Tent camping near Gig Harbor, Washington requires navigating diverse terrain, with elevations ranging from sea level at waterfront sites to 1,639 feet at Green Mountain. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-80°F during daytime hours with nighttime lows around 50-55°F, while spring and fall bring more precipitation with temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler. Forest service roads leading to dispersed camping areas often feature multiple stream crossings and may require vehicles with higher clearance.
What to do
Kayak to island campsites: Hope Island Marine State Park offers boat-in tent camping with unique beach access. "We kayaked here from Boston Harbor on a beautiful summer week-end. Boat-in sites are first-come, first serve so we did not arrive early enough to snatch the few that are right on the water but nonetheless the ones tucked in the forest were still beautiful and only a few steps from the water," shares Emma A.
Backpack to alpine lakes: For more adventurous campers, Lena Lake Campground provides a 3.5-mile hike to scenic tent sites. "A nice 3.5 miles ish hike from the parking area to campground. The campsites offers fire rings and has plenty of amazing views of the lake. Don't forget to pack everything out and leave no trace," advises Jason H.
Explore mountain trails: Green Mountain offers multiple hiking and horseback riding trails directly from the campsite. "Nice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles. Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area," notes Ivy K.
What campers like
Family-friendly animal interactions: The Healing Farm offers a unique camping experience with interactive farm animals. "The kids was in Awh with all the animals and how they would let you walk up to them and interact with them. The goats were awesome, they would spend all day out at our camp and they would pose for pictures with us," shares Rebecca A.
Secluded forest sites: Dispersed camping along NF-2419 provides a more natural experience. "Great avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place. It is frequented by others so low privacy unless you camp away from the vehicle path," explains Jason C.
Marine views: The boat-in only access at Blake Island Marine State Park Campground creates a unique experience. "Really fantastic location. Very strict rangers which can be good or bad depending on your preference. Quiet hours are at 10pm which is early for some people so be aware," advises Julia S.
What you should know
Limited facilities at many sites: Most tent camping options near Gig Harbor require self-sufficiency. "Very close to Bremerton, Silverdale, Kitsap county. Has about 5 tent spots with picnic tables and fire pit. Had a bathroom but no other amenities- drinking water, shower, firewood/ice for sale," notes Caren M. about Green Mountain.
Fire restrictions common: Summer fire bans often impact camping plans. "In summer there is generally a burn ban and if you don't have a shaded spot, the heat can be pretty punishing but the temps go way down at night and you'll have a great breeze off of the water," shares Julia S. about Blake Island.
Water access considerations: Mowich Lake Campground offers tent sites with nearby lake access but specific limitations. "There are 10 spots, first come first serve, they are arranged in a circle above the day use parking lot. You will have to carry your gear up you cannot park next to your site, no fires allowed," explains Laura F.
Tips for camping with families
Select sites with kid-friendly amenities: When looking for the best tent camping near Gig Harbor with children, prioritize campgrounds with proper facilities. "The camp ground was clean, and our site was big enough to put up 3 tents. This was one of the best camping experiences I have ever had. I always go 1 time a year camping with my adult kids and grandkids. It is hard to find a place to be fun for younger children," recommends Rebecca A. about The Healing Farm.
Prepare for wildlife encounters: Animal sightings add excitement to family trips. "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.
Consider difficulty of access: Not all tent sites are equally accessible for families. "To access take Hwy 101 to Taylor Town and drive out to Arcadia Point. There is a gravel parking lot. Kayak the short jont east to the island. Note that there isn't a spot to launch your kayak from Steamboat Island," advises Rich M. about Hope Island.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: True RV camping is scarce near Gig Harbor, with Malaney Creek Farm offering some of the few accessible tent and RV spaces. "They got on their quads and led us down a private road through a super nice cedar gated entry and showed us our spot. They gave us a quick run down of the place and let us be," explains Tj J.
Access road challenges: Forest service roads require careful driving. "Had a blast coming up the mountain with the family, found a few great spots that we pinned for later that are unmarked with fire rings. We saw people driving various types of vehicles so most will make it up. My 2011 Ford Flex made it up no problem," shares Trevor M. about NF-2419.
Overnight parking limitations: Some areas near Rock Candy Mountain have strict parking policies. "The parking lot has many signs saying no camping. On the way into the parking though, there are three spots on the side of the road. Set up camp there. Very busy road," warns Wyatt H.
