The Puget Sound region offers RV camping options within 20-50 miles of Wauna, Washington. Located on the Kitsap Peninsula, Wauna sits at approximately 200 feet elevation with typical Pacific Northwest weather patterns including mild summers and rainy winters. Most RV campgrounds near Wauna operate with higher occupancy from May through September when temperatures average 65-75°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Shellfish harvesting opportunities: At Mike's Beach Resort, the Hood Canal location provides excellent shellfish gathering. "If you like oysters and clams, this place is perfect. It's not fancy, tent sites don't have privacy between them. However, we had a blast here," notes one visitor who enjoyed the seafood options.
Hiking trail access: Lake Pleasant RV Park features walking paths around its property with connections to regional trails. A camper mentions, "Around the perimeter of the park are short hiking trails through the trees — somewhat steep gravel trails that give you an added level of workout over laps around the park." For longer excursions, "the walk/run to the Samammish River trail and/or Burke Gilman trail is less than 2 miles down the road."
Water activities: Brinnon's waterfront location makes it ideal for paddleboarding and boating. One visitor at Cove RV Park notes, "Oceanside view stay, beautiful scenery, calm waters which is perfect for paddle boarding. You can dig for clams and oysters by paying cash to the office for your gatherings."
What campers like
Convenient proximity to services: Eagle Tree RV Park in Poulsbo balances natural settings with urban conveniences. A reviewer notes, "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 facilities received particular praise: "At half the cost of the local laundromats, and with twice the machines I'm used to at a campground this size."
Wildlife viewing: The natural pond setting at Lake Pleasant creates wildlife viewing opportunities directly from campsites. "The grounds are quiet... truly silent... save for the many geese that call the lake in the center of the property their home," writes one camper who found it "rather amusing & charming." Another mentions "Lots of geese, ducks, and bunnies are around the property."
Privacy between sites: Several parks implement landscaping to create separation between camping spots. One camper at Lake Pleasant appreciated the "Great privacy hedges between spots." At Tall Chief Campground in Fall City, a visitor noted, "Most sites are pretty big too. We can easily fit our trailer, tow vehicle, and extra vehicle and still have space!"
What you should know
Cell reception variability: Coverage fluctuates significantly between and within campgrounds. At Tall Chief Campground, a reviewer cautions, "Another thing that can be annoying is trying to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees. They definitely have a few, but I would say arrive early so you can drive by all the sites while checking to make sure you have good reception if you need it." The same reviewer reported speeds varying from "120+ mbs download on AT&T in my site right now, but several sites down from me, it can dwindle down to 5mbs!"
Seasonal limitations: Some RV parks operate only during warmer months. The Cove RV Park in Brinnon runs "seasonally from April 1 to October 31" while Mike's Beach Resort operates from "May 1 to Oct 31" according to campground information.
Electrical system limitations: Power infrastructure at older campgrounds may not support modern RV demands. A camper at Tall Chief experienced challenges during a heat wave: "We ended up here during a heat wave and an entire section of the park blew after having several days of power issues (one of which was our site)."
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor received mixed feedback regarding child amenities. One camper noted it's "Pet friendly, but not many attractions for children (no playground, no pool)." When selecting a family-oriented park, verify recreational facilities before booking.
Recreation facilities: Tall Chief offers multiple activity options for children. A camper mentions, "The pool, miniature golf, playground and basketball were great." Another visitor commented on the "immaculate" bathrooms that have "a great 'spa' feeling to their design and make you feel like you are glamping."
Safety considerations: Roadside campgrounds require extra vigilance with children and pets. A visitor to Mike's Beach Resort observed the campground is "located right on HWY 101. The highway is all that separates it from the canal," suggesting close supervision is necessary for families with small children.
Tips from RVers
Honey wagon services: When staying at parks without sewer connections, plan for waste management. At Tall Chief, a camper notes, "No sewer connections which can be a bummer, but the nice bathrooms make up for it." Another mentioned, "We don't have room for one so we used a pumping service halfway through our time there. The park provided the information for the service. It was $60 though."
Site selection strategy: At several Wauna-area RV campgrounds, early arrival allows better site selection. "If you need/want 50-amp service, arrive early as these sites fill quickly," advises a frequent camper. Another suggests, "Look at monthly rates if you staying more than two weeks."
Storage options: For those needing to leave their RV temporarily, Lake Pleasant RV Park provides on-site storage. A camper explains, "They also have a small storage lot that can accommodate short storage. I camped, stored my camper while I went on a cruise, camped and then headed out for the remainder of an around the country journey."
