Best Campgrounds near Port Townsend, WA
Port Townsend and its surrounding areas feature numerous historic state parks with camping facilities, many preserving former military installations along the scenic shores of Puget Sound. Fort Worden Historical State Park offers beachfront camping within Port Townsend city limits, while Fort Townsend and Fort Flagler state parks provide additional options within a 30-minute drive. Point Hudson Marina & RV Park sits directly on the waterfront in downtown Port Townsend, catering exclusively to RVs with no tent camping available. Nearby Marrowstone Island hosts Fort Flagler with both wooded and beachfront sites. Camping options extend to Whidbey Island's Fort Casey and Fort Ebey state parks, accessible via a 30-minute ferry ride from Port Townsend.
Most campgrounds in the Port Townsend area require reservations, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. Washington State Parks typically require a Discover Pass for day use ($10 daily or $30 annually), though camping fees include this access. Winter camping offers greater availability with some parks switching to first-come, first-served after October 31st. As one camper noted, "Awesome fall and winter camping. First come first serve after Oct 31st. No problem finding sites side by side for 40 ft rigs." Spring brings stronger winds along the water, with one visitor reporting, "The wind can be vicious in early spring. We were glad we were in our small RV rather than tent camping." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with T-Mobile users reporting strong signals.
Historical military installations provide unique camping experiences throughout the region, with many sites offering views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and neighboring islands. Wooded campgrounds typically offer more privacy but less scenic water views. According to one camper at Fort Townsend, "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." Waterfront RV sites at Point Hudson Marina provide minimal privacy but exceptional views, with one visitor noting, "The sites are right next to each other with only a few feet between sites. The front spaces have views of mountains and water, and open onto a pretty beach." Most campgrounds feature hiking trails, beach access, and proximity to Port Townsend's historic downtown with its shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
