Camping near Silverdale, Washington provides access to both Hood Canal and Puget Sound waterways with diverse shoreline experiences. Summer temperatures average 75°F with mild winters rarely dropping below freezing. Heavy rainfall occurs October through March, with campgrounds frequently at capacity from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
What to Do
Beachcombing for shellfish: At Seal Rock Campground, the tidal flats expose extensive oyster beds. "The canal was lovely and if you like oysters it's a great spot to muck around," notes a visitor. The shoreline offers opportunities for collecting oysters with proper licensing.
Wildlife viewing: Dosewallips State Park features elk herds that regularly move through the campground. "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," shares Amy & Stu B. The park maintains dedicated viewing areas for optimal wildlife spotting.
Hiking forest trails: Green Mountain offers quick access from Silverdale, while Dash Point State Park provides forested hiking paths suitable for families. "There are several hiking trail loops but the most appropriate for us was the beach trail which is maybe 2 miles to the beach and back," explains Michael B. from Dosewallips. Most trails in the region are under 5 miles round-trip.
What Campers Like
Tent site privacy: Many campgrounds feature secluded spots away from neighboring sites. At Scenic Beach State Park, one camper appreciated how "the sites are all secluded and tucked into the woods" while another noted the campground is "unique in how private the sites are with an unusual amount of foliage between sites."
Full hookup options: Most state parks in the region offer various hookup configurations. James and Susan K. explain that at Dosewallips, "Plenty of FHU sites and loads of camping sites... RV sites are blacktop and level. Some sites have partial hookups w/o septic."
Beach access: Waterfront locations provide immediate shore access. A visitor at Fay Bainbridge Park mentions, "Great campground right on the beach. Clean facilities." Many campgrounds feature beaches with tidelands for shellfish harvesting or swimming at high tide.
What You Should Know
Site spacing varies significantly: While some campgrounds offer privacy, others place units close together. At Kitsap Memorial State Park, a camper observed, "The camper spots are really close together. There is a big field to play ride bikes walk dog etc." At Seal Rock, sites are more generous with "large campsites, well maintained, but close to road."
Seasonal operation: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Seal Rock Campground is only open "May 15 to September 15" according to its official listing. Shariah T. notes Dosewallips offers "plenty of group tent sites as well as regular RV and tent sites" but availability changes seasonally.
Token-operated showers: Most state park facilities require payment for showers. "Pay Showers ($.50 token) are in central Restrooms. Only 1 shower per Restroom," explains a Dosewallips visitor. Manchester State Park has "shower house restrooms [that] are very clean" but similarly requires tokens.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas for children. Fay Bainbridge has "a pirate ship playground" which campers report as "amazing kids area" that provides entertainment throughout the day. Kitsap Memorial also features "a playground and a couple large open fields for kids to play."
Beach activities: Shallow water areas provide safer play zones for children. At Belfair State Park, "The beach was great, water is rather warm for in the sound, it's also pretty shallow which is great for the kids to play in," shares one visitor.
Camping location strategy: When camping with children, site selection matters. At Dosewallips, one experienced camper advises, "Do not choose a site by the cabins or field, you will be disappointed. Choose a large site by the river!" This provides both recreation space and natural sound barriers.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds feature easier access sites for larger rigs. At Scenic Beach State Park, one RVer explains, "We had site 16, which is a pull-through site. We have a 25ft trailer and there was more than enough room."
Backing considerations: Site approach angles vary between campgrounds. At Kitsap Memorial, an RVer notes "RV sites 1, 2, 4, 9, and 11 will be easier to back in to. The other full hook up sites are 90° approaches."
Water pressure awareness: Utilities can vary between parks and sites. A Kitsap Memorial visitor warns, "Water pressure is low, averaging just over 20psi," requiring RVers to consider bringing pressure regulators or supplemental water supplies for longer stays.
