Glamping near Ronald, Washington provides elevated camping experiences with less than 90 minutes' drive from Seattle. Most luxury accommodations sit at elevations between 500-1,500 feet, offering mixed forest settings where western red cedar and Douglas fir create natural privacy barriers. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making heated glamping options particularly valuable from October through April.
What to Do
Beach exploration: Access waterfront at Fort Worden Historical State Park where camping puts you steps from Puget Sound. "Great coastal views and beach walks with lighthouse and pier access. Possibility to rent kayaks," notes one visitor who appreciated the coastal setting.
Winter stargazing: Bundle up at Beach Campground during clear nights. "We had beautifully clear skies and little light pollution so it was really nice for stargazing," reports a January visitor who enjoyed the astronomical viewing despite cooler temperatures.
Wildlife viewing: Walk to dedicated platforms at Dosewallips State Park to observe native species. A camper shared: "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."
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Tall Chief Campground offers substantial space between accommodations. "Most sites are pretty big too. We can easily fit our trailer, tow vehicle, and extra vehicle and still have space!" explains a repeat visitor who values the elbow room.
Clean facilities: Dash Point State Park Campground maintains excellent bathrooms. A visitor appreciated that "facilities were good and trails around are fun and easy enough for me and 2 kids. The beach and its tides are why we came."
Forest immersion: Tolt MacDonald Park provides heavily wooded sites for those seeking seclusion. "It was quiet and peaceful," notes a camper who valued the natural setting despite proximity to city amenities.
What You Should Know
Seasonal flooding: Check road conditions at Dosewallips State Park before arrival. "Some of the best spots are prone to flooding on the road but if you have a raised vehicle like a truck or SUV it should be a non-issue," advises a visitor familiar with the park's seasonal challenges.
Site selection strategy: Avoid open areas at Fort Worden if seeking privacy. "The beach campground is very open with little privacy between spots, but there is quite a bit of space," notes a winter camper who still enjoyed their stay despite the open layout.
Naval air noise: Prepare for occasional jet sounds at Deception Pass State Park. "The only downside is the noise from the naval base nearby. You'll hear jets overhead on a regular basis," explains a camper, though they still rated their experience highly.
Tips for Camping with Families
Beach activities: Visit Fay Bainbridge Park for family-friendly shore access. One parent noted, "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites. Be prepared for showers to be closed but the restrooms were open. Can't beat the views."
Multi-activity options: Choose Kitsap Memorial State Park for varied recreation. "Small and quiet. Large picnic area with park for the kids. A short trail brings you to a beautiful ampitheater amongst the trees," reports a visitor who enjoyed the amenities.
Trail difficulty assessment: Select appropriate hikes at Dash Point based on children's abilities. As one family camper shared: "Facilities were good and trails around are fun and easy enough for me and 2 kids. The beach and its tides are why we came."
Tips from RVers
Leveling ease: Select Tolt MacDonald Park for naturally flat parking spots. One RVer mentioned, "The only campground we've been to where we didn't need to level the trailer. RV sites are all pull through its fairly quiet."
Water pressure awareness: Bring a pressure regulator to Kitsap Memorial State Park. A knowledgeable RVer noted: "Water pressure is low, averaging just over 20psi," which can affect shower and plumbing performance in recreational vehicles.
Site access considerations: Request specific sites at Kitsap Memorial for easier entry. "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 an experienced RV camper who appreciated the clearer access points.
