Camping in the Kingston, Washington area spans diverse ecosystems along the Puget Sound shoreline, with many parks sitting at sea level and experiencing a temperate maritime climate with 36-40 inches of annual rainfall. Most campgrounds maintain moderate temperatures year-round, rarely dipping below freezing in winter or exceeding 80°F in summer. Campgrounds typically operate from April through October, though several parks like Kitsap Memorial and Fort Casey remain open year-round for winter camping.
What to do
Beach exploration: Fay Bainbridge Park offers extensive shoreline access where campers can observe Puget Sound marine life. "Great campground right on the beach. Clean facilities," notes camper Brook M. The park provides volleyball courts near camping areas for active visitors.
Military history tours: Fort Casey State Park features preserved WWII-era fortifications accessible directly from the campground. "Really neat military relics. Walk to the ferry to visit Port Townsend for the day. Camp in the deep woods. This place is awesome!" writes Rand H. The fort includes gun emplacements, a lighthouse, and interpretive displays.
Wildlife viewing: At Dosewallips State Park, elk sightings are common within the campground itself. "Campground has elk that walk through it and is right on the river. There are several hiking trails that start from the campground," reports Dean. The park's river location attracts diverse bird species, including bald eagles that frequent the area.
What campers like
Water access: Upper Oak Bay Park provides campsites with views overlooking Oak Bay. "Beautiful view of the bay. Reasonable price," notes chunjiang H. The lagoon area offers opportunities for paddling during high tide periods.
Privacy between sites: Kayak Point County Park features well-separated camping areas within a forest setting. "The sites are not on top of each other and there is good privacy between sites," explains Brooks S. The campground sits on a bluff above the beach with trails connecting the camping area to the water.
Clean facilities: Fort Worden Historical State Park maintains modern bathrooms and shower facilities. "Clean modern restrooms. Excellent hot showers. Paved level sites and most have good separation. Quiet," notes Leonard H. The campground offers multiple loop options, including both forested and beachfront settings.
What you should know
Jet noise: Deception Pass State Park experiences periodic aircraft noise from nearby Naval Air Station. "Definitely worth a stay with its proximity to the beach, stargazing, hiking. The whole area feels magical... The only downside is the noise from the naval base nearby. You'll hear jets overhead on a regular basis," warns Will L.
Site spacing concerns: Kitsap Memorial State Park Campground has limited separation between RV sites. "The camper spots are really close together. There is a big field to play ride bikes walk dog etc. The beach is really nice and nearby and at low tide is so peaceful to take a walk," notes Nicole R.
Off-season facility limitations: During non-peak seasons, some campgrounds reduce available amenities. "No trash receptacles any longer in campground--pack it out! Trees hanging low over road need to be trimmed," reports Nancy R. about Camano Island State Park. Bathroom access may also require special codes or tokens during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Dash Point State Park includes dedicated play areas for children. "Facilities were good and trails around are fun and easy enough for me and 2 kids. The beach and its tides are why we came," shares Ingrid M. The park offers proximity to both forest and beach environments.
Educational opportunities: Dosewallips State Park Campground provides multiple learning experiences for children. "I've been coming to this state park for as long as I can remember. There's so many activities to do; clamming, shrimping, hiking, hunting for oysters... Plenty of group tent sites as well as regular RV and tent sites," notes Shariah T.
Kid-friendly beaches: Fay Bainbridge Park features gradually sloping shorelines suitable for younger children. "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites," reports Tanya B. The park's playground includes a pirate ship structure that appeals to various age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Deception Pass State Park, choose locations carefully based on rig size. "Most of RV sites looked great & we loved ours. Read reviews that complain about low flying jets causing a racket. Happy to say we only encountered a couple jet making racket so our stay was relatively quiet," advises Rose M.
Limited hookup options: Several parks offer only partial hookups. "There is NO path down to the lagoon other than a precipitous dirt chute requiring a rope to climb back up," warns David J. about Upper Oak Bay Campground. Many sites require careful navigation due to tree canopies and narrow access roads.
Utility variations: Check specific site amenities before booking. "Water pressure is low, averaging just over 20psi," reports K D. about Kitsap Memorial State Park. Some campgrounds have recently upgraded utilities while others maintain older systems with limitations.
