284 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The area surrounding Manchester, Washington provides a variety of developed campgrounds with strong access to Puget Sound and Hood Canal waterways. Manchester State Park Campground serves as a central option with both tent and RV sites, while nearby alternatives include Illahee State Park, Dash Point, and Belfair State Park Campground. These mixed-use campgrounds typically feature standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water. Most established sites in the region support multiple accommodation types including tent camping, RV camping with hookups, and in some locations, cabins or glamping options.
Most state park campgrounds in the Manchester area maintain year-round operations with peak season running May through September. Reservations are highly recommended during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. "Manchester is a great place for hiking, camping and kayaking. The campsites aren't huge but they're all nice and secluded in the trees for privacy," noted one visitor. Several campgrounds offer electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations, though specific amenities vary by location. Campers seeking RV sites with full hookups should target Illahee and Manchester State Parks, while those requiring 50-amp service may need to consider Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor approximately 20 miles south.
The waterfront setting represents a defining characteristic of Manchester area camping, with multiple state parks offering beach access and water views. Several campgrounds provide direct beach frontage or walking trails to shorelines. A camper observed that Manchester State Park features "historical military buildings throughout and a beautiful open air event building overlooking the water. Easy kayak launch site and great hiking trails!" While highway noise can affect some campgrounds closer to major roads, sites within the forested sections typically offer more seclusion. Proximity to urban centers makes these campgrounds popular for weekend trips, with many visitors noting the area serves as an ideal "quick Seattle getaway" without requiring significant travel time. The combination of wooded campsites and water access creates versatile camping options suitable for different preferences.
"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 Availability"Manchester is one of the few campgrounds that's easily bikeable from Seattle. Nice sites that feel relatively secluded and charging available if you have an e-bike like me."
"Manchester is a great place for hiking, camping and kayaking. The campsites aren’t huge but they’re all nice and secluded in the trees for privacy."
from $12 - $250 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 - $95 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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."
from $12 - $141 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $23 - $41 / night
Check Availability"Hike the perimeter trail for views all around the island. It's a great place to stay in the summer months and relax."
"Really fantastic location. Very strict rangers which can be good or bad depending on your preference. Quiet hours are at 10pm which is early for some people so be aware."
from $12 - $70 / night
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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
ScoutFirst off you get what you pay for it's cheap but you're packed like sardines in a gravel lot that looks trashy as hell I didn't go in the restrooms because they don't have stuff there till after 6:00 p.m. so I was terrified by how disgusting they might be on top of it the owner is quite possibly the rudest most inconsiderate and unempathetic human I've ever encountered he gaslit the hell out of me he insulted my intelligence he lied about our conversations that place is so shady there's no checking or check out time written on their forms they will just make up a time that seems appropriate and then if you don't respond and how they like they'll tell you that you have to leave I thought it was just me but after moving to a beautiful Campground I talked to two out of their individuals that told me that they basically told him to F off and they would find somewhere else really horrible business practices and his sister is just as rude as he is trashy place with Shady practices and Shady people running it. Also if you're one that noise bothers you you will hate this because it's right on the highway and you can hear everything from every spot in the park. Especially if you're looking for nightly you can go down the street to the one they recommended and pay $18 less a night for way more beautiful place
ScoutStayed here 2 nights... . sign in and yu can stay for free 3 nights. If yu want electrical and water, it is 20$ . Wifi in the casino. Friendly staff.
ScoutFull Hookups at the waters edge at a marina with great views. But packed together with no picknic table or fire pit. Next to restaurants and shopping. It’s different
GuideStayed Sept 28 to 30th 2026. Nice park, hot showers, clean bathrooms, enjoyed our stay
ScoutConfirming the other review saying this is not legal dispersed camping. Luckily was still daylight when he came but would have been fined after dark. Guy was nice though so 🤷
ScoutIt was a quiet and private place to pull in for the day on my way through the peninsula. The casino is literally across the creek for dinner but is still quiet and feels secluded.
Manchester camping areas offer a mix of wooded and waterfront settings in Washington's Kitsap Peninsula region. Campgrounds typically operate year-round with complete facilities, though summer demand requires advance planning. The region sits at elevations ranging from sea level to 400 feet, creating varied terrain across camping spots near Manchester.
Beach exploration along Hood Canal: Scenic Beach State Park Campground is ideal for rocky shoreline adventures. "The beach is a short walk from camp, just long enough to make you feel like you earned your sunset view, but not so long that you regret your life choices. It's more of a rocky, muddy beach than a sandy one, but it's still great for exploring, skipping rocks, or pretending you're in a moody PNW indie film," shares Saraj B.
Visit historical military sites: Manchester State Park Campground contains preserved structures from its former military use. A camper mentions, "This CG is a hidden jewel located on the east side of Bainbridge island on beautiful rich passage. 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."
Kayaking and water sports: Fay Bainbridge Park provides excellent water access. "Great campground right on the beach. Clean facilities," notes Brook M. Many campers mention the ease of launching kayaks from the shoreline areas with minimal carrying distance.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dosewallips State Park Campground offers frequent wildlife encounters. "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.
Site privacy levels: The natural separation between sites varies significantly across Manchester area campgrounds. At Scenic Beach State Park, "The campground is unique in how private the sites are with an unusual amount of foliage between sites," according to Jeannie P. Similarly, at Dash Point, campers appreciate that "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."
Transportation entertainment: Campers near Manchester enjoy watching maritime traffic. A visitor to Fay Bainbridge notes, "Beautiful beach, great views of Mt. Rainier & Baker on a clear day, cruise ships going by." Many camping spots offer views of Washington State Ferries traversing Puget Sound.
Reservation timing requirements: Summer reservations fill quickly, often months in advance. At Manchester State Park, securing preferred sites requires planning. "We decided to check this camp ground out after our friends had stayed there. Nice wooded campground with access to the water. Some sites have hookups and others are dry camping. Most spots are level," explains Eric P.
Urban proximity effects: Campgrounds closer to metropolitan areas experience more traffic noise and higher usage. For Dash Point State Park Campground, "This is a cute campground, especially if you don't want to be too far from the city. I was impressed by how spread apart the sites were," notes Katie S.
Water conditions: Tidal fluctuations affect beach access at most waterfront campgrounds in the Manchester area. At Belfair State Park, "As the tide comes and goes, so does the water fowl." Some beaches disappear completely at high tide, while others maintain limited shoreline.
Playground access: Belfair State Park Campground offers kid-friendly amenities. "The kids loved the park! The beach was great, water is rather warm for in the sound, it's also pretty shallow which is great for the kids to play in," reports Leah H.
Nature scavenger hunts: Manchester State Park offers educational opportunities. One visitor shared, "Had a great Atlasquest scavenger hunt for the kids." This helps engage younger campers with the park's military history and natural features.
Beach safety considerations: Many beaches near Manchester have sharp shells and slippery rocks. At Fay Bainbridge, the "pirate ship playground for children" provides an alternative to beach play when tides are unfavorable or temperatures drop.
Hookup availability: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor offers the most extensive RV amenities in the region. "Very close to Gig Harbor. Quiet, lots of trees, level gravel sites, and full hook ups available," notes Steven L. The resort also provides specialized facilities like "a dog wash" that appeal to long-term RV travelers.
Site selection strategy: Manchester area campgrounds vary significantly in site dimensions. For Belfair State Park, an RVer advises, "That is the waterfront loop, the tent loop is also quite nice and a bit more private but we have not stayed there. My chief complaint is that there are no restrooms on the waterfront loop, the two closest being fully public and free to use."
Off-season advantages: Visiting Manchester camping spots during spring or fall provides better availability and quieter experiences. "We stayed here in May and had wonderful weather. Close enough to town for any necessities but far enough to get the secluded feeling," shares Joseph from Illahee State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Manchester, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Manchester, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 284 campgrounds and RV parks near Manchester, WA and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Manchester, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Manchester, WA is Dash Point State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 79 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Manchester, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Manchester, WA.
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