262 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping areas near Hoodsport, Washington range from established state parks to resorts along the Hood Canal shoreline. Potlatch State Park Campground provides both tent and RV sites with hookups, while Olympic National Park's Staircase Campground offers a more rustic experience. Several mixed-use campgrounds like Dow Creek Resort and Glen Ayr Resort feature cabins alongside traditional camping, situated between the shores of Lake Cushman and Hood Canal. Most campgrounds in this area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering electrical hookups and amenities.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region. Most developed campgrounds near Hoodsport operate year-round, though some like Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman close during winter months from November through March. The proximity to Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park means visitors should check for seasonal road closures, especially at higher elevations. Weather conditions vary significantly between summer and winter, with potential for heavy rainfall in fall and winter months. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer season when waterfront sites fill quickly. "Clean sites, as advertised. Sites are dirt, so can get a little muddy in the wet season. Convenient location to Hoodsport and the National Forest/Park," noted one camper at Dow Creek Resort.
The Hood Canal waterfront represents a major draw for campers in the Hoodsport area. Glen Ayr Resort and The Waterfront at Potlatch both receive consistently high ratings for their shoreline access and views. A visitor described Glen Ayr as having "beautiful views of the Hood Canal" with "all the amenities of a hotel." Campgrounds closer to Highway 101 experience road noise, with several reviews mentioning this drawback at otherwise scenic locations. Inland options like Big Creek Campground and Brown Creek Campground provide more forested settings with high satisfaction ratings but fewer amenities. Campgrounds vary in privacy levels, with some offering secluded sites while others feature more open layouts. Water access for fishing, shellfish harvesting, and recreation appears frequently in positive reviews of the area's campgrounds.
"Nice little camping spot close to Hoodsport and hiking at Olympic National Park. I stayed in a spot with full hookups and have a 22’ travel trailer."
"The sites closer to the back of the campground (where we were) are far away from the road so you can't really hear highway noise at all."
"Pros: Dog-friendly, spacious sites at Staircase with close proximity to Lake Crescent and several trails (no dogs allowed). Cons: Popular site, so may feel crowded."
"Lovely views on the way of Lake Cushman and the local old-growth forests."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"It was nearly full but manageable. My one complaint would be the off leash dogs that happen to run around a couple of times through the weekend. Site sells Ice and Firewood ($6 a bundle)."
"Location was clean, easy to access and feels like a world away from the busy cities close by."
from $12 - $50 / night
Check Availability"As a child we camped at a lake near by so decided to check this out. Enjoyed the walk around the pond with the kids. I did need bug spray because of large amounts of mosquitoes."
"Some spots are on the river some are tucked back in the woods, pottable water available at 2 locations in camp. 2 sets of vaulted toilets. $14 per day fee."
"Near Lake Cushman and not far out of Hoodsport off Highway 101, this easily accessible campground is away from the summer craziness that afflicts so many campgrounds in the Olympics."
"It is both close to Lake Cushman and close to town. It’s clean and easy drive through."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Near Hoodsport. Fee campground. Bathrooms with flush toilets. Coin operated showers.
Small general store.
Some RV sites are close together."
"Easy access to all of Olympic. Gorgeous views! Pristine lake. Rope swing, volleyball courts, hiking trail circles the lake. Waking up to fantastic lake/mountain views every day was beyond words."
"The grounds are well-maintained with easy access to some hiking trails that are easy to moderate in difficulty."
"Dump station close by worked great on exit. Wooded with ferns. Rain was nice to enjoy through the windows."
from $12 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Great location on Hood Canal. Access to so much great scenery, hiking, and nature. We loved visiting Hama Hama oyster farm just up the road. This is a nice resort with everything you need."
from $54 - $68 / night
Check Availability"Great avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place."
"Nice spots, but most are right near the road so it's busy. Most spots are only good for an overnight. Unless you have one of the ones with space i wouldn't stay here for a long period of time."
TravelerGreat little spot to turn into and sleep for the night. It initially took us to someone's driveway so just be aware that it is a little down the road. Not by much and you realize really quickly its a drive way.
GuideThe is a quiet gravel road with varied sizes of pull-offs. We saw a few other vehicles camping, but no other traffic.
TravelerWater didn’t work, but in a very nice area, rangers were super nice, it was organized and quiet and trails were nice.
ScoutBeautiful area with friendly community.
GuideStayed on site 38. Perfect for Van camping. Electric,water and sewer. Some sewer locations may need an extension hose. Power ran about 118 to 120 voltage. Cell service where we were at ...ATT had 3 bars and Verizon at 1 or 2 bars at best. Very dated park. But paved narrow roads and tight sites. Reserved on phone, same day of arrival. At 3:18 pm and checkin was closed. So we just went to site. Our loop restroom was very dated and needed some repairs. X1 shower in men's and women's. Men's side had tile missing but had hot water. Overall....just a very dated park. Airport noise noticeable. But spaces are somewhat spaced out with some privacy.
GuideAs cyclists, we really enjoyed this state park. The hiker/biker sites are in a wooded area removed from the other sites which makes them peaceful. Good bathroom and shower amenities, picnic tables by the hiker/biker sites and in the day use area, and a lovely ocean view. Love the cheap, first come first serve option for those arriving by human power! There is also access to a store with supplies and firewood nearby. We enjoyed this spot because we could bike from our home in North Seattle, take the ferry from Edmonds and do a quick one-nighter over here.
GuideGorgeous location. We saw one staff person working SO hard cleaning the campground of weekend trash. The bathroom was ghastly! Big door doesn’t close, the one shower stall so old I don’t think cleaning could help. Totally unsafe with just a couple curtains - no lock. Don’t go in there alone. If you play Pickle Ball you’re in luck - the Founders Course s are wonderful and the Club Members very welcoming!
GuideThere are small pullouts along the service road but none that are much larger than a van can fit. Phone service is fairly solid, and car traffic seems minimal. I arrived later in the day and spent one night and had nobody drive past until late morning. Turning around can be a challenge if you have anything longer than a regular car.
GuideReally enjoyed this place. The owner’s written instructions prior to arrival were very helpful. It’s a single campsite in amongst a few homes on very spacious lots, so it felt very private. Enjoyed the deer and the chickens on our morning walks. Close to Olympic National Park and the ferry terminal at Port Angeles. The sewer hookup is elevated by design to enable a gravity feed, which was clearly described in the written instructions. For those of us who don’t have sewer hose supports and have a 90 degree elbow at the end of the sewer hose, interfacing with the elevated line can be difficult.
Camping opportunities around Hoodsport center on Hood Canal and the eastern edge of Olympic National Park. The area sits at elevations ranging from sea level to about 700 feet, with campgrounds situated between the densely forested mountains and saltwater shoreline. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that typically range from 35-45°F with frequent rain, while summer brings 70-85°F temperatures and significantly drier conditions.
Shellfish harvesting season: Gather oysters at Twanoh State Park Campground where camper Thomas B. notes "You need a Discover Pass for day use. These are required at pretty much all county and state campgrounds in Washington State. They cost $30 per year." The campground provides direct beach access across the road from the main camping area.
Winter hiking trails: Experience less crowded trails at Brown Creek Campground during off-season months. According to L & J L., "It is a campground that has sites available year round, however...The campground is in a beautiful location and, true to what their website says, there are 6 sites along the river available for off season camping." Winter visitors should check road conditions as snow and fallen trees can limit access.
Lake activities: Swim and paddle on Lake Cushman at Skokomish Park where visitors find "a designated swimming area" and clear water. Jaclynn M. describes the appeal: "The water is so clear. Warm. The campground is nice with showers. Camp wood is available to be dropped off at your campsite. Biking and kayaking... so many thinks to do here along with its amazing trails."
Olympic National Park exploration: Use Staircase Campground as a gateway to Olympic National Park trails. Amber H. reported, "The grounds were well-kept and there were plenty of things for children and families to do in the immediate vicinity." This campground features the glacier-fed Steilacoom River running alongside many sites, providing natural white noise for sleeping.
Riverside camping spots: Select campsites adjacent to water at Brown Creek Campground, which Molly S. describes as "a beautiful spot along the water for hanging out." The campground offers a mix of river sites and forest sites, with the riverside locations being most popular.
Wildlife viewing platforms: Watch for elk herds at Dosewallips State Park Campground, where Amy & Stu B. share: "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." This park features multiple hiking trails accessible directly from the campground.
Uncrowded off-season camping: Visit Twanoh State Park Campground during spring or fall when Saraj B. found that "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." The park maintains year-round access with fewer visitors outside summer months.
Clean facilities: Enjoy well-maintained bathrooms and showers at Big Creek Campground. Campers consistently mention the cleanliness, with Isabelle K. noting, "our tent site had a fire pit with grill, picnic table, and nice gravel parking pad. The spots here are well dispersed and set back in the woods for the most part so they felt very secluded and peaceful."
Site spacing varies significantly: Many campgrounds have minimal privacy between sites. At Twanoh State Park Campground, Justin L. cautions: "The campsites are all cramped together right next to the roadway. There's no vegetation so you can see just about every site/camper from any site you choose." For more secluded sites, Big Creek and Brown Creek campgrounds offer better spacing between sites.
Reservation requirements change seasonally: Summer weekends require advance planning while off-season often allows walk-in camping. At Potlatch State Park Campground, Tyler S. advises, "Depending on the time of year you come here. Will determine what kind of time you'll have. In the summer it's hard to get a spot and it's very crowded. But if you come in the spring and fall is a very lovely place to be."
Road noise impacts waterfront sites: Highway 101 runs close to Hood Canal campgrounds, creating traffic noise at shoreline sites. At Potlatch State Park Campground, Colleen T. observed, "Campground borders a busy highway and traffic noise is bad. Some nice campsites in a wooded loop along a nice little creek for tenters."
Water access sometimes requires crossing roads: Several campgrounds separate camping areas from beaches. At Twanoh, Holly notes, "A quick walk across the road to the beach was absolutely beautiful," while at Potlatch, campers must cross Highway 101 to reach the day use area on Hood Canal.
Creek exploration spots: Find shallow creeks for children at Potlatch State Park Campground where VIKKY S. shares, "This place is Perfect for families with all size children. There is a small stream running through the side of Some of the camp spots that the kids can play. It's directly across the Street from the beach."
Swimming areas with gradual entry: Take advantage of Hood Canal's warmer water temperatures at Belfair State Park Campground where Leah H. found "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."
Shower token costs: Budget for shower fees at some campgrounds. At Dosewallips State Park, tokens cost $0.50 for hot water, though Daniel G. noted that at Potlatch "When I originally looked at the shower, I thought it still took tokens. However, on the token Machine, there's a sign that says 'NO TOKENS REQUIRED. FREE HOT WATER.'"
Hiking difficulty levels: Choose appropriate trails for different ages. Near Brown Creek Campground, Saraj B. reported "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," suggesting preparation for potentially challenging conditions with children.
Length restrictions: Check campground limits before booking. Big Creek Campground can accommodate larger rigs in specific sites, but Brown Creek notes that "RV UNDER 16FT WOULD WORK IN SEVERAL OF THE CAMPSITES," according to SIMPLEGRINN A.
Hookup availability: Full hookups exist at Glen Ayr Resort where Lisa A. found "Full hook ups, showers, BBQ's, games, hot tub, laundry facilities, game room with fireplace and pool table all with a beautiful view of the Hood Canal!" Most national forest campgrounds offer only basic services without hookups.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven sites at many forest service campgrounds. At Twanoh State Park Campground, Lori T. mentioned "Most all sites that were large enough for RVs seemed quite level," but noted this is uncommon for the area. At Olympic National Park's Staircase Campground, the terrain is more rugged and potentially challenging for larger vehicles.
Solar limitations: Heavily forested campgrounds restrict solar panel effectiveness. Thomas B. cautions about Twanoh: "At the campground you're really in the woods, so if you need sunlight for your solar panels, you may be out of luck."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots near Hoodsport, WA?
The Hoodsport area offers excellent camping options along the Hood Canal and near Olympic National Park. Big Creek Campground is a local favorite that's easily accessible from Highway 101 yet away from summer crowds, offering proximity to Lake Cushman and Staircase. Potlatch State Park Campground is conveniently located just 3 miles from Hoodsport, featuring beautiful Hood Canal views and quiet surroundings. Other worthwhile options include Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman for water activities, and Falls Creek Campground for its scenic creek-side setting. For those wanting to explore Olympic National Park, Staircase Campground makes an excellent base with river access and trail connections.
What amenities are available at Hoodsport campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Hoodsport offer varying amenities to suit different camping styles. Twanoh State Park Campground provides essential conveniences including ice and firewood sales ($6 per bundle), with staff preferring exact cash when possible. Dow Creek Resort features clean sites with dirt pads (which can get muddy in wet seasons) and friendly staff who accommodate flexible check-ins, though cellular service for Verizon and T-Mobile is relatively weak. Most area campgrounds provide toilets and water access, while state parks typically offer more developed facilities like showers. Some locations like Skokomish Park and Glen Ayr Resort cater to RVs with hookup options and big-rig-friendly sites.
What is the best time of year to go camping in Hoodsport?
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the most reliable weather for camping around Hoodsport, with summer providing warm temperatures perfect for enjoying Lake Cushman and Hood Canal activities. Staircase Campground is particularly popular during summer months, which means it can feel crowded during peak season. For a quieter experience, consider visiting during weekdays or in the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall. Winter camping is possible at some year-round facilities like Hoh Campground, though temperatures can drop significantly (as low as 28°F reported in November), and many forest roads may have poor conditions requiring careful driving. The region receives considerable rainfall, especially in winter months, so waterproof gear is essential.
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