RV camping options near Hoodsport, Washington sit along the eastern edge of Olympic National Park at elevations ranging from sea level to 500 feet. The Hood Canal area experiences mild summers with daytime temperatures rarely exceeding 80°F and wet winters with 70+ inches of annual rainfall. Most RV parks in this region stay busier during summer months when salmon runs and shellfish harvesting draw visitors to the area.
What to do
Shellfish harvesting at Hood Canal: Mike's Beach Resort in Lilliwaup offers direct access to clam and oyster beds. "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," shares Allysa.
Paddleboarding on calm waters: Rest-A-While RV Park provides access to protected waters ideal for beginners. "Oceanside view stay, beautiful scenery, calm waters which is perfect for paddle boarding. You can dig for clams and oysters by paying cash to the office for your gatherings," notes Jennifer K.
Hiking Olympic National Forest: Cove RV Park serves as a convenient basecamp for forest exploration. "Nice location for hiking or boating in the Hood Canal area, a great store, and fantastic and friendly management made this a very pleasant stay," reports JL.
What campers like
Friendly management: Cove RV Park & Country Store receives praise for its welcoming staff. "Mike and the ladies in the office just great people, very helpful and friendly. Small park, a little road noise but nothing that bothered us, will stay here again," says Adrian H.
On-site provisions: Many parks offer convenience stores for necessities. "The camp store is open 6 days a week, with a wide selection of food, drinks, and camping supplies," notes a reviewer about Eagle Tree RV Park.
Fresh seafood dining: Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park offers dining options beyond typical campground fare. "Full hookups for the rver. Sites to 70 ft. No firepits is a downside but the upside is the best seafood bar in the area," reports Mike K.
What you should know
Variable site spacing: Site proximity can vary substantially between parks. "The spaces are very close together, but there are a lot of trees and it's very well kept. The facilities and grounds are clean and well cared for. I stayed for almost three weeks and it was quiet and relaxing, despite how close together the sites are," mentions Joseph I. about Gig Harbor RV Resort.
Highway noise considerations: Hoquiam River RV Park offers riverside sites but some experience road noise. "Our site was next to the highway and had some noise. The worst was the dogs in the adjacent rig who kept barking for 2 hours straight," reports Kathy K. about Eagle Tree RV Park.
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance bookings during summer. "Make reservations in advance! Great place, peaceful, lots of trees. All types of site- large, small, full hook ups (30&50) to rustic, small tent area," advises John K.
Tips for camping with families
Limited child-specific amenities: Many parks focus on adult activities rather than kid amenities. "Pet friendly, but not many attractions for children (no playground, no pool)," notes Joseph I. about Gig Harbor RV Resort.
Beach access opportunities: Some parks offer direct water access for family activities. "You can drive your car right up onto the beach, which was awesome. The showers and laundry were very clean," shares Paul B.
Nature trails for exploration: Washington Land Yacht Harbor and surrounding parks offer walking paths. "The laundry is the hidden gem. At half the cost of the local laundromats, and with twice the machines I'm used to at a campground this size, I always have clean towels," reports a camper about Eagle Tree, which also offers access to trails.
Tips from RVers
Hookup logistics: Bring extra cables and hoses at some parks. "All sites are back in. All connections are in the back so imagine hooking up at a parking lot at the concrete stoppers. Sewer and electric, make sure you got enough tubes and extensions," advises Joe C.
Parking constraints: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor and other area parks may have limited parking. "Make sure you get a site that is large enough for both the RV and your vehicle as there is no extra parking. We picked a 50 ft site which allowed us to park the RV and still have room for our towed car," recommends Steve.
Winter preparations: For year-round camping, prepare for significant rain. "Through weather emergencies and freezing pipes, the staff have been able to keep our amenities available, clean and safe," reports a full-time RVer staying at Eagle Tree.
