Camping options in the Lilliwaup area of Washington include several state parks and campgrounds scattered around Hood Canal and the Olympic National Forest. Popular locations include Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman, Big Creek Campground, and Glen Ayr Resort, offering accommodations ranging from tent-only sites to full RV hookups and cabin rentals. The region encompasses both developed campgrounds within Olympic National Park boundaries and waterfront camping along Hood Canal, with many sites providing picnic tables, fire pits, and basic amenities.
Road conditions and seasonal availability vary significantly throughout the area, with some campgrounds operating year-round while others close during winter months. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer when popularity peaks. "The campground hosts were super friendly and gave us great advice on where to go in the area," noted one visitor to Big Creek Campground. Access to more remote sites may require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain when forest roads can become challenging. Most established campgrounds offer drinking water and vault toilets at minimum, though amenities like showers and hookups are limited to larger state parks and private resorts.
The Lilliwaup region attracts campers seeking both lakeside recreation and mountain hiking opportunities. Lake Cushman serves as a central recreation area with several nearby campgrounds. One camper described Skokomish Park as having "gorgeous views, pristine lake, rope swing, volleyball courts, hiking trail circles the lake," highlighting the recreational opportunities available. Campgrounds near water tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, while more secluded forest sites offer quieter experiences. Reviews frequently mention the area's natural beauty and access to hiking trails, though some note that waterfront sites can become crowded during peak season. Forest Service and dispersed camping options along Forest Road 24 provide alternatives for those seeking more primitive camping experiences away from developed facilities.
$24 / night
"On the main loop the camp sites to the right are along the river with great access to the water."
"One of the prettiest lakes in Washington. Can get pretty busy in the summer but mostly empty otherwise. Little to no cell service. lots of options for camping and backroads all around."
"The sites closer to the back of the campground (where we were) are far away from the road so you can't really hear highway noise at all."
"We had a beautiful site tucked in the woods that was very quiet. The beach across the street was really fun for kids and adults and there was loads of lovely hikes nearby."
$12 - $50 / night
"The grounds are well-maintained with easy access to some hiking trails that are easy to moderate in difficulty."
"Dump station close by worked great on exit. Wooded with ferns. Rain was nice to enjoy through the windows."
$12 - $50 / night
"Location was clean, easy to access and feels like a world away from the busy cities close by."
"This is clean and well-maintained state campground that offers nice access to the southern tip of Hood Canal, although you have to cross Rt. 106 to get to the waterside picnic area and docks, and that"
$12 - $50 / night
"Often our first or last trip of the year, due to its proximity to the greater Seattle area. Most of the folks we meet are from western Washington. "
"On the water of the Hood Canal, it offered more family activities than many of the parks around. The campground itself is situated close to the water with several loops, tightly packed together."
$20 / night
"Near Lake Cushman and not far out of Hoodsport off Highway 101, this easily accessible campground is away from the summer craziness that afflicts so many campgrounds in the Olympics."
"It is both close to Lake Cushman and close to town. It’s clean and easy drive through."
"As a child we camped at a lake near by so decided to check this out. Enjoyed the walk around the pond with the kids. I did need bug spray because of large amounts of mosquitoes."
"Some spots are on the river some are tucked back in the woods, pottable water available at 2 locations in camp. 2 sets of vaulted toilets. $14 per day fee."
"Easy access to all of Olympic. Gorgeous views! Pristine lake. Rope swing, volleyball courts, hiking trail circles the lake. Waking up to fantastic lake/mountain views every day was beyond words."
"Near Hoodsport. Fee campground. Bathrooms with flush toilets. Coin operated showers.
Small general store.
Some RV sites are close together."
$5 / night
"This is a hike-in campground down a 3.5 mile trail. It sees heavy use from locals on the weekend. There was plenty of room during the week when I was there."
"Lena Lake campground offers a rewarding view after a steady climb up meandering switchbacks. Started at the trailhead around 6 pm and made it to the campground around dusk."
$54 - $68 / night
"Great location on Hood Canal. Access to so much great scenery, hiking, and nature. We loved visiting Hama Hama oyster farm just up the road. This is a nice resort with everything you need."
GuideJust magical, our site was beautiful, the site had a picnic table and fire pit. Dry camped, water is available by the restrooms and there is a dump station. Rain Forests, Waterfalls, Beaches, who could ask for more, Lake Crescent was beautiful, the water was so clear, this area is amazing.
ScoutNice park. A little tight in spots if u have a larger RV (me a 38' 5th 🛞) but my back in spot was plenty deep.
TravelerFrom a family of 2 to a family of 4, we’ve enjoyed Fort Flagler every time we’ve visited. There’s a variety of site types for every kind of camper, the bathrooms and grounds are always clean, the beach space is plentiful, and the views are amazing.
Our 2 year old son enjoys the little playground and access to trails for his bike. Definitely kept us busy without having to leave the campground.
The campground was full during our son and you honestly wouldn’t have even known.
TravelerJust a normal Forest Service Road dispersed camping area. No amazing views, but it stayed quiet the whole night. Any normal vehicle can access this.
TravelerComing off the main road onto what might be an old logging road there are 3 spots to pull off into for camping one spot is pretty big can get two or three vehicles in it. Down the road is a trail head. Busy area for hiking. Kinda scetchy but not to bad if needed in a pinch. Verizon cell service is decent
TravelerWe weren't impressed when we camped here several years ago & haven't returned. We stopped in only to dump our tanks, since the RV dumps at Scatter Creek Rest Area, LOTT downtown, & Pilot Travel Center all were closed. Instead of charging $10 or $15 to dump like most places, they charged $40. When asked why, "...it's policy. Nothing i can do about it."
Nope. That's an "i couldn't care less" answer from a couldn't-care-less employee who works for a couldn't-care-less business.
ScoutPeople here aren’t friendly.
TravelerI pulled into this quiet and secluded campground after a long day of hiking and birding and proceeded to pass out almost immediately. I was awake by the park ranger doing the rounds at night because I had forgotten to go back and pay for my site 😅 he was nice though to open up the register so I could pay by card and directed me towards some places of interest for birders. This time of year was perfect as it was pretty empty and very serene. There was someone with a generator though that produced a low humming drone all day and night and that was off-putting but that's not the parks fault.
TravelerThe lower loop was still closed at this time of year. Campground was pretty empty but still very noisy because it is right by the highway. I ended up not staying because of the highway noise and the fire "pit" was basically filled to the brink and unusable for cooking. Maybe it gets more attention during the busy season but it was in rough shape at this point in time.
Dispersed camping options near Lilliwaup, Washington extend across the Olympic National Forest and Hood Canal region, with sites ranging from primitive forest locations to established campgrounds with amenities. The area encompasses terrain from 400 to 2,000 feet elevation with a mix of old-growth forest, river valleys, and lakeshores. Winter access becomes limited above 1,500 feet due to snow accumulation from November through April.
Hiking forest trails: At Lena Lake Campground, campers can access a 3.5-mile trail through dense forest. "The hike to lower Lena Lake is good for a day trip but rather short for an overnight backpacking trip in my opinion. It's on the Olympic peninsula so be prepared to drive and experience some rain," notes Matthew G.
Wildlife viewing: The Dosewallips area offers opportunities to observe local 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 Amy & Stu B.
Lake recreation: Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman provides water-based activities during summer. "The water is so clear. Warm. Biking and kayaking... so many thinks to do here along with its amazing trails," shares Jaclynn M.
Shellfish gathering: Seasonal clamming and oyster harvesting opportunities exist along Hood Canal. "Make sure and go to near by Hama Hama for their oysters," suggests Dean from Glen Ayr Resort.
Riverside sites: Big Creek Campground features campsites near flowing water. "The surrounding forest is lush and gorgeous, the campsites fairly spread out (there are 23 sites for tents, trailers and RVs, with the usual amenities) and as an entry point to outstanding hiking it's first rate," explains Allen S.
Secluded forest settings: Brown Creek Campground offers quiet sites away from crowds. "Beautiful park hidden near the heart of the Olympics. We've stayed several times, and enjoyed every trip. Perfect for summertime camping and stargazing, being in the center of a deep valley," writes Darren N.
Waterfront access: Twanoh State Park provides beach access from campgrounds. "Located right off highway 106, the campsites are really private due to the vegetation. There isn't a lot of traffic during off-season so all I heard was the sound of the canal and the creek even closer," explains Saraj B.
Seasonal variations: Campgrounds offer different experiences throughout the year. "Depending on the time of year you come here. Will determine what kind of time you'll have. In the summer it's hard to get a spot and it's very crowded. But if you come in the spring and fall is a very lovely place to be," advises Tyler S. about Potlatch State Park.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. "We pulled in late and there were plenty of sites available on the holiday weekend. The sites were big and had trails to the main trail around the lake. It's a pricy place at $50/night!" notes Katherine D. about camping at Lake Cushman.
Site privacy varies: Potlatch State Park and similar areas have varying levels of site separation. "Bathrooms were very clean flush toilets, handicap accessible, camp sites were open and packed in. Our window looked into neighbors window," reports Donald C.
Winter road conditions: Access becomes challenging in winter months. "The last 6 or so miles before the campground are pretty snowy and there is a lot of tree fall. They have done a ton of work to clear the trees so it is passable but it gets fairly narrow at times," warns L & J L. about Brown Creek Campground.
Campground facilities: Amenities vary significantly between locations. "The sites have a nice campfire ring and table that sit among the trees. The bathroom was a pit toilet but we have found that they aren't bad up here. There isn't running water in the privy but they did have water for the campers," explains Tom K. about Big Creek Campground.
Easy lake activities: Staircase Campground offers family-friendly water access. "Great place quiet sound of the river roaring. Never super crowded," notes Tyler S.
Educational trails: Several campgrounds feature interpretive paths suitable for children. "In the morning, I took a walk along the beaver pond trail and it was really nice with informational signs along the trail," shares Molly S. about Brown Creek Campground.
Group-friendly sites: Some locations accommodate larger family gatherings. "Great relaxing location. Really close to lake Cashman. Campgrounds provide plenty of space for groups of 8-10," mentions Robert about Big Creek.
Off-peak timing: Visiting outside summer weekends improves the experience. "We went from Sunday to Tuesday to avoid the crowd and actually get a decent campsite which we did," advises Michael B. about Dosewallips State Park.
Hookup availability: Belfair State Park offers RV services but with space limitations. "Very popular spot on the canal. Lots of pull through sites. Hook ups with dump station. Not to far from the cities and just outside of town," states Richard M.
Site selection strategy: Waterfront locations tend to fill first. "Often our first or last trip of the year, due to its proximity to the greater Seattle area. Most of the folks we meet are from western Washington. Small sites with little privacy but very well kept for a heavily used park," notes Doug about Belfair State Park.
Level sites: Some campgrounds provide better RV parking than others. "Plenty of FHU sites and loads of camping sites. RV sites are blacktop and level. Some sites have partial hookups w/o septic. Dump station is on site," explains James and Susan K. about Dosewallips State Park.
Solar considerations: Forest cover impacts power generation. "At the campground you're really in the woods, so if you need sunlight for your solar panels, you may be out of luck," cautions Thomas B. about Twanoh State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lilliwaup campground located in Washington?
Lilliwaup is located on the eastern shore of the Hood Canal in Washington's Olympic Peninsula, about 30 miles north of Shelton. While Lilliwaup itself is a small community, nearby Dosewallips State Park Campground offers excellent camping options in the vicinity. The area is surrounded by the Olympic Mountains and situated between Highway 101 and the Hood Canal, making it easily accessible for travelers exploring this scenic region of Washington. The proximity to Olympic National Park provides visitors with convenient access to numerous natural attractions and recreational opportunities.
What amenities are available at Lilliwaup Tidelands State Park?
Lilliwaup Tidelands State Park offers basic amenities focused on day-use activities rather than overnight camping. The park features shoreline access for beach activities and shellfish harvesting during appropriate seasons (permit required). There are limited facilities similar to those found at Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman, which includes basic restrooms and picnic areas. For those seeking more developed camping options in the vicinity, Glen Ayr Resort offers waterfront accommodations with additional amenities like showers and water hookups. The tidelands park is primarily designed for shellfish gathering and shoreline exploration rather than extended stays.
What outdoor activities can you do near Lilliwaup, Washington?
The Lilliwaup area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking through temperate rainforests on trails similar to those near Staircase Campground, which provides access to stunning river and mountain views. The Hood Canal shoreline is perfect for kayaking, fishing, and shellfish harvesting (with proper permits). Coho Campground near Lilliwaup offers lakeside recreation with scenic trails through lush forests. The region also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and scenic drives along the Hood Canal. For the more adventurous, the nearby Olympic Mountains feature challenging hiking trails with spectacular alpine vistas, while the canal waters offer excellent fishing and water sports.
Keep Exploring
