RV camping around Lilliwaup offers varying connectivity experiences with cell reception stronger in established towns and weaker in remote camping areas along Hood Canal. The region experiences mild summers with average temperatures between 65-75°F and wet winters with 70-90 inches of annual rainfall. Hood Canal campgrounds typically operate at full capacity during summer weekends, especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
What to do
Shellfish harvesting: At Mike's Beach Resort, visitors can access oyster and clam beds directly from the property. "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. Great weekend away. Family friendly," notes one camper at Mike's Beach Resort.
Hiking Olympic National Forest: Camp near Lake Cushman for easy access to multiple trailheads. "Grounds are aged, but well maintained. Filled with full time residents. The few we met were nice and pleasant. Good for a short stay, since it's not located near a lot to do besides the Olympic National Forest and Lake Cushman," explains a camper at Rest-A-While RV Park.
Paddleboarding: The protected waters of Hood Canal provide calm conditions for water sports. "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," shares a reviewer about Rest-A-While RV Park.
What campers like
Helpful staff: Campground hosts at several locations receive high marks for their assistance. At Cove RV Park & Country Store, one camper noted, "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."
Onsite amenities: Many parks provide more than basic hookups. At Cove RV Park & Country Store, "The store has a good stock of stuff," while another reviewer mentioned, "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!"
Community events: Some RV parks organize activities for guests. "Camp hosts are great and made for a wonderful holiday. Free Saturday night ribs and chicken made a great surprise!" shares a camper about their stay at Cove RV Park & Country Store.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many Lilliwaup area RV campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Mike's Beach Resort runs from May through October, while Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor operates year-round with one camper noting: "Beautiful trees and landscaping. Well maintained, full facilities in amenities, A1 staff - very friendly and helpful and wanting to please."
Highway proximity: Most Hood Canal RV facilities sit between Highway 101 and the waterfront. "Mike's Beach Resort has a campground located right on HWY 101. The highway is all that separates it from the canal. There are several RV hookup site all with fire pits," explains a reviewer.
Reservation requirements: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor requires advance planning. "New owners a/o January 2021. 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 one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Limited children's facilities: While welcoming to families, many RV parks lack dedicated kids' amenities. A reviewer at Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor noted: "Pet friendly, but not many attractions for children (no playground, no pool)."
Beach access restrictions: Check park rules before planning water activities. At Rest-A-While RV Park, "No dogs are allowed on the beach. Town is just 2 miles up the road with a full grocery store."
Alternative recreation options: Some parks offer community spaces for family entertainment. Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park provides additional activities nearby, as one camper shares: "Good food in the casino. Good wifi. Washing and drying was only $0.75."
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: Site dimensions vary significantly between parks. "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," advises a camper at Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park.
Full hookup availability: RV campgrounds near Lilliwaup offer different utility connections. "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," notes a regular visitor to Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park.
Layout considerations: Most parks feature closely positioned sites. At Elwha Dam RV Park, "There are lots of different options from tent sites to cabin rentals. They do a good job of providing privacy with the smaller RV spaces. WiFi is good, not great but that's not why we're there."
