Over An Hour Outside Seattle Is Washington's Lesser-Known Park Filled With Camping Spots And Beach Beauty

Washington's great outdoors are sure something special. The aptly nicknamed Evergreen State is blanketed by old-growth forests and craggy peaks, all hemmed in by stretches of rugged coastline. With all that natural beauty to roam, it's no surprise the place is home to more state parks than most states. Kitsap Memorial State Park doesn't rank among Washington's most famous recreation sites — hello, Deception Pass. But the wilderness area still makes for a good adventure, especially if you enjoy coastal camping, splashing around in the water, and scenic strolls along the beach. 

Kitsap Memorial State Park probably flies under the radar because it's on the smaller side, only covering about 60 acres. It's also fairly off the beaten path, hugging Hood Canal on the edge of the stunning Kitsap Peninsula. If you're coming from Seattle — where Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is located — the recreation area is only about a 1.5-hour drive away by car if you cross the bay via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. 

You can also take the Seattle–Bainbridge Island ferry before continuing your drive up the peninsula, which is generally a faster route. No matter how you choose to get there, this Pacific Northwest retreat offers plenty of reasons to make the trip.

Kitsap Memorial State Park sits just north of Poulsbo, Washington's lesser-known beach town dubbed "Little Norway." The recreation area has about 1,800 feet of shoreline to explore, which sweeps along the waters of the Hood Canal. The narrow saltwater fjord branches off from the Puget Sound, an estuary that stretches out to the Pacific Ocean. The beach may not be that big, but as one visitor shared on Tripadvisor, it definitely "makes up for it with the wonderful views." 

The fjord's peaceful lapping waters draw the eye, especially at sundown. "Beautiful place to watch the sunset!" reads one Google review. The mountain vistas are pretty spectacular, too. One online reviewer said the views of the Olympic Mountains, which are visible on the other side of the water on a clear day, were "to die for." Towering evergreens skirt the shore, which is strewn with rocks and seashells. 

Given the beach's rough surface, you may want to wear sturdy shoes instead of going barefoot. Scout out the tide pools, do a bit of beachcombing, or bring a metal detector to search in areas where the activity is permitted. A variety of critters have been known to scurry about on the beach during low tide, including crabs, starfish, barnacles, oysters, and clams. You may also be able to catch sight of some cool bird species from the shore. Purple martins, Western wood-pewees, surf scoters, and red-breasted sapsuckers have all been spotted on the grounds, per eBird.

The waters around Kitsap Memorial State Park are a haven for watersports, from kayaking to paddleboarding and even scuba diving. Just be sure to freshen up on ways to enjoy underwater diving without harming marine life. Hood Canal is home to octopuses, wolf eels, and harbor seals, among other species. You may even see the occasional six-gilled shark swimming about.

As you can probably tell, Washington's underrated Kitsap Peninsula is a Pacific Northwest basecamp for all kinds of outdoor adventure. Whether you want to pitch a tent or camp out in your RV, the state park has plenty of cozy spots to spend the night once you're ready for a little shut-eye. Kitsap Memorial has 19 standard campsites available year-round with picnic tables and fire rings, along with about a dozen spaces that are equipped with either partial or full hookups. A restroom and showers are also nearby. On Tripadvisor, one camper said that the sites were "very wooded and private," adding that the facilities were all kept clean.

Kitsap Memorial State Park also has four rustic cabins that you can reserve. They sleep up to five people and include the basics, such as a picnic table and fire pit, plus electricity, heating, and air conditioning. If you need a little more room, check out the spacious group camp area, which fits up to 56 campers.