242 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Shelton, Washington provides access to diverse camping environments around the Hood Canal and southern Puget Sound region. Established options include Potlatch State Park Campground, Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park, and several state parks within a 30-minute drive. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, while Belfair and Millersylvania State Parks also offer cabin and glamping accommodations. The area features a mix of waterfront sites along Hood Canal and more secluded forested settings, with options ranging from fully developed campgrounds with hookups to more primitive sites.
Weather conditions remain relatively mild year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for rain and cooler temperatures. Most state parks in the area operate throughout the year, including Potlatch, Twanoh, and Belfair, while Joemma Beach State Park operates seasonally from March through October. Campground reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds provide full hookups for RVs, with several offering 50-amp service. A visitor noted: "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."
The Hood Canal waterfront represents a primary draw for campers visiting the Shelton area. Potlatch State Park provides beach access across Highway 101 from the campground, though some visitors mention road noise as a consideration when selecting sites. Several state parks offer boat-in camping options, including Jarrell Cove, Hope Island, and Twanoh. For those seeking more amenities, Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park provides full hookups with nearby dining options. According to one camper, "The day use area is on the Hood Canal and very nice. Campground borders a busy highway and traffic noise is bad. Some nice campsites in a wooded loop along a nice little creek for tenters." Sites farther from main roads typically offer more privacy and natural settings, particularly in the national forest areas northwest of Shelton.
"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."
from $12 - $41 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $12 - $41 / night
Check Availability"Pros: group camp is very close to beach front area, GREAT CLAMMING AND OYSTERING!"
"Penrose Point State Park is a great place close to Seattle to go camping in a small or large group. It's tent or camper friendly with plenty of spots for busier seasons."
from $12 - $72 / night
Check Availability"Tucked away remote campsite in a forest next to estuary. Two sites have hookups. Clean restrooms with shower."
"Site 8 is a pull through and is very large, but not so private as everyone walking to the main dock walks right past your site."
from $12 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 - $61 / night
Check Availability"We arrived little later around 6 p.m. And being such a nice day there were only few sites left."
"Conveniently located right next to the bathroom with an area for parking two vehicles. I have AT&T and had good service in this spot."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking, pathways and even a lake."
"This is a beautiful park located on Deep Lake just outside of Olympia.  The park itself is huge offering lots of options for campers.  "
from $12 - $140 / night
Check Availability"Brown Creek Campground is just outside of Shelton WA. There are a lot of cool places to explore around the area. Check it the high steel bridge or hike spider lake and see the beavers."
"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."
TravelerNice campground, well maintained and rangers often patrol the campsite loops. Bathrooms are nice but dated, but quite expensive campground. Paying in-person was $49 for an RV spot with utilities, but booking online was $69 for the same site. Can be busy on the weekend.
ScoutFirst off you get what you pay for it's cheap but you're packed like sardines in a gravel lot that looks trashy as hell I didn't go in the restrooms because they don't have stuff there till after 6:00 p.m. so I was terrified by how disgusting they might be on top of it the owner is quite possibly the rudest most inconsiderate and unempathetic human I've ever encountered he gaslit the hell out of me he insulted my intelligence he lied about our conversations that place is so shady there's no checking or check out time written on their forms they will just make up a time that seems appropriate and then if you don't respond and how they like they'll tell you that you have to leave I thought it was just me but after moving to a beautiful Campground I talked to two out of their individuals that told me that they basically told him to F off and they would find somewhere else really horrible business practices and his sister is just as rude as he is trashy place with Shady practices and Shady people running it. Also if you're one that noise bothers you you will hate this because it's right on the highway and you can hear everything from every spot in the park. Especially if you're looking for nightly you can go down the street to the one they recommended and pay $18 less a night for way more beautiful place
GuideStayed Sept 28 to 30th 2026. Nice park, hot showers, clean bathrooms, enjoyed our stay
ScoutConfirming the other review saying this is not legal dispersed camping. Luckily was still daylight when he came but would have been fined after dark. Guy was nice though so 🤷
ScoutI wanted to like this campground, but I wouldn’t stay here again for more than maybe one night.
There are signs EVERYWHERE warning about theft, which immediately tells you something about the area. I didn’t have anything stolen, but I was extremely careful about what I left out.
The biggest problem is that you’re basically on your own after hours. There is no campground host, no posted after-hours ranger number, and no non-emergency number at the campground or through the park’s phone system. The staff hours also seem very limited and inconsistent. I arrived around 6:30 PM and nobody was there, and staff didn’t seem to return until around 9–10 AM.
The bathrooms were dirty, out of toilet paper, and the showers were cold. One morning there was a large unleashed dog in the women’s bathroom that growled at me while its owner was showering. I believe she may have been homeless and using the facilities. Again, there was nobody around to contact about it.
Another night, people were extremely loud until almost midnight. Same problem: no host, no ranger and no non-emergency number. Unless something is serious enough for 911, you’re left to deal with it yourself.
There are also a lot of homeless people and visible drug addicts/drug activity around Federal Way. I had been warned about the area before coming here, and I understand why.
The park itself is pretty and might be fine for a quick overnight stay, but for multiple nights, I wouldn’t recommend it. Between the theft warnings, lack of after-hours staff, weird staffing hours, and no way to report non-emergency problems, I never really felt comfortable settling into my campsite.
TravelerI went here with my fiance in September. Went on a Friday and there was only 1 other group. Theres about 16 sites from what I saw. Its free as well but first come first served. Getting to it is pretty easy and straight forward aswell, heads up the road turns to gravel and it can get narrow. Most of the sites are along the creek which was very beautiful. Theres also 2 trails in walking distance aswell. Most sites also have a table, and metal fab firepit. Theres also a few out houses for restrooms.
RangerNot far off the main road. The are a few designated spots. Good turn around, cell signal is 1 bar at best. Great for stop.
RangerThe roads were fair to get to it, little bumpy. Right off road but not alot of traffic. You do have cell coverage here so thats nice. Bring anything you want of need, nothings but trees and the sky are close.
ScoutThis site, like many on the Oregon coaster were set up for RVs and camper vans, but not so much for tents. At $68 a night for out of state, it’s too expensive. They should have sites just for tents that are cheaper.
Camping spots near Shelton, Washington span through diverse forestlands and along Hood Canal, with elevations ranging from sea level to 500 feet. Most campgrounds in the region receive annual rainfall of 60-70 inches, creating lush surroundings with dense undergrowth. Winter temperatures typically range from 35-45°F, while summer averages hover between 65-80°F with peak visitation occurring from late June through early September.
Shoreline exploration: Belfair State Park Campground offers excellent beach access. "The beach was great, water is rather warm for in the sound, it's also pretty shallow which is great for the kids to play in," notes one visitor. Several sites have direct access to the shoreline, making water activities convenient.
Hiking options: The area features trails suitable for various skill levels. At Brown Creek Campground, "I took a walk along the beaver pond trail and it was really nice with informational signs along the trail." This interpretive trail provides educational opportunities about local wildlife and ecosystems.
Shellfish gathering: Seasonal clamming and oyster harvesting attract many visitors. "A quick walk from camp and your picking oysters from Hood Canal. Amazing!" reports a camper at Twanoh State Park. Check current regulations and harvest seasons before planning your trip, as they change throughout the year.
Privacy levels: Sites vary considerably in seclusion. "The campsites are about average but the water view is great," explains a camper at Penrose Point State Park Campground. "The sites felt relatively private and the whole park is heavily wooded," adds another visitor, highlighting the natural screening between camping areas.
Camp facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean amenities. "Bathrooms are clean! There is firewood for sale, lots and lots of shade," reports a Penrose Point camper. Most established campgrounds offer potable water and restroom facilities, though shower availability is limited at some locations.
Waterfront access: Hood Canal proximity remains a major draw. "The day use area was nice. There's a small nature path, a rocky oyster shell-covered beach, and some grassy areas," shares a visitor at Potlatch State Park Campground. Direct beach access often requires crossing roads at several campgrounds.
Site spacing: Many campgrounds feature closely situated sites. "The sites are a bit close together, but those that abut my site were empty. There was some road noise, but not much," reports a Potlatch visitor. Sites farther from main roads typically offer more seclusion.
Reservation needs: Summer weekends fill quickly at most locations. "Often our first or last trip of the year, due to its proximity to the greater Seattle area," notes a Belfair camper. Reservations open 9 months in advance for most state parks.
Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping brings different challenges. A visitor to Jarrell Cove State Park Campground shares: "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."
Weather impacts: Rain affects site conditions significantly. "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," recalls a Belfair camper. Pack extra tarps and rain gear regardless of season.
Beach activities: Shallow swimming areas make this region family-friendly. "This place is Perfect for families with all size children. There is a small stream running through the side of Some of the camp spots that the kids can play," recommends a Potlatch camper.
Campground amenities: Look for sites with specific family features. At Millersylvania State Park Campground, "This is a comfortable sized campground. Some of the sites have at least a little privacy. There are some hiking trails that are not too long. There is also access to the water."
Noise levels: Consider campground layout when booking with children. "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," reports a Potlatch camper. Road noise can be substantial at sites along Highway 101.
Hookup availability: Full-service options vary between parks. "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," reports a visitor at Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park. Many campgrounds limit RV length to under 35 feet.
Site leveling: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. "The sites are not very level for a tent," notes a Potlatch camper, which affects RVs as well. Bring leveling blocks even at established campgrounds.
Parking considerations: "Make sure you get a site that is large enough for both the RV and your vehicle as there is no extra parking," advises a Little Creek Casino Resort visitor. Some parks charge additional fees for extra vehicles or require parking in overflow areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Shelton, WA?
Shelton offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Brown Creek Campground is just outside Shelton and provides access to numerous exploration opportunities, including the nearby high steel bridge and Spider Lake hiking trails. Another great option is Potlatch State Park Campground, located only 30 minutes from Shelton along Hood Canal with beautiful water views. While campsites at Potlatch are somewhat close together, the peaceful setting and proximity to the scenic town of Hoodsport make it a popular choice. Both campgrounds offer a convenient base for exploring the Olympic Peninsula while staying close to Shelton's amenities.
Can I find lakeside camping options near Shelton, Washington?
Yes, there are several lakeside camping options near Shelton. Falls Creek Campground offers beautiful lakeside camping with mountain views. This campground is nestled in the woods next to a creek but still a short walk from the lake edge, providing the best of both environments. The facilities include showers and are generally well-maintained. Another excellent option is Coho Campground, which sits beside a scenic lake with access to lakeside trails. Though remote, it offers spacious sites that can accommodate larger RVs and provides hiking opportunities without having to travel to more crowded areas of the Olympic Peninsula.
Are there RV parks available in Shelton, WA?
Yes, Shelton and the surrounding area offer several RV-friendly options. Little Creek Casino Resort RV Park is located near Shelton and features full hookups, making it convenient for RV travelers looking for amenities and proximity to the casino's entertainment options. For those seeking a state park experience, Jarrell Cove State Park Campground near Shelton accommodates RVs with several big-rig-friendly sites. Be aware that some reviewers have noted issues with certain RV parks in the area, such as highway noise and management responsiveness, so checking recent reviews before booking is recommended.
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