Tent and RV camping options surround Gig Harbor, Washington, with the Kitsap Peninsula offering sheltered campsites within 15-30 minutes of town. The region experiences mild summer temperatures averaging 75°F with evening cooling to the 50s, making late spring through early fall the prime camping season. Campgrounds in this area range from basic facilities with vault toilets to developed resorts with full hookups.
What to do
Beach exploration: Joemma Beach State Park offers a beautiful shoreline with excellent wildlife viewing. "The beach is beautiful here! And the campsites are very secluded! There are tons of trees and bushes in between everybody's campsite," notes alexandrea L. The park maintains a long dock for fishing and walking.
Hiking nearby trails: Walk from your campsite at Twanoh State Park Campground to access forest paths. "Directly behind my campsite was the Twanoh trailhead, where my husband and I hiked in the morning and didn't see anyone else on the trail. It was pretty wet and muddy so opt for hiking boots over tennis shoes," advises Saraj B.
Shellfish gathering: Hood Canal offers seasonal shellfish collection opportunities. "We loved this spot! A quick walk from camp and your picking oysters from Hood Canal. Amazing! The swimming was great too," reports Blaine B. about Twanoh State Park. Check state regulations for permits and seasonal closures.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Penrose Point State Park Campground provides calm swimming areas near campsites. "The beach is a medium-length walk and very warm and swimmable for NW standards," mentions Adrienne Q. The east-facing coves warm nicely on summer days.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural vegetation barriers at Joemma Beach. "The campsites are very secluded! There are tons of trees and bushes in between everybody's campsite," notes alexandrea L. Sites at Penrose also offer good separation: "Although the grounds were busy, the densely tree-lined sites provided privacy," says Sarah H.
Clean facilities: Dash Point State Park Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and showers. "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. The washroom and shower is kept clean, as is the rest of the campground," reports Brittany D.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most state parks require advance booking during peak season. "Make reservations in advance!" advises John K. about Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor. The most popular waterfront sites often book 6-9 months in advance.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons frequently visit campgrounds in this area. "Sites were reasonably private and quiet at night (except for a brief invasion of 6 raccoons at our site one night!)," shares Rachel about Penrose Point. Food storage in sealed containers is essential.
Off-season advantages: Many campgrounds remain open year-round with fewer visitors. "Located right off highway 106, the campsites are really private due to the vegetation. There isn't a lot of traffic during off-season so all I heard was the sound of the canal and the creek even closer," notes Saraj B. about Twanoh State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beaches: Belfair State Park Campground offers gradual entry water access. "The beach was great, water is rather warm for in the sound, it's also pretty shallow which is great for the kids to play in," says Leah H.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple parks offer educational nature experiences. "We spent the weekend paddle boarding and lounging on the water. When the tide goes down the rocky beach comes out full of crabs and other treasures that were fun to find," describes Sunday C. about Jarrell Cove.
Junior ranger programs: Several state parks offer educational activities. "The grounds, including bathrooms, were well maintained and the kids enjoyed taking part in the junior ranger program," shares Sarah H. about Penrose Point State Park.
Tips for RVers
Full hookup availability: Jarrell Cove State Park Campground offers limited utility sites. "There are two sites here with hookups. No dump station on the grounds. Site 8 is a pull through and is very large... Site 10 is a back in site but is very secluded with brush all around the site," advises Steve C.
Pet-friendly amenities: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor includes special pet facilities. "We are squeaky new to RVing. This place was great! Clean, friendly staff, everything we needed and more! They even had a dog wash," notes Sunflower E. Many campgrounds allow leashed pets on trails and beaches.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality and width throughout the area. "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. Some campgrounds have tight turns unsuitable for larger rigs.
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