Best Campgrounds near Nordland, WA

Nordland, Washington serves as a gateway to several well-maintained state park campgrounds on Marrowstone Island and the surrounding Olympic Peninsula. Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground provides waterfront sites with views of Puget Sound, while nearby options include Fort Townsend Historical State Park and Fort Worden Historical State Park. Most facilities accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins, with varying levels of hookups and amenities. The campgrounds across the region blend historical significance with natural beauty, offering access to beaches, forested trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities within 10-20 miles of Port Townsend.

Campground availability follows seasonal patterns, with most state parks open year-round but offering limited services during winter months. Fort Townsend operates only from May through September, while others like Fort Flagler transition to first-come, first-served after October 31st. Several sites feature electrical hookups, water access, and shower facilities, though amenities may be reduced in off-seasons. Cell reception varies throughout the area, with most campgrounds reporting adequate coverage for AT&T and Verizon. A camper noted, "We will come any season of the year to this campground. There's something different at every time. We especially love spring and fall when it's barely raining and we can walk the beaches with our dog."

Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly at Fort Flagler where beachfront sites offer views of Port Townsend, passing ferries, and the Olympic Mountains. Many reviewers highlight the value of staying in the Upper Oak Bay Campground for privacy while visiting the Lower Oak Bay area for day use and beach access. Wind conditions can impact camping comfort, especially along exposed shorelines. A review from The Dyrt mentioned, "The wind blows, so pull your canopy in at night or when you're away for awhile." Several campgrounds balance historical exploration with natural settings, allowing visitors to explore military installations and artillery batteries while enjoying beach access, wildlife viewing, and hiking trails. Proximity to small towns provides convenient access to supplies and local attractions.

Best Camping Sites Near Nordland, Washington (302)

    1. Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nordland, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 385-1259

    "The kids had a blast exploring the fort and the forest around the campsite. There's a big beach with a small general store/burger joint within walking distance."

    "As the beach side has a lot of open camping we opted for the side nearer the trails that had a feeling of being a step away from the woods. "

    2. Beach Campground — Fort Worden Historical State Park

    33 Reviews
    Port Townsend, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 344-4400

    "The trade off is the endless opportunity for walking, hiking and learning the history of the area.

    Charming Downtown Port Townsend is close by and a true National Historic resource! "

    "Fort and battery tours. a real gem in Washington."

    3. Fort Casey Campground

    19 Reviews
    Coupeville, WA
    8 miles
    Website

    "Take your family this summer to enjoy hiking trails, explore the remains of Fort Casey, and visit the diving park at Washington’s Keystone."

    "Only 88 miles away from our home, a perfect getaway for a short trip. We are fairly new to the RV life style (always tent camped) and this only our 3rd trip in our new travel trailer."

    4. Deception Pass State Park Campground

    111 Reviews
    Anacortes, WA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 675-2417

    $12 - $40 / night

    "Some trails walking distance from the campsite to gorgeous beaches while others we drove to get to other trails and scenic lookouts. I loved every minute staying there."

    "This is one of the most popular locations in Washington State and easy to see why. Both fresh and salt water experiences are within a few steps away with amazing sunsets and breathtaking views."

    5. Camano Island State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Greenbank, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 387-3031

    "It was a quick walk to views of the water, and there were plenty of walking trails around."

    "The system in Washington is sometimes showing how overwhelmed and understaffed they are, and this park is so severely understaffed it’s sad."

    6. Sequim Bay State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Sequim, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 902-8844

    $32 - $50 / night

    "The bike trail runs through the campground and there is access to sports fields via a tunnel under the highway. There are a few short trails around a creek and the beach."

    "The winding paths leading from the upper campsites to the water’s edge are a treasure trove for a photographer. Great fun."

    7. Fort Townsend Historical State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Port Townsend, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 344-4431

    $32 / night

    "I would also avoid #2 and #3 as they are literally directly next to the bathrooms and there is a bright metal halide light outside the bathroom."

    "I'm slowly overtime trying to visit all of Washington's State Parks, and there are a large number of them in the Port Townsend area."

    8. Point Hudson Marina & RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Port Townsend, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 385-2828

    $33 - $77 / night

    "Where this place shines is in its location with beautiful views across the mouth of Puget Sound to Whidbey Island, the Cascades beyond, as well as Point Wilson Lighthouse nearby at Fort Worden."

    "Port Townsend is one of our favorite locations, having come here by sailboat for decades and now with a travel trailer."

    9. Fort Ebey State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Coupeville, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 678-4636

    "We didn't have a view where we were but I loved the wooded area and it was just a short walk to the bluff overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca."

    "The campground is easy to find from the highway and the facilities are very clean and there's a number of showers and bathrooms around the campground."

    10. Lower Oak Bay Park

    8 Reviews
    Chimacum, WA
    3 miles
    Website

    $30 / night

    "There are two sections to this small, tucked away campground on the edge of the Salish Sea, one in the forested area and another out on the beach spit."

    "Nice stream of locals walking dogs and travelers on a pit stop."

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Recent Reviews near Nordland, WA

1507 Reviews of 302 Nordland Campgrounds


  • Nicole L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Woodlands at Lake Stickney

    BEAUTIFUL LOCATION

    I myself have never parked my RV at the campsite. However, I've been to the public Access area and have to say that it's very peaceful and has a restroom which is nice. I'm a local. I live inside my RV and it has been a major adjustment but having places like this has been extremely helpful.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Top of the Hill camping

    Top of the hill camping

    This is actually a really secluded, pivate location with a beautiful view! The road is fairly easy to get up to this spot but really just room for one vehicle. I guess the last people used it as the dumb spot when they were leaving because there’s a grill and a TV screen there… we did not stay and camp here, but we did check it out and if we didn’t have a trailer, I would definitely have claimed the spot!

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    FR27 Landing

    fr27 landing

    Great large flat spot for camping. Could easily fit about 5 cars here. About 4 fire rings set up and the road is pretty easy getting here.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    NF-27 Tunnel Creek

    Pull through site

    This is a great spot to stay for a bit if you’re looking to do that OR just stay for a night. It’s like, a big circle that you pull in and out of. There’s a trail from this site that leads to a great tint site as well. Plenty of space if you have a decent sized group. Easily accommodating 3 cars. We have plenty of space with our rig. Star link works great here!

  • Eun Ji L.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Big Creek Campground

    I'm an avid camper - this was THE WORST experience ever.

    I'm an avid camper, and the experience I had at this campground with the host was ABSOLUTELY THE WORST ever. We arrived at the campground early to find the best spot as we were planning to take some outdoor wedding photos at the campsite the day after. It was not a busy season, so there were only a couple of sites occupied. We carefully selected a spot, paid for it, and posted the receipt on the site clip. I took a photo of both the envelope and the receipt clipped at the site. 

    After exploring the national park, we arrived at the campground at around 9pm. Most of the campsites were still unoccupied. To our surprise, when we arrived at our reserved spot, there was a group of people who took our campsite! They already put up their tent and a canopy as well. When I checked the pole where I clipped the receipt, it was GONE & REPLACED by someone else's!! When I talked to those people who took our campsite, there were already drunk and were at the verge of becoming hostile. But they did tell us that the host "allowed" them to take the spot. 

    Right then and there, we went to the host and explained the situation, and the host said (1) we never paid and that (2) there was no receipt clipped at the site. When I told him that that wasn't true, he proceeded to tell me that the information I wrote on the clip let him know that we were checking out today. So, for a second, I thought maybe I wrote either the# of nights spent or check-out date incorrectly. But then, I remembered I took pictures of both the envelope and the receipt!! I showed the photos to him, then, of course, he could not lie his way out of this. 

    There was no apology, and he simply proceeded to tell us to sleep at one of the other available campsites. We were super furious because we had NEVER experienced this kind of rudeness, lies, and brazen behavior. As anyone can imagine, we did not want to spend another second there, so we demanded a refund, and "MIRACULOUSLY", the envelope (still glued) with our payment was found in his RV. 

    I'm reporting the host to the US Forest Service.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Dungeness Recreation Area

    Nicely treed park.

    Spectacular views and walking on the beach and the spit. We were able to drive in and reserve a spot on the fly. Free hot showers. RV dump site for a $10 fee, $40 for a site per nite. We were ok with that as we have been paying $12 in the cascades.

  • Chuck P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    North Whidbey RV Park

    Nice park

    Great checking. It is an RV park and there is jet noise from the Naval Air Station. We would stay here again.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Elwha Dam RV Park

    Nice, clean campground

    If you can stay in the park, do it. If you can't get a reservation or spot, or just need to hook up and shower for a night, then this campground is good. Some of the spots are close and don't have much for a lawn area (ours), and others are really nice. Showers are clean and big, they have a laundry/kitchen area, a lawn with Cornhole and horseshoe, and a garden that you can sit in and enjoy and take veggies from.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Bay View State Park Campground

    Stayed here for another night after our week up on the Mount Baker Scenic Byway. Besides a vagrant issue in the neighboring site (which was handled by hosts and rangers the next morning), our stay was pleasant enough for traveling through.


Guide to Nordland

Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground offers spacious sites with beach access at 150 feet above sea level on Marrowstone Island. Upper campground sites provide more privacy among trees while lower campground spots face Port Townsend Bay with views of passing ferries. Winter camping options expand as several campgrounds transition to first-come, first-served status after October, allowing for more spontaneous trips without reservations.

What to do

Beach exploration: Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground combines forest and shoreline access for varied outdoor activities. "I absolutely love it here. You can walk the beach or walk the beautiful forest. Well maintained, great camphosts and a cool snack shack," notes Linda M. The park features trails connecting both wooded and beachfront areas.

Historic site tours: Beach Campground — Fort Worden Historical State Park provides access to military history with preserved artillery installations. A camper shares, "Fun and safe campground. Near the beach with a small aquarium open on the weekend. The family had a blast." The site includes historic bunkers, a lighthouse, and educational displays about coastal defenses.

Mountain biking: Fort Ebey State Park Campground offers dedicated trails through forest terrain. "There are great hiking and mountain biking trails through forest, ocean views and beach access, and it's also fun to explore the old WWII facilities. Bring flashlights," recommends one visitor. The trail network connects to bluffs overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

What campers like

Waterfront proximity: Campers consistently rate waterfront sites highest, particularly at Lower Oak Bay Park where the beach section provides direct water access. "We camped along the spit, and had an amazing time. And even in the final days of summer, it was a lovely temperature to hang out for the week and we even got to see the Northern Lights one night!" reports Shari G.

Winter accessibility: Fort Casey Campground remains open during colder months when many other sites close. "We visited Fort Casey in early November, 2020. We used the AC power and water hookups for our 25ft trailer. The site is located near the beach, so naturally there isn't much privacy and you are constantly exposed to the elements. However, the beautiful water and mountain scenery more than compensate," notes Jerry.

Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds report regular deer sightings, seal watching from shorelines, and tidepools with marine life. "Ive never seen more starfish, and seals. I was here visiting an uncle who lives in the area. We went kayaking on the bay, and enjoyed the weather," reports Anthony S. about Sequim Bay State Park Campground.

What you should know

Military jet noise: Deception Pass State Park Campground sits near Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, causing periodic noise disruptions. "Definitely worth a stay with its proximity to the beach, stargazing, hiking. The whole area feels magical. Plus Anacortes is a fun town just a few minutes away. The only downside is the noise from the naval base nearby. You'll hear jets overhead on a regular basis," writes Will L.

Shower token system: Most state parks require purchasing tokens for shower facilities, typically $0.50 for 3 minutes of water. "The showers were very well maintained, and had hand soap available in the sink area. There also showers in the bathroom. Shower tokens, fire wood and ice, are for sale at the state park office at the main entrance of the park," explains Christopher D.

Campsite privacy varies: While upper campground areas typically provide more separation between sites, lower beachfront areas offer minimal privacy. "The campsite was very well maintained and raked when we arrived. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground has only one bathroom located near the center of the campground, so keep that in mind when you're choosing your campsite," advises one camper.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly beaches: Cranberry Lake at Deception Pass provides shallow-water swimming areas perfect for children. "The hike in from the northern park boundary is amazingly beautiful and it sure makes you appreciate the spot once you get there. Cranberry Lake has a designated swimming area where the water is super shallow and just perfect for the kiddos," notes Travis D.

Junior Ranger programs: Fort Townsend Historical State Park Campground offers educational activities for children. "Lots to do there...beach, crabbing, clamming, playground, sport courts, trails, and the most fun is exploring all the gun batteries. We did the tour and it was very informative. Lots of history and there are even a few geocaches," shares Jill T. about a similar program at Fort Flagler.

Group site options: Camano Island State Park Campground offers designated group camping for families traveling together. "Stayed in the group site with my daughter's American Heritage Girls troop. We had 22 girls and there was plenty of room. This is a huge group site. Has running water, a couple fire pits and a bunch of picnic tables," reports Bridget S.

Tips from RVers

Winter utilities: Some parks maintain water access during winter months despite official closures. "Website said water was turned off at the sites but all sites still had water.. nice hosts that left us alone. Docks are pulled out of the water during winter months. Upper campground is closed during winter," shares Mike K. about Fort Flagler.

Site selection: For larger rigs, confirm specific site dimensions rather than general campground classifications. "We stayed in RV in site without hook-ups. Fighter jet noise on a Monday morning during our stay. Be prepared for rain. See website for length of level pad," recommends Leonard H. at Deception Pass.

Day-use strategy: Multiple RVers recommend camping in upper campground areas with hookups while utilizing beachfront areas for daytime activities. "Avoid the crowds. Awesome fall and winter camping. First come first serve after Oct 31st. Spent a long weekend there last week. No problem finding 2 sites side by side for 40 ft rigs," advises an experienced visitor about seasonal approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Nordland, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Nordland, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 302 campgrounds and RV parks near Nordland, WA and 15 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Nordland, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nordland, WA is Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nordland, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Nordland, WA.

What parks are near Nordland, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Nordland, WA that allow camping, notably Keystone Harbor and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.