Glamping accommodations near Manchester, Washington offer a range of elevated camping experiences along the shores of Puget Sound and Hood Canal. The region receives approximately 40-50 inches of rainfall annually, contributing to the lush forest environments surrounding many of the camping areas. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 65-80°F, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor activities with minimal bug pressure compared to inland locations.
What to Do
Beach exploration at low tide: The rocky beaches at Fay Bainbridge Park provide excellent opportunities for tidepooling and beachcombing. "Great campground right on the beach. Clean facilities," notes Brook M., highlighting the easily accessible shoreline just steps from campsites.
Wildlife viewing along waterways: Early mornings at Dosewallips State Park Campground offer prime opportunities to spot resident elk herds and bald eagles. "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," explains one visitor who enjoyed the park's natural setting.
Mountain views on clear days: From certain waterfront sites, visitors can see multiple Cascade peaks on cloudless mornings. "Beautiful beach, great views of Mt. Rainier & Baker on a clear day, cruise ships going by," reports Judy J. about her experience at Fay Bainbridge Park.
What Campers Like
Forest immersion with privacy: Dash Point State Park Campground offers sites with substantial tree coverage creating natural boundaries. "This campground is remarkable in the privacy between each of the camping spots, the bird life, the wild and deep forest vibes, and the walking trails," writes Brittany D.
Clean facilities throughout: Many glamping sites near Manchester maintain well-kept shower and bathroom facilities. "The washroom and shower is kept clean, as is the rest of the campground," reports a Dash Point visitor, with similar sentiments echoed at multiple locations throughout the region.
Easy access to urban amenities: Most camping areas balance natural settings with proximity to towns. "Civilization is only about 15 minutes away. There's a grocery store, takeout options, and even coffee if you're feeling soft," shares Saraj B. about Dash Point, highlighting the convenient access to necessities without sacrificing the camping experience.
What You Should Know
Site privacy varies significantly: At Belfair State Park Campground, the waterfront loop offers less seclusion than woodland areas. "The beach loop fills up quickly - get your reservations in as early as possible if you want to camp there," advises Scott S., highlighting the popular waterfront section that requires advance planning.
Weather preparation essential: Despite mild temperatures, rain can occur even during summer months. "It did rain one of the mornings and ended up with a puddle under our text but it was the last day so no loss," shares Becky R. about her Belfair State Park stay.
Advance reservations necessary: Most glamping options near Manchester require booking weeks or months ahead, especially for weekend stays during peak season (May-September). The most desirable waterfront sites often fill 6-9 months in advance.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas for children. "Great kid area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites," reports Tanya B. about Kitsap Memorial State Park Campground, noting the nautical-themed playground that entertains younger visitors.
Beach activities for various ages: Shallow water areas provide safer wading opportunities. "The beach is a short walk from camp, just long enough to make you feel like you earned your sunset view, but not so long that you regret your life choices," explains one camper about their experience at Dash Point.
Field spaces for group activities: Many parks include open areas for games away from campsites. "There's a playground and a couple large open fields for kids to play," notes Kris W. about Kitsap Memorial State Park, providing spaces where children can burn energy without disturbing other campers.
Tips from RVers
Electrical limitations: Most glamping and RV sites in the region offer 30-amp service rather than 50-amp. "We ended up here during a heat wave and an entire section of the park blew after having several days of power issues," warns Derek about Tall Chief Campground, suggesting careful planning for electrical needs.
Limited sewer hookups: Many parks require using dump stations rather than offering sewer connections. "No sewer at our site, but we did have electrical and water. Dump station close by worked great on exit," shares Lauren M. about her stay at Dosewallips State Park.
Variable cell service: Tree coverage affects connectivity throughout the region. "Another thing that can be annoying is trying to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees. 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," advises a Tall Chief visitor.
