Tee P.
Guide
GuideFalls View Campground
Falls View Campground
Nice campground. Road noise by 101. $10 a day fee for camping or $5 with annual pass . I paid with the QR code at site.
Camping near Shelton, WA
238 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Shelton (238)
1. Potlatch State Park Campground
"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 - $51 / night
Check Availability2. Twanoh State Park Campground
"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 - $46 / night
Check Availability4. Penrose Point State Park Campground
"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 Availability5. Jarrell Cove State Park Campground
"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 Availability6. Belfair State Park Campground
"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 - $65 / night
Check Availability7. Joemma Beach State Park Campground
"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 Availability8. Millersylvania State Park Campground
"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 - $137 / night
Check Availability9. Brown Creek Campground
"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."
10. Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead
Drive Time
- 20 min from Olympia, WA
- 42 min from Bremerton, WA
- 1 hr 16 min from Seattle, WA
- 1 hr 20 min from Longview, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Shelton, WA
254 Photos of 238 Shelton Campgrounds
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Malaney Creek Farm
Donald C.
Potlatch State Park Campground
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Jarrell Cove State Park Campground
Natashinka C.
Twanoh State Park Campground
Marc
Olympic Wilderness Basecamp
Sam S.
Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping
Dana R.
Joemma Beach State Park Campground
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Christmas Tree Ridge
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Brown Creek Campground
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Brown Creek Campground
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Lakebay Getaway
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Penrose Point State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Shelton, WA
1026 Reviews of 238 Shelton Campgrounds
Liz D.
TravelerPotlatch State Park Campground
Meh: Crowded, noisy, good for families, under repair
Camped on a busy Saturday night and less busy Sunday night. Lots of kids and dogs, sites close together. We were in a middle section for campers w/o hookups — kind of like a parking lot. On the other hand, tent sites were nestled into the very dark, dense tree canopy. Our site was 1 away from the bathroom, which was lit up inside and out with the power of a dozen suns all night. Well, it was bright, anyway. Showers looked good, though we ran out of time to use them. Dump station was under repair, which we were not told, nor was there signage, making for a difficult turnaround.
Jordan K.TravelerSeal Rock Campground
Nice primitive campground
Spots are in rows up a hill and most have stairs to actually framed tent pads for tent set up. Lowest row of spots are right across the 5mph street from the puget sound. Its one of the first primitive campgrounds going into the Olympic national forest. There are many campsites that allow for most every type of rv or trailer like pull through and class a
- JJ S.Traveler
47.42126° N, 123.88325° W
Perfect for a overnight stop
Stopped here quickly overnight, thank goodness whoever marked this originally, off the path but perfectly fit for car camping and pulling in to set up for the night
- mmason G.Traveler
Belfair State Park Campground
Beautiful, easy to get to campground
This is a beautiful state park with plenty of bathrooms, showers, and water points. There are plenty of full hookup RV spots, non-hookup TV spots, and tenet camping sites. There is a playground for kids, easy access beach area for swimming and paddle boarding, and pathways for pleasant walks.
I stayed on the beach loop at site 142. It was sunny during the day with nice shade in the evening. A blackberry patch right behind me was just beginning to ripen.
Great place for families with a loop for the kids to cruise on their bikes.
Michael B.TravelerStraddleline Park
Calm weekend
I’m a tent camper, and messed up and reserved a RV spot. I paid for another spot more suited for tent camping and moved over. When talking to the campsite manager the following day, she offered to refund the 2nights at the wrong site. We declined the refund just because it goes to keeping the area put together and she was doing a fantastic job keeping everything clean and restocked over the short stay we were there.
Men’s restroom had 2 urinals three stalls and a shower, women’s restroom had three stalls and a shower. One larger stall in both.
- JJen B.Traveler
The Waterfront at Potlatch
We’ll come back again and again
It’s so interesting to read past reviews before getting here and contrasting that with my experience. To be on the water, and be able to watch the tide move in and out every day on the beautiful and peaceful Hood Canal, is an absolute treasure. Yes, highway 101 is loud. There’s no doubt about that. But this small well-maintained RV park of only 16 sites, including full hook ups, is an absolute gem. We stayed here two weeks on site 16 and 11. (Much prefer 16 because it’s on the edge, how the sun is angled this time of the year, we quickly had loads of shade from our RV to sit in, and it’s by a little creek. But side 11 is also nice because there’s more opportunities to chitchat with people as you are in the middle of the campground.) We have met so many incredible people here and exchanged information so we can stay in touch. I will put this on my favorites list and absolutely intend return. In fact, many of the people we met here are people who come year after year after year. The only real downside in my opinion is the fact that there is nowhere that you can hike reachable by foot from the campground. So my husband, dog, and I did our daily walks at the marina parking lot nextdoor, where we would do loops, talk to the fisherman, and eat whatever blackberries ripened overnight. As we are full timers, I was absolutely content to sit outside our rig overlooking the water and work. If you are someone who needs a lot “to do “this may not be the campground for you. But if you are someone who loves to just be by the water and enjoy the tranquility and friendliness of fellow campers, this spot is for you.
- TTracyTraveler
National Forest Road 2262
Peaceful forest site
Private spot at the end of a forest road turn-off. Lots of level ground for a small camper or tents. Road has some large pot holes and low hanging branches but is doable in most vehicles. Tall campers may get scraped on the top. Fair amount of trash. I picked up a large trash bag full and there was more that we weren’t equipped to carry. Overall excellent peaceful couple of days here.
- LLori R.
Scoutquinalt ridge vistas
Quinalt Ridge-dispersed camping
We actually went and scouted out this place using our jeep before taking our camper-van in. The road to the top is about 7 miles up, very steep with some bumpy spots as it all gravel. 3 miles in there are some smaller pullouts for tents or car camping but the real gem is at the top. Enough space on top for a few truck/camper, campervan, tent etc. This is bare bones, no amenities. Take in/Take out
Guide to Shelton
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
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?
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?
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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