Janet W.
Scout
ScoutPort Ludlow RV Park
Nice place, but closing 10/31/2026
It 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!
Camping near Wauna, WA
266 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Puget Sound waterfront camping dominates the landscape around Wauna, Washington, with multiple state parks offering shoreline access. Notable options include Penrose Point State Park and Dash Point State Park, both providing a mix of tent and RV camping in forested settings near saltwater beaches. Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor represents one of the few private RV resorts in the region, offering full hookups and amenities like laundry facilities. Most campgrounds in the Wauna area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several also offering cabin or glamping options for those seeking additional comfort.
Campground access generally remains consistent year-round, though seasonal considerations affect amenities and availability. Most state parks in the region operate throughout the year, but some amenities may be limited during winter months. "The campground is quiet, except for the nearby construction. The staff is super friendly and accommodating," noted one visitor to Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor. Reservation requirements vary by location, with most established campgrounds requiring advance booking, especially during summer weekends. Joemma Beach State Park represents one of the few dispersed camping options in the area but is only open from March through October. Weather in the Puget Sound region can bring significant rainfall during fall and winter, making spring and summer the most comfortable camping seasons.
Waterfront views and beach access constitute the primary attractions for campers in the Wauna area. Several visitors highlighted the importance of tide schedules when planning activities. "We had a great time exploring the beaches. Sites were reasonably private and quiet at night," reported one camper at Penrose Point State Park. The tall trees provide ample shade at most campgrounds, with many sites featuring enough coverage to protect from both sun and light rain. Wildlife sightings include seals, various shorebirds, and occasionally raccoons visiting campsites. Campground noise levels generally remain moderate, though holiday weekends can bring increased activity. Tight spacing between sites is common at Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor, while state parks typically offer more separation between camping areas. Most locations provide clean restroom facilities, though shower availability and water pressure can vary by campground.
Best Campgrounds near Wauna (266)
1. Dash Point State Park Campground
"Firstly, I just have to say what a positive and amazing experience I had at this campground. The volunteers were friendly, kind and absolutely awesome to interact with."
"The campground itself is tucked into a beautiful, forested area with plenty of trees and privacy between sites. Ours had a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table."
from $23 - $74 / night
Check Availability2. Penrose Point State Park Campground
"Pros: group camp is very close to beach front area, GREAT CLAMMING AND OYSTERING!"
"Penrose Point State Park is a great place close to Seattle to go camping in a small or large group. It's tent or camper friendly with plenty of spots for busier seasons."
from $12 - $72 / night
Check Availability3. Belfair State Park Campground
"Often our first or last trip of the year, due to its proximity to the greater Seattle area. Most of the folks we meet are from western Washington. "
"On the water of the Hood Canal, it offered more family activities than many of the parks around. The campground itself is situated close to the water with several loops, tightly packed together."
from $12 - $61 / night
Check Availability4. Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor
"Close by stores, trails, parks, harbor. Tacoma across bridge (10 minutes - $6.25 toll)."
"Costco, Home Depot, Albertsons and other shopping close by."
from $57 - $104 / night
Check Availability5. Manchester State Park Campground
"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."
from $12 - $250 / night
Check Availability6. Twanoh State Park Campground
"Location was clean, easy to access and feels like a world away from the busy cities close by."
"This is clean and well-maintained state campground that offers nice access to the southern tip of Hood Canal, although you have to cross Rt. 106 to get to the waterside picnic area and docks, and that"
from $12 - $41 / night
Check Availability7. Dosewallips State Park Campground
"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."
from $12 - $61 / night
Check Availability8. Joemma Beach State Park Campground
"We arrived little later around 6 p.m. And being such a nice day there were only few sites left."
"Conveniently located right next to the bathroom with an area for parking two vehicles. I have AT&T and had good service in this spot."
from $12 / night
Check Availability9. Jarrell Cove State Park Campground
"Tucked away remote campsite in a forest next to estuary. Two sites have hookups. Clean restrooms with shower."
"Site 8 is a pull through and is very large, but not so private as everyone walking to the main dock walks right past your site."
from $12 - $70 / night
Check Availability10. Lakebay Getaway
"The location is great, so close to the water, Penrose and other peninsula activities."
"Great location if you want to relax and take long walks at nearby state parks and beaches. Robyn is a spectacular host who was great to communicate with. We will be coming back."
from $50 / night
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Drive Time
- 16 min from Bremerton, WA
- 42 min from Olympia, WA
- 48 min from Seattle, WA
- 1 hr 42 min from Mount Vernon, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Wauna, WA
305 Photos of 266 Wauna Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor
Macie's BrookC
Penrose Point State Park CampgroundJ
Lakebay GetawayR
Belfair State Park Campground
Jarrell Cove State Park Campground
Joemma Beach State Park Campground
Dash Point State Park Campground
Manchester State Park Campground
Twanoh State Park Campground
Christmas Tree Ridge
Tahuya River Campground
Recent Reviews near Wauna, WA
1264 Reviews of 266 Wauna Campgrounds
Ryan M.ScoutDash Point State Park Campground
Pretty but deceiving
I wanted to like this campground, but I wouldn’t stay here again for more than maybe one night.
There are signs EVERYWHERE warning about theft, which immediately tells you something about the area. I didn’t have anything stolen, but I was extremely careful about what I left out.
The biggest problem is that you’re basically on your own after hours. There is no campground host, no posted after-hours ranger number, and no non-emergency number at the campground or through the park’s phone system. The staff hours also seem very limited and inconsistent. I arrived around 6:30 PM and nobody was there, and staff didn’t seem to return until around 9–10 AM.
The bathrooms were dirty, out of toilet paper, and the showers were cold. One morning there was a large unleashed dog in the women’s bathroom that growled at me while its owner was showering. I believe she may have been homeless and using the facilities. Again, there was nobody around to contact about it.
Another night, people were extremely loud until almost midnight. Same problem: no host, no ranger and no non-emergency number. Unless something is serious enough for 911, you’re left to deal with it yourself.
There are also a lot of homeless people and visible drug addicts/drug activity around Federal Way. I had been warned about the area before coming here, and I understand why.
The park itself is pretty and might be fine for a quick overnight stay, but for multiple nights, I wouldn’t recommend it. Between the theft warnings, lack of after-hours staff, weird staffing hours, and no way to report non-emergency problems, I never really felt comfortable settling into my campsite.
- JJ M.
TravelerPorter Creek
Perfect beginner and family spot
I went here with my fiance in September. Went on a Friday and there was only 1 other group. Theres about 16 sites from what I saw. Its free as well but first come first served. Getting to it is pretty easy and straight forward aswell, heads up the road turns to gravel and it can get narrow. Most of the sites are along the creek which was very beautiful. Theres also 2 trails in walking distance aswell. Most sites also have a table, and metal fab firepit. Theres also a few out houses for restrooms.
Matt G.
GuideNF-2419 Dispersed Site
Little pulloff good for a night
The roads were fair to get to it, little bumpy. Right off road but not alot of traffic. You do have cell coverage here so thats nice. Bring anything you want of need, nothings but trees and the sky are close.
- TTodd K.Scout
Home Sweet Home — Olympic National Park
Nice spot close to the beach, flat grassy spots for a tent. Many spaces aren’t very big. Great set up for RVs.
This site, like many on the Oregon coaster were set up for RVs and camper vans, but not so much for tents. At $68 a night for out of state, it’s too expensive. They should have sites just for tents that are cheaper.
Dustin W.GuideAmerican Heritage Campground
Nostalgic Americana
We had such a wonderful stay at American Heritage Campground! The campground has a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere, and you can really feel the history and care that has gone into the property over the years.
We stayed at site 6 which was right by the playground, laundry, pool (closed for the season), and 2 individual bathrooms. There’s more bathrooms in the main bath house with showers! Our site was also able to use the WiFi since it was close to the front of the campground
A huge part of what made our stay so special was our host, Rita. She was incredibly kind, welcoming, and made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. Learning that the campground has been in her family for over 40 years makes the experience even more meaningful. You can tell how much pride and love she has for the campground and the people who visit.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, relaxing place to stay in Olympia with a personal touch that you just don’t get at the big commercial campgrounds, we highly recommend American Heritage Campground. We’re grateful we got to meet Rita and experience a little piece of her family’s history. We’ll definitely be back!
Edit: we walked around in the morning and found the farm (sheep and chickens), frisbee golf, horse shoes, volleyball and a pavilion. This would be such a fun spot in the summer!
- MMichael G.Traveler
Minerva Beach RV & Mobile Village Resort
Poorly Managed
There is single camp-host here, the facility’s are in a deep state of disrepair, and the campground is overcrowded when full.
- FFraun P.Guide
Coho Campground
Beautiful! Campsites are spaced out.
Quiet campground! Beautiful rainforest features. No showers. Clean flush toilet restrooms. Welcoming and friendly camp host. Long drive off 101 to get here.
- Charlie Y.Guide
Lake Pleasant RV Park
Cross country travelers
Nice urban RV campground.,..good location and price if you are visiting the Seattle area.....I would camp here again if need be. Clean, safe, secure
Guide to Wauna
Camping near Wauna, Washington offers direct access to sheltered inlets of southern Puget Sound with tidal fluctuations of 12-14 feet in many locations. The area sits at the base of the Kitsap Peninsula where dense Douglas fir forests meet saltwater shorelines, creating distinct microclimates that shelter campers from prevailing winds. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing while summer highs typically stay below 85°F, making three-season camping viable at most established sites.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Dosewallips State Park on Hood Canal provides excellent elk spotting opportunities. "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 from Dosewallips State Park Campground.
Beachcombing: Best at low tide. The tidal changes expose rocky shorelines perfect for exploring. "As the tide comes and goes, so does the water fowl. Nice campground, open sites, full hook ups," explains Kari R. at Belfair State Park. Plan activities around tide charts posted at most waterfront campgrounds.
Hiking: Forest trails vary in difficulty. Manchester State Park offers military history alongside nature trails. "Took a quick trip out to this local spot. Pleasantly surprised how private the sites are. Very well maintained! A quick walk to the beach, old torpedo building, trails. We had a great time taking a little hike along the water," shares Heather M.
Clamming and oyster harvesting: Seasonal availability. Several beaches permit shellfish collection with proper licensing. "We loved this spot! A quick walk from camp and your picking oysters from Hood Canal. Amazing! The swimming was great too. We also hiked the trail out of camp which was a pretty, wooded trail," explains Blaine B. at Twanoh State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Penrose Point State Park receives praise for well-spaced campsites. "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. Sites nestled among native vegetation create natural barriers between neighbors.
Clean facilities: Important for longer stays. Manchester State Park maintains high standards. "Shady in a lot of areas. Facilities were good and trails around are fun and easy enough for me and 2 kids. The beach and its tides are why we came," shares Ingrid M. Most state parks provide token-operated hot showers.
Beach access: Quality varies by location. Dash Point offers both forest and shore experience. "Easy to find, great access to the sound & creek, sites had plenty of tent space. Well forested, potable water & fire rings, bathrooms were clean," reports Lee C. Sites closest to water typically book months in advance during summer.
Wildlife encounters: Morning and evening activity. Jarrell Cove State Park provides ample viewing opportunities. "Recently we spent the 4th of July weekend at Jarrell Cove and we had a great time. The campground is very family friendly (we have a toddler) and quiet... I read previous reviews and they do have deer that roam and when we pulled up there was one at our site to greet us," mentions Nicole L.
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect some sites. Joemma Beach State Park operates March through October only. "Small and Beautiful Campground. Joemma State Park campground is no longer all first come first serve only. It is now reservable online, but if you get there and there is an available spot it is $12 a night that you pay at site," reports Diamond A.
Site spacing varies dramatically. Campgrounds with less buffer space can feel crowded during peak periods. At Twanoh State Park, "The campsites are all cramped together right next to the roadway. There's no vegetation so you can see just about every site/camper from any site you choose," warns Justin L.
Airport noise affects some locations. Campgrounds closer to Seattle experience flight path disturbances. "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), so if you don't mind the noise, or LOVE airplanes (like we do), this is an Awesome campground!!!" explains Travis P. about Saltwater State Park.
Cell service fluctuates by location. Coverage improves closer to urban areas but diminishes in more remote settings. At Jarrell Cove, one camper noted "zero Verizon cell service" while at Joemma Beach State Park, another mentioned, "I have AT&T and had good service in this spot."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beaches: Dash Point State Park offers gentle shorelines suitable for younger children. "Beautiful weather and close escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Clean facilities as well!" shares Braden T. The park features day-use lake access and multiple play areas.
Cabin options: Available at select parks. Several locations offer alternatives to tent camping. "We are squeaky new to RVing. This place was great! Clean, friendly staff, everything we needed and more! They even had a dog wash," mentions Sunflower E. about Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor. State parks like Belfair and Dosewallips also offer cabins or platform tents.
Junior ranger programs: Educational activities. Programs run seasonally at larger parks. "Our family of four tent camped for three nights in this happy go lucky campground. The grounds, including bathrooms, were well maintained and the kids enjoyed taking part in the junior ranger program," notes Sarah H. at Penrose Point.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule accordingly. "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. about their stay at Dosewallips State Park.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Belfair State Park Campground offers comprehensive services. "Nice pull throughs but waterfront. No sewer hookup and only 2 sites with electric and water. Great kayaking too," says Mike K. about nearby Jarrell Cove. Site reservation systems typically allow filtering by hookup type.
Site size considerations: Length restrictions vary. Larger RVs fit best at designated parks. "We camped here in a early September last year. We enjoyed being so close to the water for swimming and floating. It's also just a short drive into town to get supplies," shares Becky R. at Belfair State Park.
Dump station locations: Not universal. "Only had 2 night here, but it was quiet and very enjoyable. Spacious lots. No sewer at our site, but we did have electrical and water. Dump station close by worked great on exit," notes Lauren M. about Dosewallips State Park. Some smaller parks like Jarrell Cove lack onsite dump facilities.
Year-round accessibility: Manchester State Park remains open through winter months. "We came here a year or two ago and decided to return. Great place as always! We stayed in spot 8 with our 20' camper. Electric and water only. Plenty of vegetation to separate campers," says Brennon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Wauna, WA?
What camping is available near Wauna, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wauna, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 266 campgrounds and RV parks near Wauna, WA and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Wauna, WA?
Which is the most popular campground near Wauna, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wauna, WA is Dash Point State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 78 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wauna, WA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wauna, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Wauna, WA.
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