Dosewallips State Park, only 60 miles north of Olympia, is the eastern gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. The region is made up of forests, mountains, rivers, beaches and deltas – and surrounded by sound and sea. This freshwater/saltwater park makes a perfect day or weekend trip. It can also serve as a base from which to explore the historic forts and charming small towns to the north, or the first night on a grand road trip around the peninsula.
The park's moss-carpeted forest and glacial river slope down to a shell-strewn delta on Hood Canal, a delight for clam-diggers, anglers, boaters, birders and beach explorers. The park features riverside campsites, cabins and five-person platform tents.
Guests may share space with the local elk herds that wander through camp. (Stay back 100 feet, and never offer food.) Bald eagles have been seen on the beach and great blue herons flock to the river.
The evening may find you grilling up a shellfish dinner and retiring to your cabin or tent, where you'll fall asleep to the sound of the river, enchanted by this lush, green corner of the country.
PARK FEATURES
Dosewallips State Park is a 1,064-acre, year-round camping park with 5 miles of shoreline on Hood Canal and the Dosewallips River. All camp areas are grassy and located in scenic, rustic settings.
ADA AMENITIES/FACILITIES
Cabin
Campground
Restroom
PICNIC & DAY-USE FACILITIES
The park provides one kitchen shelter without electricity and six sheltered picnic tables. There are braziers and restrooms. Picnic shelters are reservable.
ACTIVITIES
TRAILS
5 miles of hiking trails
WATER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
Boating (freshwater/saltwater)
Clamming
Crabbing
Fishing (freshwater/saltwater)
Oysters
OTHER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
Amphitheater
Beach exploration
Bird watching
Wildlife viewing
BOATING FEATURES
The park does not have a formal swimming area, but park visitors may enjoy swimming in the river. Please note the river can be swift and not suitable for young children.
There is a watercraft launch 7 miles south of the park at Triton Cove State Park.
Launching a boat at a state park requires one of the following:
An annual launch permit (Natural Investment Permit; or
An annual Discover Pass and a daily launch permit; or
A one-day Discover Pass and a daily launch permit.
CAMPSITE INFORMATION
All campsites are on the reservation system. The campground has 75 tent spaces, 48 utility sites, three platform tents, twelve cabins, one dump station, three restrooms (one ADA), and two showers (one ADA). Maximum site length is 40 feet (limited availability). During winter months (Dec. 1 through March 1), the campground is winterized and only sites 21-29 have water. Winter water supply is still available.
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time is 1 p.m.