Best Campgrounds near Poulsbo, WA

Camping options near Poulsbo, Washington span from state parks to private RV facilities, with several areas offering waterfront access to Puget Sound. Kitsap Memorial State Park Campground, located directly in Poulsbo, provides full-hookup RV sites, primitive tent camping, and cabin accommodations year-round. Eagle Tree RV Park offers dedicated RV spaces with full hookups, while the broader Kitsap Peninsula features additional camping at Fay Bainbridge Park on Bainbridge Island and Dosewallips State Park in Brinnon. Most developed campgrounds in the area include basic amenities such as drinking water, fire pits, and picnic tables, with several offering cabin options for those seeking more comfort.

Most campgrounds in the Poulsbo area remain open year-round, though weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest can impact camping experiences, particularly during the rainy winter months. Reservations are recommended for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds feature bathroom facilities with showers, though amenities vary by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, supporting remote work needs. "The RV sites are really close together. Our neighbors sewer hook up was right next to our camp fire pit. Kind of was a turn off at staying at that site again," noted one camper about Kitsap Memorial State Park.

Several visitors highlight the natural setting as a key draw for camping in this region. The waterfront location of Kitsap Memorial provides scenic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, with a small beach accessible during low tide. Campgrounds in the area serve as convenient basecamps for exploring both the Kitsap Peninsula and nearby attractions. A camper at Fay Bainbridge Park mentioned, "The spots are spacious and shaded and the beach is easily accessed." Privacy between sites varies considerably across facilities, with some offering more separation than others. The tent sites at many locations tend to provide more seclusion among trees compared to the more open RV areas, which typically prioritize convenience over privacy.

Best Camping Sites Near Poulsbo, Washington (287)

    1. Dosewallips State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Brinnon, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 796-4415

    $12 - $50 / night

    "The grounds are well-maintained with easy access to some hiking trails that are easy to moderate in difficulty."

    "Dump station close by worked great on exit. Wooded with ferns. Rain was nice to enjoy through the windows."

    2. Fay Bainbridge Park

    22 Reviews
    Bainbridge Island, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 842-3931

    $7 - $95 / night

    "2, #3, #4 are IMO best after that as they move away from the beach and then curve around in ascending order.

    Some neighbor noise, sites are close, but was not busy."

    "Great spot on the edge of bainbridge. Lots of spots depending on your preferred privacy level."

    3. Kitsap Memorial State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Poulsbo, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 779-3205

    "There is a big field to play ride bikes walk dog etc . The beach is really nice and nearby and at low tide is so peaceful to take a walk. There’s group activities too which is great for the kids."

    "Very quiet area, lots of room on site 9, walked to beach area. Bathrooms for camping have code, cleaned frequently. 5G service was fast. Very nice place."

    4. Seal Rock Campground

    20 Reviews
    Brinnon, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 765-2200

    $18 / night

    "Seal Rock campground is on the Hood canal side of the Olympic peninsula in Washington state. It's actually the second time we camped there, this time on July 3rd and 4th."

    "Seal Rock Campground is a nice quiet place tucked away just out side of Brinnon WA. All of the sites are dispersed in a nice forested area which lends for good privacy."

    5. Manchester State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Manchester, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 871-4065

    $50 / night

    "Nice wooded campground with access to the water. Plenty of opportunities for day hikes and not far from port orchard Washington. Some sites have hookups and others are dry camping."

    "Trails, views, and history in walking distance. Coin operated showers and clean restrooms."

    6. Scenic Beach State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Seabeck, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 830-5079

    "Big spaces for tents tucked away from other campers. The beach is a short walk away. Real flushing toilets no porta potties. RV dump station only $5."

    "Easily accessible water and easy access to the beach. We got a bit lost while walking the trails to the beach. More signs would be nice for fool's like us."

    7. Eagle Tree RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Poulsbo, WA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 598-5988

    "Eagle tree RV park is a small park but a great place for family and friends and kids to get out and have fun there's great place to go in poulsbo with good food"

    "We are 15 minutes from the Seattle ferry terminal, yet have access to a trail network that will have you feeling like civilization is miles away.  The laundry is the hidden gem."

    8. Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Nordland, WA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 385-1259

    "The kids had a blast exploring the fort and the forest around the campsite. There's a big beach with a small general store/burger joint within walking distance."

    "As the beach side has a lot of open camping we opted for the side nearer the trails that had a feeling of being a step away from the woods. "

    9. Illahee State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Manchester, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 478-6460

    $20 - $37 / night

    "Great place to walk around and enjoy what the deep green that is Washington state."

    "The hiking around here is amazing and theres so many different things to do here. It’s close to the water, too which is really neat."

    10. Cove RV Park & Country Store

    5 Reviews
    Brinnon, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 796-4723

    $44 - $49 / night

    "This is our first trailer camping trip ever so we wanted to start small and close to home."

    "Nice location for hiking or boating in the Hood Canal area, a great store, and fantastic and friendly management made this a very pleasant stay!"

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Recent Reviews near Poulsbo, WA

1413 Reviews of 287 Poulsbo Campgrounds


  • B
    Oct. 15, 2025

    John Wayne's Waterfront Resort

    Quiet this time of year

    Right across John Wayne marina. Full hook ups. Trails behind rv sites for walks and close to discovery trail for biking or walking long distances. Close to town but away from traffic and traffic noises

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Cascades RV Resort

    Cascades RV Resort

    We are long term RV campers here at Cascades. It is a lovely RV resort with large concrete pads with astroturf lawn and picnic table. Everyone is friendly. Nightly noise is never excessive. Gracie’s place is an onsite cafe that serves food, alcohol, deserts, coffees, and other drinks. You can get package delivery just no USPS. They do offer monthly discounts. Would highly recommend for anyone in an RV.

  • Nicole L.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Woodlands at Lake Stickney

    BEAUTIFUL LOCATION

    I myself have never parked my RV at the campsite. However, I've been to the public Access area and have to say that it's very peaceful and has a restroom which is nice. I'm a local. I live inside my RV and it has been a major adjustment but having places like this has been extremely helpful.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Top of the Hill camping

    Top of the hill camping

    This is actually a really secluded, pivate location with a beautiful view! The road is fairly easy to get up to this spot but really just room for one vehicle. I guess the last people used it as the dumb spot when they were leaving because there’s a grill and a TV screen there… we did not stay and camp here, but we did check it out and if we didn’t have a trailer, I would definitely have claimed the spot!

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    FR27 Landing

    fr27 landing

    Great large flat spot for camping. Could easily fit about 5 cars here. About 4 fire rings set up and the road is pretty easy getting here.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    NF-27 Tunnel Creek

    Pull through site

    This is a great spot to stay for a bit if you’re looking to do that OR just stay for a night. It’s like, a big circle that you pull in and out of. There’s a trail from this site that leads to a great tint site as well. Plenty of space if you have a decent sized group. Easily accommodating 3 cars. We have plenty of space with our rig. Star link works great here!

  • Eun Ji L.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Big Creek Campground

    I'm an avid camper - this was THE WORST experience ever.

    I'm an avid camper, and the experience I had at this campground with the host was ABSOLUTELY THE WORST ever. We arrived at the campground early to find the best spot as we were planning to take some outdoor wedding photos at the campsite the day after. It was not a busy season, so there were only a couple of sites occupied. We carefully selected a spot, paid for it, and posted the receipt on the site clip. I took a photo of both the envelope and the receipt clipped at the site. 

    After exploring the national park, we arrived at the campground at around 9pm. Most of the campsites were still unoccupied. To our surprise, when we arrived at our reserved spot, there was a group of people who took our campsite! They already put up their tent and a canopy as well. When I checked the pole where I clipped the receipt, it was GONE & REPLACED by someone else's!! When I talked to those people who took our campsite, there were already drunk and were at the verge of becoming hostile. But they did tell us that the host "allowed" them to take the spot. 

    Right then and there, we went to the host and explained the situation, and the host said (1) we never paid and that (2) there was no receipt clipped at the site. When I told him that that wasn't true, he proceeded to tell me that the information I wrote on the clip let him know that we were checking out today. So, for a second, I thought maybe I wrote either the# of nights spent or check-out date incorrectly. But then, I remembered I took pictures of both the envelope and the receipt!! I showed the photos to him, then, of course, he could not lie his way out of this. 

    There was no apology, and he simply proceeded to tell us to sleep at one of the other available campsites. We were super furious because we had NEVER experienced this kind of rudeness, lies, and brazen behavior. As anyone can imagine, we did not want to spend another second there, so we demanded a refund, and "MIRACULOUSLY", the envelope (still glued) with our payment was found in his RV. 

    I'm reporting the host to the US Forest Service.

  • alexandrea L.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Penrose Point State Park Campground

    Beautiful

    The beach is beautiful here! And the campsites are very secluded! There are tons of trees and bushes in between everybody’s campsite

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Falls Creek — Olympic National Park

    Quinalt

    Extremely serene and clean. Seasonal campground on lake. Mediocre toilets. Lodge and store nearby. Right on water


Guide to Poulsbo

Camping options near Poulsbo, Washington extend beyond developed campgrounds to include cabin rentals and platform tents. The area sits at sea level along the Kitsap Peninsula with average summer temperatures of 75°F and winter lows around 35°F. Rain is common from October through April, with the driest camping conditions typically found from late June through mid-September.

What to do

Wildlife viewing: Hood Canal offers excellent opportunities to see diverse wildlife. Dosewallips State Park Campground visitors regularly encounter Roosevelt elk in the campground itself. "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. about their stay at Dosewallips State Park Campground.

Beach exploration: Low tide adventures reveal diverse marine ecosystems. "When I was there it was almost always totally empty besides myself. Nothing better than a beautiful view all to yourself!" notes Amy about the beach at Scenic Beach State Park Campground. The beaches along Hood Canal offer excellent clamming and oyster gathering opportunities during appropriate seasons.

Historical sites: Military structures from early 20th century coastal defense systems. "Like many sites on the Puget Sound this was first used as a military base for the US Navy to guard the Bremerton ship yards during the Spanish American war and WW2. There are many remnants of the fort located in the park," explains Tom N. about Manchester State Park. Several parks preserve these concrete fortifications and battery positions.

What campers like

Playground access: Kid-friendly facilities make camping with children easier. "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites," writes Tanya B. about Fay Bainbridge Park. Many campgrounds in the area include modern playground equipment suitable for various age groups.

Camp store conveniences: On-site supplies reduce trips to town. "The camp store is open 6 days a week, with a wide selection of food, drinks, and camping supplies," notes one camper about Eagle Tree RV Park. Several campgrounds maintain small stores with essential items, while others are located within 10-15 minutes of grocery options.

Shielded campsites: Forest buffer between sites enhances privacy. "This campground is unique in how private the sites are with an unusual amount of foliage between sites," writes Jeannie P. about Scenic Beach State Park. While RV sites tend to be more exposed, many tent sites throughout the region offer natural screening with native vegetation.

What you should know

Road noise impacts: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. "The campsite is next to the highway and had some noise," reports Kathy K. about Eagle Tree RV Park. Sites furthest from major roads typically offer the quietest experience, especially important for light sleepers.

Site spacing variation: Campsite layouts differ dramatically between parks. "The RV spaces are packed in fairly tight with no dividing barriers of trees," observes Brandon K. about Fay Bainbridge Park. Many campgrounds offer a mix of closely arranged sites and more private options, with forest campgrounds generally providing better separation than waterfront locations.

Seasonal shower closures: Winter camping may have reduced facilities. "Unfortunately the showers were closed, likely due to Covid," notes a Fay Bainbridge camper, though this occasionally happens in winter months regardless of public health conditions. Most parks maintain restroom access year-round, but some limit shower facilities during off-season periods.

Tips for camping with families

Kayak launching: Easy water access points for family paddling. "Nice views of the water if you walk there, and an easy place to launch kayaks (which we brought)," mentions Brennon about Manchester State Park Campground. Beaches with gradual entries work best for children learning paddling skills.

Playground ratings: Facility differences matter for different age groups. "This campground has elk that walk through it and is right on the river. There are several hiking trails that start from the campground," notes Dean about Dosewallips State Park. Parks with diverse activities keep children engaged throughout longer stays.

Campfire programs: Ranger-led activities enhance educational opportunities. "Plenty of group tent sites as well as regular RV and tent sites. Each site comes with fire pit, hook ups, and a picnic table," describes Shariah T. about Dosewallips State Park. Some campgrounds offer scheduled nature walks or evening programs during peak summer season.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: Corner locations provide additional space and fewer neighbors. "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. End sites or those backing natural features typically offer the most breathing room.

Hookup placement issues: Utility connections can be awkwardly positioned. "RV sites 1, 2, 4, 9, and 11 will be easier to back in to. The other full hook up sites are 90° approaches," warns K D. about Kitsap Memorial State Park Campground. Some sites require longer hoses or electrical cords than others.

Water pressure variations: Hookup quality differs between parks. "Water pressure is low, averaging just over 20psi," notes K D. about Kitsap Memorial State Park. Many RVers bring pressure regulators and water filters to accommodate varying conditions at different campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Poulsbo, WA?

Poulsbo offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Kitsap Memorial State Park Campground is one of the closest options, located just north of Poulsbo with full hookup sites and tent spaces. For those willing to travel a bit further, Dosewallips State Park Campground offers well-maintained grounds about an hour away with access to hiking trails of varying difficulty. Also consider Fay Bainbridge Park on nearby Bainbridge Island for waterfront camping with spectacular views of Puget Sound and Seattle. All these options provide good facilities and are popular with local campers and visitors alike.

What hiking trails can I access from Poulsbo camping areas?

When camping near Poulsbo, you'll find a variety of hiking trails within reach. Staircase Campground - Olympic National Park offers excellent river access and serves as a gateway to Olympic National Park's trail system. Sites along the river provide direct water access and connect to forest trails. For coastal hiking experiences, Deception Pass State Park Campground features numerous trails leading to gorgeous beaches and viewpoints. The park has an extensive network of trails ranging from easy shoreline walks to more challenging forest paths with stunning views of the pass and surrounding islands.

When is the best season for tent camping in Poulsbo?

Summer is generally the prime tent camping season in Poulsbo, with July and August offering the driest, warmest conditions. Dash Point State Park Campground is particularly beautiful during summer months with clean facilities and a well-designed layout. Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September) can also be excellent with fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, though be prepared for occasional rain. Winter camping is possible at some locations like Graves Creek Campground, but temperatures can drop below freezing, so proper cold-weather gear is essential. The Pacific Northwest's rainy season (November-March) makes tent camping more challenging but not impossible for well-prepared campers.

Is there RV camping available near Poulsbo?

Yes, Poulsbo has several RV-friendly options nearby. Eagle Tree RV Park is a small, family-friendly park right in Poulsbo with good access to local attractions and dining. Cedar Glen RV Park offers immaculately maintained grounds with level gravel sites, grass areas, and some with patio pads. Many sites feature full hookups, and the park is known for its cleanliness and regular updates. For those seeking a state park experience with RV accommodations, several nearby options provide hookups with more natural surroundings. Most RV parks in the area are open year-round, though reservations are recommended during summer months.