Near Kingston, Washington, RV campgrounds provide access to both Puget Sound waterways and Olympic Peninsula forests. The area experiences moderate coastal climate with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 80°F and frequent rainfall during winter months. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round despite seasonal fluctuations in water pressure that sometimes affect hookup services.
What to do
Hiking trails: Multiple walking paths surround Lake Pleasant RV Park where visitors can explore the property's perimeter. "Around the perimeter of the park are short hiking trails through the trees — somewhat steep gravel trails that give you an added level of workout over laps around the park," notes a camper. The nearby Samammish River trail connects to additional routes.
Beach access: Waterfront camping at Point Hudson Marina & RV Park provides direct shoreline access. "The property is at the edge of downtown Port Townsend with Water and Washington streets right there, and even uptown quite accessible as well," writes one reviewer. The beachfront offers views across Puget Sound toward Whidbey Island.
Kayaking opportunities: The waterfront location at Port Ludlow offers paddling access to protected bays. "If you have kayaks or a boat you can launch and explore some beautiful sections of Puget Sound. You can get to Marrowstone Island, which is one of the best-kept secrets of the Olympic Peninsula," according to one visitor's experience.
What campers like
Level sites: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor provides concrete pads throughout its 102-site facility. "Very close to Gig Harbor. Quiet, lots of trees, level gravel sites, and full hook ups available," writes one camper. Another mentions that despite the close proximity of sites, "it was quiet and relaxing."
Laundry facilities: Some RV parks offer on-site laundry at reasonable rates. "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 visitor at Eagle Tree RV Park. Lake Pleasant offers "$2 washer/$2 dryer" that "get the job done, with no need to keep feeding the machine."
Pet amenities: Many Kingston-area RV campgrounds welcome pets with additional services. Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor includes a dog run and "exterior dog bath" according to visitors. Another camper at Port Ludlow notes that "the dog can swim" along the waterfront areas, providing exercise opportunities for four-legged travelers.
What you should know
Site spacing varies: Space between camping units differs significantly between facilities. At Tall Chief Campground, "Most sites are pretty big too. We can easily fit our trailer, tow vehicle, and extra vehicle and still have space!" However, other parks position units much closer, with one camper noting "Vehicles are packed in tight. I could not open the back of my camper van without feeling like I was in my neighbor's space."
Reservation requirements: Summer months demand advance planning for most Kingston-area RV campgrounds. Point Hudson Marina fills quickly: "There were open spots in February but I bet this place is really hard to get in in the summer. Plan ahead!" A similar situation exists at most waterfront locations throughout summer.
Cellular reception issues: Tree coverage affects mobile service at several campgrounds. At Tall Chief, one camper advises: "Another thing that can be annoying is trying to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees. They definitely have a few, but I would say arrive early so you can drive by all the sites while checking to make sure you have good reception if you need it."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Limited swimming options exist among Kingston-area RV parks. Trailer Inns RV Park includes an "Indoor pool, small playground, dog run and well marked facility," notes one family with five children. This park serves families "looking to drop your mobile hotel room and explore Seattle and the surrounding areas."
Camp store supplies: Cove RV Park & Country Store maintains on-site provisions for campers needing essentials. "The store has a good stock of stuff," according to one reviewer. Another mentions "a nice little store" that helps families avoid unnecessary trips for basics.
Playground equipment: Children's recreation facilities vary between campgrounds. Tall Chief offers "miniature golf, playground and basketball" according to reviewers, though some note that certain "play areas" needed repairs. Lake Pleasant features a pond with resident ducks that children often enjoy watching.
Tips from RVers
Backing challenges: Some campsites require considerable maneuvering skills. At Cove RV Park, staff assists new campers: "We first arrived with only knowing the basic and Mike the grounds master was more than happy to help us park and hook up. He was super nice and answered all of our questions."
Hookup limitations: Several campgrounds lack complete hookup services. Tall Chief offers water and electric connections without sewer: "No sewer connections which can be a bummer, but the nice bathrooms make up for it imo." Visitors requiring full hookups should verify availability before booking.
Seasonal considerations: Winter travelers encounter additional challenges at Kingston RV parks. One long-term camper notes: "Through weather emergencies and freezing pipes, the staff have been able to keep our amenities available, clean and safe." Campers should pack appropriate cold-weather gear when visiting between November and March.
