Dispersed camping options near Hoodsport provide direct access to Olympic National Forest and Hood Canal shorelines. Sites range from primitive forest locations to developed campgrounds with varying amenities. Most forest service campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September when temperatures typically range from 45-75°F, with occasional rain even during summer months.
What to do
Hike to Lena Lake: The Lena Lake trailhead is accessible from Lena Creek Campground, offering a moderate 3-mile hike to a scenic alpine lake. "Beautiful time. Went here two summers ago and it was amazing. We had a cool campsite where a giant tree uprooted and access to the creek, which we played on all day," shares one Lena Creek Campground visitor.
Explore old-growth forests: Staircase Campground serves as a gateway to Olympic National Park's ancient forests. "Great campsite! All walkup sites so make sure to get there early. Saw two bald eagles on the way in," notes a visitor to Staircase Campground.
Shellfish harvesting: Hood Canal is known for oyster and clam gathering, with locations near camping areas. "If you like oysters and clams, this place is perfect. It's not fancy, tent sites don't have privacy between them. However, we had a blast here," explains a camper at Mike's Beach Resort.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot Roosevelt elk, eagles, and other wildlife. According to a camper at Lena Creek, "Lots of coyotes at night," while many visitors report seeing eagles and elk throughout the area.
What campers like
Secluded river sites: Campers appreciate the riverside locations at certain campgrounds. "Spacious secluded campsites along the gorgeous green glacial waters. We had a fantastic time this weekend and will definitely be back again and again!" reports a visitor at Staircase Campground.
Beach access: Properties with direct Hood Canal shoreline access are popular for glamping in Hoodsport. "Mike's Beach Resort has a campground located right on HWY 101. The highway is all that separates it from the canal," explains a reviewer.
Fall camping: September and October offer a quieter experience with fall colors. "Well, it's fall and the evergreen state has more than green on its color wheel! The campground can be quite busy in the summer but the fall has its quiet moments," shares a Belfair State Park Campground visitor.
Off-peak availability: Many campgrounds report being less crowded during weekdays or shoulder seasons. "Often our first or last trip of the year, due to its proximity to the greater Seattle area. Small sites with little privacy but very well kept for a heavily used park," notes another Belfair camper.
What you should know
Limited cellular service: Most forest service campgrounds have minimal to no cell reception. Come prepared with offline maps and information.
Seasonal water availability: Some campgrounds turn off water during off-seasons. "There are pit toilets and no water available during the off season. Flush toilets and potable water are available in the on season," explains a reviewer at Staircase Campground.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. "The beach loop fills up quickly - get your reservations in as early as possible if you want to camp there," advises a Belfair visitor.
Weather preparedness: The Olympic Peninsula receives significant rainfall, even during summer. "It rained on us, but we made the best of it," notes a visitor to Coho Campground, a common experience in this region.
Supply distance: Some campgrounds are far from services. "Coho campground is a wonderful spot but it is 35 miles off of the highway. If you go, pack everything you need. There are no stores or gas stations once you hit the paved road to the campground," warns a Coho visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water play: Some Hood Canal locations offer safer water access for children. "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," shares a Belfair State Park visitor.
Campground activities: Look for sites with established play areas or short nature trails. "The campsites were clean and quiet, despite the lack of privacy between most of them. The grounds were well-kept and there were plenty of things for children and families to do in the immediate vicinity," explains a Staircase visitor.
Weekday visits: For a quieter experience with children, consider non-weekend camping. "Even when the campground is full on the weekend it doesn't seem crowded. Lake noise from powerboats, even though there is no speed limit on the lake, is rarely an issue," notes a Coho Campground reviewer.
Luxury camping options: For families new to camping, consider glamping accommodations at Dosewallips State Park Campground. "While it's quite basic it gave an amazing nature experience. We usually do tent camping, but we opted for platform tents here as we were only staying one night. The tent was much nicer than we expected and had a good amount of space."
Tips from RVers
Site selection caution: Some campgrounds have access challenges for larger rigs. "When getting your site be careful about the exact size allotment if you're in a big RV or have a 5th wheel, etc. Felt really bad for the guy trying to back into site 38 beside us. He tried for 30+ minutes," warns a camper.
Full hookup options: Several campgrounds offer complete services. "Very popular spot on the canal. Lots of pull through sites. Hook ups with dump station. Not too far from the cities and just outside of town," notes a visitor to Belfair State Park.
Paved accessibility: Some campgrounds provide better RV infrastructure. "Paved campground with pull through sites. Great for RVs!" shares a Tahuya River Campground visitor, though they also mention "Dirt road, lots of potholes" on the approach.
Hook-up variations: Check specific site amenities as they vary. "RV sites are blacktop and level. Some sites have partial hookups w/o septic. Dump station is on site," explains a Dosewallips visitor, providing important planning information for glamping in Hoodsport with an RV.
