Campgrounds around Poulsbo, Washington provide access to both Puget Sound waterways and Olympic Peninsula forests. The area receives approximately 40 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush surroundings and moderate year-round temperatures. Most campgrounds maintain accessibility from April through October, with reduced services during winter months when temperatures drop to the mid-30s overnight.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: At Fay Bainbridge Park, the rocky shoreline offers views of both Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker on clear days. "Great campground right on the beach. Clean facilities," notes Brook M. The shoreline consists mostly of rocks and oyster shells rather than sand.
Wildlife viewing: Dosewallips State Park Campground features regular elk sightings and birdwatching opportunities. "Every night, my husband and I would walk to the wildlife viewing platform to see lots of birds, or walk down by the river and see lots of elk and bald eagles," reports Amy & Stu B. The park's location along the river creates ideal wildlife habitat.
Shellfish gathering: Seal Rock Campground provides access to oyster beds during low tide periods. "We stayed here for our annual family shrimping trips. My family usually takes up 5-7 sites if we aren't able to get the group site," explains Mary C. Clamming and oyster gathering are permitted with proper licensing.
History exploration: Fort Flagler Historical State Park contains extensive military fortifications from the early 1900s. "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.
What campers like
Private campsites: Scenic Beach State Park Campground offers secluded sites set back from the main road. "This campground is unique in how private the sites are with an unusual amount of foliage between sites," writes Jeannie P. The campground features a natural buffer between individual sites.
Clean facilities: Most area campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Bathrooms and Outhouses are numerous and dispersed throughout. Pay Showers ($.50 token) are in central Restrooms," notes James and Susan K. at Dosewallips State Park. Bathroom facilities typically include flush toilets and hot water.
Multiple accommodation options: Dash Point State Park Campground accommodates various camping styles. "The tent spots are clustered together in 2 areas with a shared covered pavilion," reports Sable. Beyond traditional camping, some parks offer platform tents and cabins for those seeking alternatives to ground tents.
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds feature playgrounds and recreational areas. "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites," shares Tanya B. about Fay Bainbridge Park. Children enjoy designated play structures and beach access for water activities.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Full hookup sites often provide less privacy than primitive areas. "The camper spots are really close together. There is a big field to play ride bikes walk dog etc.," explains Nicole R. about Kitsap Memorial State Park. Sites with utilities typically feature wooden dividers rather than natural vegetation.
Shower costs: Most state parks charge for shower use. "Showers are pay to use, probably our main complaint since for $35 for a tent site usually means it includes free showers at state parks elsewhere," notes Brown Sign Junkies about Scenic Beach State Park. Current rates average $0.50 for 3 minutes of hot water.
Seasonal crowds: Pet-friendly campgrounds near Poulsbo fill quickly during summer weekends. "This is a first come first served campground and it fills up quickly," warns Mary C. about Seal Rock Campground. Reservations are strongly recommended from June through August when available.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience highway sounds. "Our site was next to the highway and had some noise," reports Kathy K. about Eagle Tree RV Park. Request sites farther from major roads when making reservations for quieter stays.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with play structures: "There's a playground and a couple large open fields for kids to play. Also really close to the water which is cool," notes Kris W. about Kitsap Memorial State Park. Open play areas provide space for children away from camp cooking areas.
Consider weather variability: "We went in spring and it rained a lot, but still got out to explore the bunkers and the beach," shares Tami P. about Fort Flagler Historical State Park. Pack clothing layers and rain gear even during summer months.
Look for junior ranger programs: State parks often offer educational activities for children. "There is a little bit of beach access and a nature trail that runs along the shore," explains Mary C. about Seal Rock Campground. Children can learn about marine ecosystems through structured programs.
Select sites away from high traffic areas: "Campsite 10 looks to be the best as it has a little canopy tree and is in the corner without obstruction for a view of the Puget Sound," advises Brandon K. about Fay Bainbridge Park. Corner sites typically provide more buffer from campground traffic.
Tips from RVers
Reserve utility sites early: Cove RV Park & Country Store offers full hookups with convenient access. "Had full hook up, everything worked as it should. The store has a good stock of stuff," reports Adrian H. Utility sites throughout the region book 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Check site dimensions before booking: "We are in a 25ft trailer and there was more than enough room. The camping area was quite large with a fire pit and a picnic table," shares Beth N. about Scenic Beach State Park. Some campgrounds have limited large rig accessibility.
Consider back-in challenges: "RV sites 1, 2, 4, 9, and 11 will be easier to back in to. The other full hook up sites are 90° approaches," advises K D. about Kitsap Memorial State Park. Many older campgrounds feature tight turns and challenging approaches.
Water pressure varies: "Water pressure is low, averaging just over 20psi," notes K D. about Kitsap Memorial State Park. Bring a pressure regulator and additional water storage for camping during peak usage periods.
