Several cabin camping options exist near Kingston, Washington, particularly along the Puget Sound shoreline and nearby islands. Most cabins in this area sit within forested state parks at elevations under 500 feet. Winter temperatures typically range from 35-45°F while summer averages 65-75°F, making cabin stays practical year-round despite the region's 35-40 inches of annual rainfall.
What to do
Beach exploration: Access shorelines directly from campsites at Fort Casey Campground, where guests can explore the Puget Sound coastline. "There are beaches to walk on and views of several Cascades peaks and the Olympic Range," notes one visitor, who adds that "this is a good spot to camp awaiting the ferry for the next day or you could walk on to explore Port Townsend which has a historical town center."
Military history: Tour historic fortifications at Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground. Visitors can explore gun batteries and other military structures throughout the grounds. "From arriving to leaving it was a great experience. Beach front camping, old fort to explore, and endless outdoor opportunities," reports one camper, while another mentions that "we did the tour and it was very informative. Lots of history and there are even a few geocaches."
Wildlife viewing: Observe local fauna from designated viewing areas at state parks. Dosewallips State Park features specific spots for watching wildlife. "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 one visitor who stayed in a cabin at the park.
What campers like
Beach access: Direct shoreline proximity at Beach Campground — Fort Worden Historical State Park allows for easy water activities. "Great coastal views and beach walks with lighthouse and pier access. Possibility to rent kayaks," writes one reviewer, who also appreciates the "clean modern restrooms" and "excellent hot showers."
Family-friendly playgrounds: Dedicated play areas for children at several campgrounds. Fay Bainbridge Park offers "a pirate ship playground for the kids," according to one visitor. Another camper at Flowing Lake Park & Campground mentions that the "playground is awesome for little kids. Amazing play structure."
Hot showers: Token-operated shower facilities at Flowing Lake Park & Campground. Most cabin sites provide access to centralized shower buildings. "Central located bath house with pay showers," notes one camper, while others mention that tokens typically cost $0.50 for hot water showers at most locations in the area.
What you should know
Varying levels of privacy: Site layout differs significantly between campgrounds. At Kitsap Memorial State Park, one camper notes that "the camper spots are really close together," while another mentions that "the spots with hookups are SUPER close together." This contrasts with cabin sites at other locations that offer more separation.
Winter facilities: Some amenities close during off-season. At Deception Pass State Park Campground, "the only campground open in the winter at Deception Pass State Park is the Quarry Pond area," notes a visitor, adding that despite cold weather "the campground was far from empty during our stay."
Reservation requirements: Most cabins need advance booking. Particularly during summer months, cabins fill quickly. "It is a very popular site, even year round. Be sure to reserve your site well in advance," advises a Fort Casey visitor. Another camper notes that Flowing Lake "is very popular with the locals so it is important to reserve far in advance."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin amenities for children: Basic furniture makes family stays manageable. At Dosewallips State Park, visitors appreciate the cabin setup, with one noting: "We took my wife, six year old, one year old, and my dog and we all had a great time." Many cabins include basic sleeping arrangements suitable for families.
Seasonal considerations: Winter cabin stays can provide unique experiences for families. Flowing Lake Park offers cabins year-round, with one visitor stating: "We typically visit the cabins here in the winter, so we don't usually partake in the summer activities of swimming, boating, etc., but we do love coming here in the winter."
Beach accessibility: Child-friendly shorelines at Camano Island State Park Campground. "Easy walk to the beach for exploring, which made it a great spot for kids," writes one visitor. Another notes that the "campground and facilities were clean," making it suitable for family outings.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose cabin locations based on specific needs. At Fort Flagler, "campsites facing the water are probably the nicest," according to one visitor. Another RVer suggests that "avoid a site by the cabins or field, you will be disappointed. Choose a large site by the river" when staying at Dosewallips State Park.
Noise considerations: Aircraft sounds at certain locations. Due to nearby Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, some campgrounds experience intermittent noise. At Fort Casey, one camper reports: "For over two hours, we were treated to intermittent but frequent LOUD jets flying close to the ground. We both had headaches and our dogs were upset."
Hookup availability: Utility options vary by cabin location. Many cabins have electric and water connections, but sewer hookups are less common. As one RVer at Kitsap Memorial notes, "We paid $20 for site 6. This is a standard site, meaning no hookups. Full hook up sites are available for more."
