The Olympic Peninsula around Port Ludlow, Washington offers tent campsites ranging from forested backcountry sites to waterfront locations across multiple state parks and wilderness areas. Lena Lake Campground, accessible via a 3.5-mile hike from the trailhead, offers secluded tent sites with fire rings and views of the lake. Fort Ebey State Park Campground on Whidbey Island features well-maintained tent areas with some walk-in sites offering greater privacy and access to hiking trails along coastal bluffs.
Most tent campgrounds in the region require campers to bring their own water, as potable water is limited at primitive sites. Campgrounds like Deer Park in Olympic National Park have level tent sites but no water available, making preparation essential. Access roads to more remote sites can become difficult after rain or during winter months, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. Vault toilets are typically available at established campgrounds, though they may be limited in number. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, particularly at higher elevations and during dry periods. Bear canisters are required at backcountry sites in Olympic National Park.
Tent campers find exceptional solitude at sites farther from major roads, particularly at higher elevations. A visitor commented that Lena Lake is "quiet and serene and the perfect place to sit on a log and journal" despite being popular with locals on weekends. Many tent campsites provide direct access to trail networks, allowing campers to establish base camps for day hiking or backpacking adventures. The region offers diverse tent camping options from coastal settings with ocean views to mountain camps with panoramic vistas. Walk-in tent sites generally provide more privacy than drive-in locations, though they require additional effort to transport gear. During summer, coastal tent campgrounds often provide relief from inland heat, while forest sites offer shade and protection from coastal winds.
"No running water but vault toilets. No reservations. Rack for kayaks above high tide. Nice alternative to the Oak Bay sites at Pt. Hadlock to the west. Open all year."
from $12 / night
"We arrived here while beginning our trip around the Olympic peninsula. We unfortunately got caught in rain for almost 2 weeks."
"Great trails and right next to The spit. Only issue is that it is a locally run (county?) park and there's no alcohol allowed they are VERY strict about this policy."
"We're so happy to have this beautiful property on our platform. This site is secluded yet close to the Possession Sound Preserve. Book your stay today and leave them a review!"
from $50 / night
"Deep park is located on a 7 mile long gravel road. The drive up is tight and not suitable for any type of trailer. The campground has level tent sights that offer a fantastic 360 degree view. "
"Luckily I went and talked to the ranger and he told me of a spot that might still be open…IT WAS! We were there for the weekend."
"A great clean safe place in the city and surrounded by trees and nature"
"The tent sites at Hearth Street Properties offer secluded spots near the water, with conveniences like restaurants nearby. Check them out and share some pics from your trip on the Dyrt!"
"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."
from $60 - $68 / night
"The campsites offers fire rings and has plenty of amazing views of the lake. Don’t forget to pack everything out and leave no trace."
"This is a hike-in campground down a 3.5 mile trail. It sees heavy use from locals on the weekend. There was plenty of room during the week when I was there."
from $5 / night
"When looking at campgrounds, my husband and I look for the best hikes around. We really enjoyed staying here, and the hiking was amazing."
"Great glimpses of mountains along the trail. Can’t wait to do it again in the summer!"
"There are a lot of spots that you could wander into the woods and set up camp on a mossy bed under the canopy."
"There are about 5 sites with rock fire pits and a decent amount of space. A nice quiet place to spend the night even if you’re not trying to hike"
"Nice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles. Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area."
TravelerNice campground, well maintained and rangers often patrol the campsite loops. Bathrooms are nice but dated, but quite expensive campground. Paying in-person was $49 for an RV spot with utilities, but booking online was $69 for the same site. Can be busy on the weekend.
ScoutThis place is so nice. We felt welcomed as soon as we walked to the check-in desk. Dave and Victoria are so kind. This place is so nice and neat and clean. They have a pool and a hot tub which is a plus and a sauna. It was very nice to be able to chatter with them and joke back-and-forth like they were old friends. You can’t go wrong staying here. The only thing is I hate to tell anyone how nice it is cause then I might not be able to get in.
ScoutMy review is from my own experience but there are numerous other reviews that express my same sentiments. I was there 7 years and only had infractions during one month. (all from the same ranger) and one speeding infraction.
Port Susan Camping Resort has been a bad experience for me and presently turned to bitter. I sold my lot but the check got lost in the mail. I asked the sales agent to replace the check and I have waited approximately 35 days! I finally asked the board to intervene. This is bad business. This is a sample of the treatment or abuse I was given at Port Susan from the sales office. Replacing a check is easy and the money is not even drawn on Port Susan, it comes from the buyer. What would happen if I were paid but the buyer could not access the lot or wasn't given a gate pass or if the sales had to wait for their commission for 35 days after the sale? I was treated so unfairly! They showed me lots for sale with BLACK MOLD.I would think I am being targeted once again but there are many complaints that have been filed about poor management, unfair fines and being targeted if you speak up. The only recourse you have is to go to Tribal court since Port Susan Camping resort is Tribal owned. If you ask me this is a conflict of interest? Bottom line, absolute power leads to absolute corruption. Port Susan is like living under communist rule: The board took a vote to install 50 amp service, the members voted against it because most trailers use 30 amp. The 50 amp was installed any way and members have to pay for it. I spoke up on Campers Chat, but PSCC has the right to determine what will be allowed to be viewed. Freedom of Speech, NOT sat Port Susan. Members have to be careful who they speak to, if they speak against unfair fines to one of"them" they will be targeted. I have been targeted by one ranger who gave me 1200.00 worth of fines in one month. There used to be one ranger who patrolled lots 24 hours a day now there are 2 or 3. You are under constant survelience and fined for violations. Port Susan changes the rules constantly. One example, the road going downhill to the laundra mat and mailbox changed the speed limit to 5 miles per hour. Try going down a hill at 5 miles per hour. I was fined 200.00 at 5:00 am. This was thrown out because no one could do this but later going down hill to the front gate is a radar controlled system. I accidentally was going 17 mph in a 15 mph and was fined 400.00 for going over the speed limit for a 2nd infraction! no where in this country has fines like this but PSCC has unlimited power and no jusidiction. If you take it Tribal Court,( they lease the land to Port Susan you can be held liable to pay the attorney fees against Port Susan. There is less than 30 years on the lease so your membership is a poor investment. Not to mention that they have water pipe problems and boil water warnings posted periodically. If they decide to change all the water pipes the members will pay. I had rats get into my trucks. One was towed to Toyota and they found a rat. The rats got into the cab. I replaced this truck with a brand new Honda and during an oil change was notified that rat tracks were found all over my distributor cover and it was only at my site for 2 weeks!!! Many members tell the truth once they leave and abuse and mistreatment is the norm. THIS IS A FEAR BASED COMMUNITY Good luck with your purchase
GuideStayed Sept 28 to 30th 2026. Nice park, hot showers, clean bathrooms, enjoyed our stay
GuideI had the great fortune of being here off season, and there were very few fellow campers. Many campsites are right on the water and there is a great mix of car camping and walk-in sites. There is a group site, and some short hiking trails. The beauty is the beach and water and the amazing night sky. The pit toilets are clean and it is a laid back place. During the busy season the beach sites would be tight. Very few van/trailer sites so pay attention to the website because it has everything g you need to know.
LegendGreat spot to stay while visiting the area. There are trails to hike and wildlife to observe in camp. We needed to charge batteries so opted for a full hook-up site. The sites are nestled in the trees giving you some privacy from other campers.
One thing to note is that the main restrooms are already closed for the season. Half the available restroom/shower combinations for the TH and boat ramp were closed as well. I spoke with a camp host who stated they were having vandalism problems and were in need of repairs to the drainage systems so they opted to close them early. The water in the CG was still on and the dump station was also operational.
Overall a great place to stay while visiting Anacortes.
ScoutFree hot showers, large structures, private spots between epic trees, and overlooking a sweet lil surf spot along the strait! what else can you ask for for a cold water season campground in WA.
ScoutIt IS a pretty, private, moderately priced rv park. Too bad -- there is a note announcing their permanent closure 10/31/2026. Enjoy it while you can!
RangerDecent option if you’re traveling down 5. Seems like a popular spot so some safety in numbers. There’s a similar rest area on the other side for those traveling north
Tent camping around Port Ludlow, Washington provides access to areas with significant elevation changes, ranging from sea level up to 7,000 feet in nearby Olympic National Park. The climate varies dramatically between coastal and mountain sites, with the region receiving between 50-200 inches of annual precipitation depending on location. Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends between June and September.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Fort Ebey State Park Campground offers extensive mountain biking trails through forested areas. "There are also several mountain biking trails around the park and lots to do and see at the beach!" confirms a camper who visited in spring when wildflowers were blooming.
Explore WW2 history: Take time to examine the military installations at Fort Ebey State Park Campground. "There are old (but well maintained) battery and concrete gun emplacements from WW2 when the Fort was used to defend the West coast," notes a visitor. The batteries include underground sections accessible with flashlights.
Fish for wild salmon: Morning fishing trips can be productive in season. At Dungeness Forks Campground, one camper spent "the morning fishing for wild salmon" visible in the creek beside their site. The best fishing typically occurs September through November when salmon return to spawn.
Secluded river convergence sites: Dungeness Forks Campground offers spots where two rivers meet. "Beautiful little spot right next to a river that collides with another one. Trees are so beautiful and smell so good," writes one camper. The campground features only 9 sites total, making midweek visits more likely to secure a spot.
Mountain viewing during clear weather: High-elevation sites provide exceptional vantage points. At Deer Park Campground, "We set up camp during a short rain break. We couldn't see the view at all that night. The next day we woke up and were stunned by the mountain peak view." The road to this campground requires careful driving but rewards with panoramic vistas.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights at higher elevations offer exceptional astronomy viewing. "That night it got so dark we were blanketed in stars and it was simply amazing," reports a Deer Park camper. Sites away from urban light pollution provide the best night sky viewing, particularly during new moon phases.
No potable water access: Many campgrounds require bringing all water needed. "No running water is available so pack in what you need," warns a Deer Park visitor. Deer Park has level tent sites but requires self-sufficiency for water needs.
Challenging access roads: Several of the best tent camping sites near Port Ludlow require driving on difficult roads. A Dungeness Forks Campground visitor noted, "The drive up was a little intense, but our sedan made it (no RVs!)." Another camper described Deer Park's access as "the scariest road I've ever driven on. Very narrow steep cliffs on the side."
Weather unpredictability: Mountain conditions can change rapidly year-round. One camper at Dungeness Forks mentioned "March we woke up to snow just fair warning." Even summer visitors should pack rain gear and warm clothing for overnight temperature drops.
Look for educational trails: Some campgrounds feature learning opportunities for children. At Fort Ebey, families can enjoy "a beautiful hike around Lake Pondilla with interpretive signage naming the native moss and lichen." These shorter, informative trails keep children engaged while teaching about local ecology.
Choose campgrounds with exploration options: Kinney Point State Park Campground offers boat-in only sites that appeal to adventurous families. "This is a great boat-in-only site. No running water but vault toilets. No reservations. Rack for kayaks above high tide," notes one visitor. The paddle-in requirement creates a memorable adventure for older children.
Prepare for wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds feature regular wildlife sightings. One camper at Fort Ebey mentioned, "We've camped here a few times, and we've seen wildlife each time, mostly deer. It's a good place to make memories!" Teaching children about respectful wildlife viewing enhances the experience.
Limited hookup options: Most Olympic Peninsula campgrounds have minimal or no RV services. While Lena Lake Campground is primarily for tent camping, RVers should note that most nearby options require self-contained units. "Great hiking trails. The road and campground can experience washouts certain times of the year," warns one visitor about access issues.
Consider length restrictions: Forest Service roads and national park routes often restrict larger vehicles. "The drive to the site was accurately steep with little room on either side. Our 19ft campervan made it up and down but a car did need to pull off to the side for us and back up a ways for us to squeeze by," noted a Dungeness Forks visitor who added, "We did not tow anything behind us and I wouldn't recommend it."
Best tent camping near Port Ludlow: RVers seeking the authentic experience sometimes downsize to tents for access to premier locations. At Slab Camp/Deer Ridge Trailhead, a visitor noted there are "about 5 sites with rock fire pits and a decent amount of space," making it suitable for car camping even without hiking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Port Ludlow, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Port Ludlow, WA is Kinney Point State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 96 tent camping locations near Port Ludlow, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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