Dungeness Recreation Area is known as the portal to the Dungeness Spit, but there is a lot more to discover before you arrive at the National Wildlife Refuge. Picnic on the bluff, watch the shipping lanes and catch a glimpse of Mt. Baker. Providing the starting point of a great adventure, the Park offers many amenities. The virtues include a 1-mile long scenic bluff trail with picnic sites, a pocket picnic area, a group picnic area with shelter, equestrian trails, and a 100-acre upland bird hunting area that is open Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays during the general hunting season.
While you are taking advantage of the rain-shadow, allowing about 18 inches of rain a year in the area, take the time to spot the upland birds prior to dropping down to the beach and the shoreline species. Witness Northern Harriers suspended in air while they look to snare a lunch, eavesdrop on a warbler's serenade, and become enchanted with the melancholy cooing of the Mourning Dove.
Beyond the camping loops and the group picnic/camp area is the entrance to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. There is a large parking lot and an ADA accessible restroom available year round.
Camping Information
The campground is open from February 1st through September 30th. There are 64 premium campsites, with two camp host sites, located on a bluff above the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The camp area is in a forested portion of the Park, arranged in two loops. Please refer to the Park map for specific site descriptions and photos.
There are two ADA accessible campsites (# 17 and 60). Two fully ADA accessible restrooms, with coin-operated showers, are available. There is no charge for paying campers to use the dump station. Firewood bundles are available for purchase. Water faucets are scattered throughout the Park.
Beginning February 1, 2008, one-half of the campsites may be reserved. Campsites #34 through 66 may be reserved. The remaining sites, # 1 through 33 will be available on a first-come-first-served basis (# 18 and 21 are camp host sites). All reservation applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Park, at which you wish to make the reservation.
Reservation forms are available by downloading from this website. Click on "Individual Campsite Reservation Form". Two copies of the Individual Campsite Reservation Form will need to be mailed for each reservation you desire. After your reservation has been confirmed or rejected, one copy will remain at the Park and one copy will be returned. Also, one signed copy of the Policy and Regulation form must accompany the reservation requests.
Printed forms are available by mail from the Park or going to the County Parks Office, at the Courthouse in Port Angeles. The printed forms will be a two part, non-carbon form. Only one printed form will be required for each reservation you desire.
At Dungeness, reservation applications will be accepted for the camping season, from February through September. Reservations will need to be confirmed at least 14 days prior to the desired date. Just click on "2008 Reservation Procedures" form for a complete rundown of the proper procedure for making reservations.
Currently, we are unable to process credit or debit cards. All payments must be by cash, check, or money order. Cash sent through the mail is done at your risk.
Beginning in 2009 and continuing from that point forward, reservations will be accepted beginning on or postmarked January 2nd or the first working day after New Year's Day. Those postmarked on or prior to January 1st will be rejected and returned.
This is a new venture for the Clallam County Parks system. There will undoubtedly be some bumps and glitches in the process. We ask that you have patience as we start up this service. We made a deliberate decision to begin the reservation service as a mail-in process to maintain control at a local level, keep our fees down, and retain all the funds within the County. In the future, we may find it prudent to convert to an internet application. The catalyst for the reservation system came from camper comments. If you have questions regarding the reservation process, please contact the Park. If you have suggestions or comments on the reservation system, please email your remarks to: bgiddens@co.clallam.wa.us or phone 360.565.2659, Bruce Giddens, Parks and Fair Supervisor.
Hours of Operation
The campground is open February 1 through September 30 each year, with other Park facilities open year round. The Park gate is closed at dusk and is managed by a resident Park Manager who lives on the site year round. Campers leaving the Park should plan to return before the posted gate hours.
Camp Fees
|
Clallam County residents |
$16.00/night |
|
Non-County residents |
$18.00/night |
|
Hiker/Biker site |
$5.00/night |
|
Extra vehicle |
$5.00/night |
|
Firewood |
$5.00/bundle |
|
Coin-operated showers |
Nominal charge |
Basic Campground Regulations
Additional Information
Park Hosts: Opportunities for park hosts are available at this Park, and those interested in being a Park Host should contact the Park Manager.
Dungeness Spit: The Park also serves as a trail head for the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, Spit and Lighthouse, a seven mile long natural sand spit (the longest in the nation). The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service charges a small access fee for those who wish to visit the refuge. This area is a paradise for fowl fans; a wide variety of sea and land birds can be spotted feeding along the beaches. You are likely to see eagles, quail and other resident or migratory wild birds throughout the area. In the tideflats, seals bask in the sun. Also, near the end of the spit is the oldest lighthouse north of the Columbia River, which has been guiding ships safely since 1857. Contact the U.S.F.W.S. at 360-457-8451 for more information on the refuge and spit.
Directions to Dungeness Recreation Area
From Highway 101, between Sequim and Port Angeles, turn north onto Kitchen-Dick Road (near milepost 260). Travel approximately 3-1/2 miles, and the park entrance will be on your left.
Contact Information
Phone: 360-683-5847
Email: ccpdu@olypen.com
Address:
554 Voice of America West, Sequim, WA 98382.