Port Townsend camping areas feature a blend of coastal and forested terrain around the northeastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula. Situated at sea level where Admiralty Inlet meets Puget Sound, the region's maritime climate brings mild summers with average highs of 70°F and winter lows rarely below 35°F. The camping season typically runs longest from April through October, though winter campers often find sites more readily available with minimal rain compared to other parts of western Washington.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: Fort Worden offers excellent tidepool access along its shoreline. "We could spend so many more hours exploring the buildings and beaches! Also saw so much wildlife: otters, deer, crab (lots of baby crabs everywhere!!) and starfish," reports KayLynn D. from Fort Worden Historical State Park Campground.
Historic fort exploration: Multiple state parks near Port Townsend feature former military installations with bunkers, gun emplacements and educational displays. "We went in spring and it rained a lot, but still got out to explore the bunkers and the beach. Beach front sites and more trees sites. Bikes are helpful to explore the whole park. Quiet island history!" notes Tami P. from Fort Flagler.
Mountain biking trails: Fort Ebey State Park provides dedicated trails through the forests. "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," advises Don from Fort Ebey State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Sequim Bay State Park offers clear waters ideal for spotting marine life. "This Bay is absolutely stunning. The water is so clear, and there is so much wildlife in this park. I've never seen more starfish, and seals. We went kayaking on the bay, and enjoyed the weather," shares Anthony S.
What campers like
Spacious forested sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at certain campgrounds. "The sites in the woods are preferable to the more open sites near the day use area. The sites in the wooded loop offer better privacy, although heavy tree cover limits sunlight if you have solar," notes Thomas B. from Fort Townsend Historical State Park Campground.
Waterfront camping: Several parks offer prime waterfront sites with direct beach access. "Beautiful spot. Campgrounds facing the water are probably the nicest, but generally this is a really beautiful spot. Spacious sites, clean water, decent bathrooms," shares Rachel A. from Fort Flagler State Park.
Lighthouse views: Fort Casey provides unique camping near a historic lighthouse and ferry terminal. "We love this small waterfront campground. Great beach and views with historic fort and bunkers. View of boats and cruise ships coming and going," explains Colleen T. from Fort Casey Campground.
Immediate access to Port Townsend: Point Hudson Marina & RV Park offers campers the most direct access to downtown. "Port Townsend is one of our favorite locations, having come here by sailboat for decades and now with a travel trailer. Point Hudson marina and campground are right on the edge of downtown PT and have beautiful views and access for culling, kayaking, and paddle boarding," notes Clyde W.
What you should know
Campground exposure varies: Some camping areas lack natural windbreaks. "The sites are right next to each other with only a few feet between sites. The front spaces have a view of mountains and water, and open onto a pretty beach," explains Thomas B. about Point Hudson Marina.
Military jet noise: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island operations affect certain campgrounds. "Definitely worth a stay with its proximity to the beach, stargazing, hiking. The whole area feels magical. The only downside is the noise from the naval base nearby. You'll hear jets overhead on a regular basis," warns will L. from Deception Pass.
Shower token systems: Most state parks use pay showers requiring tokens. "The bathrooms 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," notes Christopher D. from Fort Ebey State Park Campground.
County park alternatives: Smaller county parks can be less expensive but more basic. "This is a sweet little campground right on the bay. We were there in mid/late Sept and there was hardly anyone there, which made it so peaceful and quiet. The only amenities here are trash, one water spigot, and a pit toilet," shares Laura M. about Oak Bay County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with play areas: Some parks include dedicated recreation areas. "This has been well thought out with the play parks. It really is a lovely site but limited for large RVs. You can hear the road from the RV sites but weirdly it didn't disturb us," reports Vik H. from Sequim Bay.
Consider beach access difficulty: Some waterfront parks have steep paths to the shore. "We hiked and biked the trails and napped like slugs on the beach (a short steep walk). Agree that the tight row of sites near the lawn and entrance station were not very attractive, but in the woods above, sites were pleasant and nicely spaced," explains Ken W. about Fort Townsend.
Junior Ranger programs: Fort Worden offers educational activities for children. "Great spot to getaway, easy access to beach. There is so much to do at this state park from the museum, bunkers to explore and just relaxing. Kids of all ages should do the Junior Ranger program which the Gift Shop has the packets," suggests Becky R. from Fort Worden Historical State Park Campground.
Scout for wildlife viewing spots: Many parks offer opportunities to view marine animals. "We spent many hours exploring the beach and observing sea life. We were not disappointed and plan to return," notes Jerry about Fort Casey.
Tips from RVers
Solar considerations: Tree coverage affects solar panel effectiveness at some campgrounds. "The sites in the wooded loop offer better privacy, although heavy tree cover limits sunlight if you have solar," mentions Thomas B. about Fort Townsend Historical State Park.
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies significantly between carriers. "I did a Speed Test here at this campground as well but i cannot find the screen capture of the report but with my T-mobile hotspot I was getting 5 bars and had speedy internet to be able to work from this site if necessary in the future," reports Brooks S. about Fort Casey.
Site selection strategies: Campgrounds often have distinct sections with different characteristics. "The lower campground has hookups but you have no privacy. Lots to do there...beach, crabbing, clamming, playground, sport courts, trails, and the most fun is exploring all the gun batteries," explains Jill T. from Fort Flagler Historical State Park.
Winter accessibility: Several parks remain open year-round with first-come, first-served policies. "Campground and facilities were clean. Easy walk to the beach for exploring, which made it a great spot for kids. Good amount of privacy - we could see our neighbors but I never felt like they were too close," shares Rachel about Camano Island State Park.
