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Dosewallips State Park
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.
For more information on fishing seasons, regulations and the federally protected species that swim in these waters, please visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
ada amenities/facilities
- Cabin
- Campground
- Restroom
Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities.
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
- 3.5 miles of hiking trails
Water activities & features
- Clamming
- Crabbing
- Fishing (freshwater/saltwater)
- Oysters
Other activities & features
- Amphitheater
- Beach exploration
- Bird watching
- Wildlife viewing
In summer months, campfire programs are conducted on most weekends.
Additional information
- There is a wildlife viewing platform, and vast areas are open for field sports.
- Freshwater activities are nearby on the banks of the Dosewallips River, and saltwater activities can be found on nearby Hood Canal.
- A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- Printable park brochure (PDF).
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.
A daily watercraft launching permit for $7 and a trailer dumping permit for $5 is available at the park. Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available. Additional information can be found in the Boating Program.
Campsite information
All campsites are on the reservation system. The campground has 37 tent spaces, 58 utility sites, twelve cabins, one dump station, four restrooms (one ADA), and two showers (one ADA). Maximum site length is 40 feet (limited availability). During winter months (November 15 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.
Overnight accommodations
The 12 cabins at Dosewallips are situated among evergreen trees looking towards the Olympic Mountains. Each cabin is 10-by-26-feet in size and features a 6-foot covered front porch, electric heat, lights, and locking doors. Cabins have a bunk that sleeps 3 people and a futon that sleeps 2 people. No cooking facilities inside the cabins. Bathrooms and showers are nearby. Outside is a picnic table and fire grill. Cabins C1 thru C5 and C76 are pet-friendly. Cabins C1 and C75 are ADA.
Reservations & fees
Reservations can be made online or by calling 888-CAMPOUT (888-226-7688). For fee information, check out our camping rates page.
Services & supplies
There is firewood for sale in the park. Shower tokens can be purchased from a vending machine outside the ranger station.
Park maps
Weather forecast
Contact Us
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Dosewallips State Park
306996 Highway 101
Brinnon, WA 98320
Phone: (360) 796-4415
Campsite & group accommodations
Phone: (888) 226-7688
Hours
Summer
8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Winter
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Reservations are accepted year round.
Park winter schedule