Washington's Bainbridge Island Park Has Scenic Camping With Breathtaking Views Of Puget Sound And Mount Rainier

From lush natural spaces and waterfront landscapes to walkable streets, Bainbridge Island has a lot to offer, making it perfect for both day trips and overnight getaways in Washington. You can access its cafes, wineries, and museums just by hopping on a ferry from Seattle, but if a rustic escape is what you seek, Fay Bainbridge Park might pique your interest. Located on the northeast part of the island, this outdoor destination comprises only 17 acres. Despite its modest size, the park delivers sweeping views, with scenic vistas stretching across Puget Sound to Seattle and even Mount Rainier when the sky is clear.

Spanning 1,420 feet of shoreline along the Sound, Fay Bainbridge Park lets you stroll across its beach, where sand and pebbles meet the water. Clusters of washed-up driftwood add to the rugged character of the waterfront — some travelers like to climb them or build structures with them, while others simply walk alongside them. One visitor even claimed that this spot is "one of the best beaches on the island."

While the breathtaking vistas and rugged beach make this park a great place to spend an afternoon, you can immerse yourself in the wild scenery by pitching a tent at the campground. Take advantage of camping right by the saltwater beach, with both RV and primitive sites. There are also several cabin rentals available for those who'd like a sturdier base. Expect your outdoor experience to be full of picturesque views. To admire all of this for yourself, make your way to the Seattle Ferry Terminal to catch the ferry to the island. The journey takes around 35 minutes. From the terminal, you can either drive 15 minutes to the park or take a short bus ride followed by a 20-minute walk.

If one day isn't enough for you to take in all the sights at Fay Bainbridge Park, bring your RV or tent for a night by the Sound. The campground boasts 44 sites that cater to RVs and tents. Of the total, 26 offer electric and water hookups, one of which is ADA-accessible. The remaining sites are tent-only, four of which operate on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites accommodate up to eight people. During the peak seasons, make sure to reserve your site in advance and brush up on common campground etiquette rules.

You can also book one of the five park cabins if you plan on staying for at least two nights. Two of the cabins have a 198-square-foot layout, equipped with tables, chairs, and beds — note that you're responsible for bringing your own bedding. The third cabin is larger at 240 square feet with similar amenities, while the remaining two are 280 square feet. Visitors can stay for a maximum of 10 nights every 30 days in the campsites and cabins. Pet owners will be happy to know that both campsites and cabins accommodate dogs, as long as they're kept on leash.

Campers have access to several facilities, such as restrooms, water spigots, and picnic tables. There are also two shelters in the park, with space for up to 50 people. During downtime, you can play a fun game of horseshoes or have a friendly volleyball match. The little ones can even run around the pirate ship-themed playground. All in all, the campground pairs its waterfront scenery with plenty of convenient amenities. As one camper put it: "Probably the best camping beach I've visited yet! Fay Bainbridge Park offers a fantastic camping experience with its beautiful beach and well-maintained facilities."

Bainbridge Island is known for its artsy vibes, wine scene, and eclectic boutiques, but it's just as charming when it comes to Puget Sound views, especially at Fay Bainbridge Park. Head to the beach from the campground — you can take the trails or opt for a boardwalk stroll. You have 1,420 feet of waterfront to enjoy, where you can take serene walks along the pebbly shoreline, with several portions piled high with massive driftwood logs. As you meander along the beach, you'll notice that past visitors have built makeshift structures with the driftwood. You can make your own structure, climb over the driftwood, or simply observe, provided you don't remove any from the beach.

When it comes to vistas, "the beach offers incredible views of Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains, and, on a clear day, Mount Rainier," says a previous visitor. Head there on a bright, cloudless afternoon to take in the panorama. Anyone interested in marine life will be excited to learn that some of the best views at the park involve whales. Fay Bainbridge Park is part of a network of over 100 shore-based viewing sites — you have the opportunity to spot orcas during the winter. Other whales can also make an appearance, such as gray, humpback, and minke whales. As for the rest of the year, chances are you'll spot harbor seals, California sea lions, and river otters.

While you're there, don't forget to enjoy a bit of beachcombing. If you're only spending part of the day at the park, use the rest of your time to explore more of the island. You can drive 15 minutes southwest to check out Bainbridge Gardens, Washington's historic island garden that provides an ethereal escape.