Manchester camping areas offer a mix of wooded and waterfront settings in Washington's Kitsap Peninsula region. Campgrounds typically operate year-round with complete facilities, though summer demand requires advance planning. The region sits at elevations ranging from sea level to 400 feet, creating varied terrain across camping spots near Manchester.
What to do
Beach exploration along Hood Canal: Scenic Beach State Park Campground is ideal for rocky shoreline adventures. "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. It's more of a rocky, muddy beach than a sandy one, but it's still great for exploring, skipping rocks, or pretending you're in a moody PNW indie film," shares Saraj B.
Visit historical military sites: Manchester State Park Campground contains preserved structures from its former military use. A camper mentions, "This CG is a hidden jewel located on the east side of Bainbridge island on beautiful rich passage. Like many sites on the Puget Sound this was first used as a military base for the US Navy to guard the Bremerton ship yards during the Spanish American war and WW2. There are many remnants of the fort located in the park."
Kayaking and water sports: Fay Bainbridge Park provides excellent water access. "Great campground right on the beach. Clean facilities," notes Brook M. Many campers mention the ease of launching kayaks from the shoreline areas with minimal carrying distance.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dosewallips State Park Campground offers frequent wildlife encounters. "Every night, my husband and I would walk to the wildlife viewing platform to see lots of birds, or walk down by the river and see lots of elk and bald eagles," reports Amy & Stu B.
Site privacy levels: The natural separation between sites varies significantly across Manchester area campgrounds. At Scenic Beach State Park, "The campground is unique in how private the sites are with an unusual amount of foliage between sites," according to Jeannie P. Similarly, at Dash Point, campers appreciate that "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."
Transportation entertainment: Campers near Manchester enjoy watching maritime traffic. A visitor to Fay Bainbridge notes, "Beautiful beach, great views of Mt. Rainier & Baker on a clear day, cruise ships going by." Many camping spots offer views of Washington State Ferries traversing Puget Sound.
What you should know
Reservation timing requirements: Summer reservations fill quickly, often months in advance. At Manchester State Park, securing preferred sites requires planning. "We decided to check this camp ground out after our friends had stayed there. Nice wooded campground with access to the water. Some sites have hookups and others are dry camping. Most spots are level," explains Eric P.
Urban proximity effects: Campgrounds closer to metropolitan areas experience more traffic noise and higher usage. For Dash Point State Park Campground, "This is a cute campground, especially if you don't want to be too far from the city. I was impressed by how spread apart the sites were," notes Katie S.
Water conditions: Tidal fluctuations affect beach access at most waterfront campgrounds in the Manchester area. At Belfair State Park, "As the tide comes and goes, so does the water fowl." Some beaches disappear completely at high tide, while others maintain limited shoreline.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Belfair State Park Campground offers kid-friendly amenities. "The kids loved the park! 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," reports Leah H.
Nature scavenger hunts: Manchester State Park offers educational opportunities. One visitor shared, "Had a great Atlasquest scavenger hunt for the kids." This helps engage younger campers with the park's military history and natural features.
Beach safety considerations: Many beaches near Manchester have sharp shells and slippery rocks. At Fay Bainbridge, the "pirate ship playground for children" provides an alternative to beach play when tides are unfavorable or temperatures drop.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor offers the most extensive RV amenities in the region. "Very close to Gig Harbor. Quiet, lots of trees, level gravel sites, and full hook ups available," notes Steven L. The resort also provides specialized facilities like "a dog wash" that appeal to long-term RV travelers.
Site selection strategy: Manchester area campgrounds vary significantly in site dimensions. For Belfair State Park, an RVer advises, "That is the waterfront loop, the tent loop is also quite nice and a bit more private but we have not stayed there. My chief complaint is that there are no restrooms on the waterfront loop, the two closest being fully public and free to use."
Off-season advantages: Visiting Manchester camping spots during spring or fall provides better availability and quieter experiences. "We stayed here in May and had wonderful weather. Close enough to town for any necessities but far enough to get the secluded feeling," shares Joseph from Illahee State Park Campground.
