Glamping options around Silverdale provide access to Puget Sound shorelines and Hood Canal waters. Most parks in the area sit between 20-50 feet above sea level, experiencing mild summers with average highs around 75°F and cool winters. The waterfront locations feature rocky beaches with dramatic tidal fluctuations of 8-12 feet that reveal marine life during low tides.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: Dosewallips State Park offers prime marine life viewing when the tide recedes. "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," notes Amy & Stu B. The park also features several hiking trail loops.
Kayaking and water activities: Fort Worden Historical State Park provides water access for boating. "There is a little bit of road noise, and a lot of the sites have no privacy, but it is a nicely maintained campground with nice bathrooms," reports Delaney M. about nearby Dosewallips.
Shellfish harvesting: Saltwater areas provide opportunities for clam digging and oyster collection in season. "Make sure and go to near by Hama Hama for their oysters," recommends Dean from Dosewallips State Park. Belfair campers can also access shellfish beds during appropriate seasons.
Wildlife watching: The region hosts abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. "No shortage of bald eagles here either. Plenty of group tent sites as well as regular RV and tent sites," reports Shariah T., who has visited Dosewallips for years.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Fay Bainbridge Park offers direct beach access from the campground. "Great campground right on the beach. Clean facilities," notes Brook M. The park provides views of Mount Rainier and Baker on clear days.
Forest camping settings: Kitsap Memorial State Park offers wooded sites away from the water. "Very quiet area, lots of room on site 9, walked to beach area. Bathrooms for camping have code, cleaned frequently," reports Mike D.
Historical attractions: Fort Worden Historical State Park combines camping with historical exploration. "If you like bunkers, canons, and barracks, with a view, then come here. There is a lighthouse that still functions and plenty of beach access," explains Ryan L.
Playgrounds for children: Parks offer play areas for families with children. "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites," writes Tanya B. about Fay Bainbridge Park. Kitsap Memorial also features "a playground and a couple large open fields for kids to play," according to Kris W.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Dash Point State Park stands out for site spacing. "This campground is remarkable in the privacy between each of the camping spots, the bird life, the wild and deep forest vibes, and the walking trails," notes Brittany D. In contrast, many waterfront sites throughout the region offer minimal privacy.
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking, especially for premium spots. "We chose the full hookup option. Firewood could be purchased through the camp host," reports Amy & Stu B. about their Dosewallips stay.
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant rainfall between October and April. "Rain was nice to enjoy through the windows," mentions Lauren M. about Dosewallips, highlighting the need for proper rain gear even during summer months.
Noise factors: Some parks experience significant ambient noise. Sites near major transportation corridors may experience traffic noise. "Commercial jets landing at Sea-Tac fly directly above us at a low altitude and are VERY loud and VERY frequent (every 3-5 minutes)," reports Travis P. about Saltwater State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose loop locations strategically: Dosewallips State Park offers varied camping experiences based on loop selection. "Do not choose a site by the cabins or field, you will be disappointed. Choose a large site by the river!" advises Michele K. Loop selection can significantly impact your experience.
Look for campgrounds with play structures: "Great place for the kids...with a small aquarium open on the weekend. The family had a blast," says Nicholos J. about Fort Worden.
Consider glamping options for easier family trips: Platform tents offer convenience for short stays. "While it's quite basic it gave an amazing nature experience. We usually do tent camping, but we opted for platform tents here as we were only staying one night. The tent was much nicer than we expected," explains Sara S. about Dosewallips.
Plan for seasonal activities: "I've been coming to this state park for as long as I can remember. There's so many activities to do; clamming, shrimping, hiking, hunting for oysters, and there's even places to rent kayaks," shares Shariah T. about Dosewallips.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Belfair State Park offers suitable sites for bigger RVs. "Nestled among the trees, a great place to pitch a tent, dig clams and have a nice dinner," mentions Vince L. The park features a waterfront loop and wooded loop with different site configurations.
Hookup availability: Most parks offer some form of hookups. "RV sites are blacktop and level. Some sites have partial hookups w/o septic. Dump station is on site," notes James and Susan K. about Dosewallips State Park.
Seasonal considerations: "Often our first or last trip of the year, due to its proximity to the greater Seattle area. Small sites with little privacy but very well kept for a heavily used park," shares Doug about Belfair State Park's waterfront loop.