Seabeck sits at 33 feet above sea level on the eastern shore of the Hood Canal, with summer temperatures averaging 77°F and winter lows around 34°F. The area features a temperate rainforest climate with drier summers and wet winters, creating ideal conditions for camping between May and September. Campgrounds tend to remain open year-round with reduced services in winter months.
What to do
Oyster harvesting and shellfish gathering: Lake Leland Campground offers easy access to local shellfish areas. One visitor noted, "We trekked out late night to the canal at low tide to collect oysters and clams." Nearby Mike's Beach Resort is perfect for seafood lovers, with a camper sharing, "If you like oysters and clams, this place is perfect. It's not fancy, tent sites don't have privacy between them. However, we had a blast here."
River exploration and wading: Dosewallips State Park Campground provides direct river access from many sites. "From the campsite we had access to the river and if you are a fisher, there was a nice log you could comfortably sit on at camp that looked down on the water," explains one visitor. The campground offers multiple river-access points with gentle entry areas suitable for families with small children.
Hiking trails of varying difficulty: Staircase Campground connects to multiple Olympic National Park trails. According to a review, "Great sites! Amazing trails. This is a beautiful park right on the outskirts of Olympic National Park. The hiking here is fantastic!" Trails range from easy 1-mile loops to challenging mountain ascents, with most trailheads accessible directly from camping areas.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kitsap Memorial State Park Campground provides excellent wildlife watching areas. The facilities include "a short trail brings you to a beautiful amphitheater amongst the trees," notes one visitor. Dosewallips State Park Campground is known for its resident elk herd, with a camper reporting, "Campground has elk that walk through it and is right on the river. There are several hiking trails that start from the campground."
Quiet beaches with limited motor access: Fay Bainbridge Park features tranquil beaches with motor restrictions. "Great campground right on the beach. Clean facilities," writes one reviewer. Another mentions, "Beautiful beach, great views of Mt. Rainier & Baker on a clear day, cruise ships going by, pirate ship playground for children." Lake Leland Campground also limits watercraft, as noted: "Lake Leland is a beautiful and quiet lake that doesn't allow motor boats."
Forest settings with moderate privacy: Staircase Campground offers secluded sites with forest buffers. "Spacious secluded campsites along the gorgeous green glacial waters," describes one visitor. At Hamma Hamma Campground, campers appreciate "nice private camp site, short walk to the river. Dipped our legs in after hiking."
What you should know
Site selection strategy: Dosewallips sites vary greatly in privacy and views. "Do not choose a site by the cabins or field, you will be disappointed. Choose a large site by the river!" advises one experienced camper. Another notes, "If you are looking for a more tame, less encroached camping experience, the loop that runs along the river is where you want to go."
Campground popularity and reservation needs: Belfair State Park Campground fills quickly, especially waterfront sites. "The waterfront loop, the tent loop is also quite nice and a bit more private but we have not stayed there. My chief complaint is that there are no restrooms on the waterfront loop," explains a regular visitor. Most glamping close to Seabeck, Washington requires advance booking, particularly for summer weekends.
Limited facilities at smaller campgrounds: Quilcene Community Campground offers basic amenities but lacks some services. "This is a small county park located right off of HWY 101 as you enter the town of Quilcene. There are 9 small campsites, all with picnic tables and a fire ring," reports one camper. Many smaller glamping options near Seabeck provide few amenities but compensate with location advantages.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access and kid-friendly activities: Fay Bainbridge Park includes dedicated play areas. "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites," shares one family. Belfair State Park offers similar amenities: "Tent camped here mid week last August. There's a beach loop for RVs and a woods loop for tents & smaller RVs. Overall pretty quiet, close to town, close to ATV trails & dog friendly. The kids loved the park!"
Family-sized sites and group options: Hamma Hamma Campground provides multiple tent pads per site. "The sites were spaced out fairly well, despite it being a pretty small campground. There were nice fire pits and a few tent pads per site, although ours was barely able to fit two tents," notes one family. Dosewallips State Park offers group camping options with shared facilities.
Bathroom and shower considerations: Dash Point State Park maintains clean facilities. "Bathrooms and Outhouses are numerous and dispersed throughout. Pay Showers ($.50 token) are in central Restrooms. Only 1 shower per Restroom," explains a visitor. When selecting glamping facilities near Seabeck, check shower token costs and bathroom proximity, especially with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling and access challenges: Kitsap Memorial State Park has specific sites better suited for RVs. "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 RVer. Many glamping locations around Seabeck offer alternative accommodations for those without RVs.
Hookup limitations and variations: Belfair State Park provides full hookups in select areas. "The beach loop fills up quickly - get your reservations in as early as possible if you want to camp there," recommends one camper. Another mentions, "Water pressure is low, averaging just over 20psi," which affects RV water systems.
Limited privacy between RV sites: Kitsap Memorial State Park has tightly spaced sites. "The camper spots are really close together. There is a big field to play ride bikes walk dog etc. The beach is really nice and nearby," explains a visitor. Most RV-friendly glamping near Seabeck provides limited site separation compared to tent-only areas.
