / night
"We arrived little later around 6 p.m. And being such a nice day there were only few sites left."
"Conveniently located right next to the bathroom with an area for parking two vehicles. I have AT&T and had good service in this spot."
$12 - $50 / night
"Location was clean, easy to access and feels like a world away from the busy cities close by."
"This is clean and well-maintained state campground that offers nice access to the southern tip of Hood Canal, although you have to cross Rt. 106 to get to the waterside picnic area and docks, and that"
$50 / night
"The location is great, so close to the water, Penrose and other peninsula activities."
"Great location if you want to relax and take long walks at nearby state parks and beaches. Robyn is a spectacular host who was great to communicate with. We will be coming back."
$60 / night
"My family stayed here for a night when we went out to Washington a few months ago. It was a nice little place."
"Pay showers ($1 for 3 minutes) and clean restroom with air dryer, pet friendly, lots of trails to hike and a beautiful beach area with a playground, seasonal/weekend snack shop, outdoor shower by the beach"
$12 - $50 / night
"Tucked away remote campsite in a forest next to estuary. Two sites have hookups. Clean restrooms with shower."
"Site 8 is a pull through and is very large, but not so private as everyone walking to the main dock walks right past your site."
GuideI would have given this campground 5 stars if it wasn't for the screaming kids all day and up to 10 at night. Otherwise it's a beautiful campground with beach access and very dog friendly.
ScoutReally enjoyable early May stay at this campground. Sites are mostly shaded and feel fairly private and spacious , and it wasn’t too busy when we stayed Sunday night. Beautiful waterfront—morning walk along the beach was a highlight, very peaceful and scenic with easy access from the campground. Restrooms were generally clean (just some spider webs on the windows) and we didn't get the chance to use the showers. There’s a convenient water station between campsites, and the fire pit/grill were in good shape, though it would be nice if cleaning supplies were provided. A few campers were oddly loud in the evening, but it quieted down by around 10 pm. Location is convenient, with a gas station about 4 minutes away and a grocery store around 12 minutes. Make sure you buy your firewood before you arrive. They have, but they couldn't sell us any, even if we arrived around 4 PM. The $15 non-resident fee was a downside. Overall, a great stay (4/5)—I’d probably come back if I’m in the area.
ScoutGot a spot by the river which was great. There was some people playing loud music, which wasn’t so great. Beautiful views.
ScoutNice park. A little tight in spots if u have a larger RV (me a 38' 5th 🛞) but my back in spot was plenty deep.
TravelerJust a normal Forest Service Road dispersed camping area. No amazing views, but it stayed quiet the whole night. Any normal vehicle can access this.
TravelerComing off the main road onto what might be an old logging road there are 3 spots to pull off into for camping one spot is pretty big can get two or three vehicles in it. Down the road is a trail head. Busy area for hiking. Kinda scetchy but not to bad if needed in a pinch. Verizon cell service is decent
TravelerWe weren't impressed when we camped here several years ago & haven't returned. We stopped in only to dump our tanks, since the RV dumps at Scatter Creek Rest Area, LOTT downtown, & Pilot Travel Center all were closed. Instead of charging $10 or $15 to dump like most places, they charged $40. When asked why, "...it's policy. Nothing i can do about it."
Nope. That's an "i couldn't care less" answer from a couldn't-care-less employee who works for a couldn't-care-less business.
ScoutPeople here aren’t friendly.
ScoutLarge pull off, could easily fit 3-4 vehicles. Nothing fancy as it is just a pull off on the side of the road. One camper van here while I was and had no problem with them. Lots of people that just leave their trash here though and that's disappointing.
Camping sites near Gig Harbor, Washington offer diverse experiences along the Puget Sound shoreline at elevations ranging from sea level to 400 feet. The climate remains mild year-round with summer highs rarely exceeding 80°F and winter temperatures seldom dropping below freezing. Campers should prepare for rainfall even during summer months, as the region receives approximately 40 inches of annual precipitation.
Tide exploration: At Belfair State Park Campground, the changing tides create opportunities for wildlife viewing and beachcombing. "When the tide comes and goes, so does the water fowl. Nice campground, open sites, full hook ups," notes Kari R., who enjoyed bird watching during her stay.
Kayaking: Jarrell Cove State Park Campground provides excellent water access for paddlers. "Great kayaking too," reports Mike K. who has visited multiple times. The park features docks where you can launch directly into the water, making it convenient for water-based activities.
Hiking trails: Dash Point State Park Campground offers several miles of forested trails suitable for all skill levels. "Facilities were good and trails around are fun and easy enough for me and 2 kids. The beach and its tides are why we came," shares Ingrid M. The park maintains well-marked paths connecting the campground to beach areas.
Clamming and oyster harvesting: Seasonal shellfish gathering is permitted at certain parks with proper licensing. "We loved this spot! A quick walk from camp and your picking oysters from Hood Canal. Amazing!" states Blaine B. about Twanoh State Park. Check current regulations and harvesting seasons before planning your trip.
Beach access: Manchester State Park Campground provides shoreline exploration with historical military features. "There are great hammock trees at nearly every site. The hiking trails views onto the sound are nice as well," notes Mike about his experience at the park.
Privacy between sites: Despite being in developed campgrounds, some parks offer secluded camping spots. "This campground is remarkable in the privacy between each of the camping spots, the bird life, the wild and deep forest vibes, and the walking trails," writes Brittany D. about Dash Point State Park.
Water views: Joemma Beach State Park Campground offers waterfront sites with direct views of Puget Sound. "Several sites have gorgeous views of the water. Simple, small, peaceful campground with pit toilets and potable water," comments Annie B. The park includes a pier extending into the water.
Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds feature resident deer and various bird species. "Several deer came up throughout the day to eat the apples off the ground and trees in those spots, that was fun," reports Sunday C. about their stay at Jarrell Cove State Park.
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. "We camped here mid week last August. There's a beach loop for RVs and a woods loop for tents & smaller RVs," explains Leah H. about Belfair State Park, noting the different camping areas available.
Seasonal closures: Saltwater State Park Campground operates from May through September. Recent updates indicate limited availability: "Camping is closed for 2024 while the park undergoes planning and development efforts," reports Ken who lives near the park.
Noise considerations: Some parks experience aircraft or road noise due to proximity to urban areas. "Commercial jets landing at Sea-Tac fly directly above us at a low altitude and are VERY loud and VERY frequent (every 3-5 minutes)," warns Travis P. about Saltwater State Park.
Limited facilities: Primitive campgrounds have fewer amenities. "Only drop toilets, potable water and dumpsters for amenities though," notes Austin R. about Joemma Beach State Park, which offers basic services at budget-friendly rates.
Beach play areas: Penrose Point State Park Campground offers family-friendly shorelines with warm water. "The beach is a short walk from camp, just long enough to make you feel like you earned your sunset view, but not so long that you regret your life choices," shares Adrienne Q., noting the manageable distance for children.
Junior Ranger programs: Some state parks offer educational activities for children. "The grounds, including bathrooms, were well maintained and the kids enjoyed taking part in the junior ranger program," reports Sarah H. about her family's experience at Penrose Point.
Off-season visits: Camping during shoulder seasons provides a quieter experience with fewer crowds. "Spent a weekend here in October. Campground is wooded and quiet, spots are nice and private. Penrose Point Park nearby has a great beach and a fun interpretive trail to do with kids," recommends Big_Tan_Turtle.
Safety considerations: When camping with children, check for nearby emergency services. "We stayed in lot #1 which was the largest and we had plenty of room for my truck and my wife's car plus two dogs. The lot is easy to maneuver and getting to the hookups," notes Rick S. about Lakebay Getaway, mentioning the spacious sites suitable for families.
Full-hookup availability: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor provides complete services for RVs. "Very close to Gig Harbor. Quiet, lots of trees, level gravel sites, and full hook ups available," shares Steven L., noting the convenient location and amenities.
Size restrictions: Many state parks have limited space for larger rigs. "The drive to Jarrel cove is on a very rural road with several places where the road is almost one lane wide," warns Steve C., highlighting access challenges for larger vehicles.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping facilities. "No dump station on the grounds," notes Steve C. about Jarrell Cove State Park, advising RVers to plan accordingly for waste disposal.
Seasonal water pressure issues: Some campgrounds experience utility challenges during peak periods. "Water pressure challenges on hill, WiFi ok/slow," reports John K. about Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor, suggesting campers might need to adjust expectations for hookup performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Gig Harbor, WA?
Gig Harbor offers several excellent camping options nearby. Penrose Point State Park Campground is located just across Carr Inlet from Gig Harbor and Fox Island, featuring spacious campsites, hiking trails, and beach access. For those willing to travel a bit further, Dash Point State Park Campground provides a clean, beautifully maintained camping experience with friendly staff. Other notable options include Joemma Beach State Park for waterfront camping and Jarrell Cove State Park on Harstine Island. The area around Gig Harbor gives campers access to the beauty of Puget Sound while remaining close to urban amenities.
What is the best time of year to go camping in Gig Harbor?
The best time to camp in Gig Harbor is late spring through early fall (May-September) when temperatures are mild and rainfall is minimal. Summer offers the most reliable weather with temperatures typically ranging from 60-80°F. For those seeking a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds, consider mid-week trips during late spring or early fall. Dosewallips State Park Campground is particularly enjoyable during this period with well-maintained grounds and accessible hiking trails. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to the Pacific Northwest's rainy season. Staircase Campground in Olympic National Park can be quite cold (below freezing) during winter months but offers a serene experience for prepared campers.
Is there RV camping available in Gig Harbor?
Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor offers excellent RV camping directly in Gig Harbor with full hookups, level gravel sites, and a quiet, tree-filled setting. The park is consistently well-maintained with friendly staff and is pet-friendly, though it lacks child-specific amenities like playgrounds or pools. For those willing to travel a bit further, Lake Pleasant RV Park north of Seattle provides another quality option with good rates and easy access to the greater Seattle area. Both parks accommodate full-sized RVs and offer the necessary amenities for comfortable stays, making Gig Harbor and its surrounding area well-suited for RV camping adventures.
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