Jefferson County campgrounds open for season

PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County campgrounds at Lake Leland, Quilcene and Oak Bay opened for the season Saturday, and none requires reservations.

“We are looking forward to a great season,” said Matt Tyler, Jefferson County Parks and Recreation manager, in a news release. “You don’t need a reservation or a Discover Pass to use our campgrounds.”

The Lake Leland and Quilcene campgrounds opened under new management this year. After six years as a volunteer, Clayton White stepped down from his role maintaining the two camps.

This year, that role has been taken over by Quilcene resident Jeff Lucia, who was hired in 2016. Lucia will work as a part-time employee, maintaining the area and assisting campers at the Lake Leland and Quilcene campgrounds.

A fee is charged to use Jefferson County campgrounds overnight. No fee is charged to simply enter any of the county’s parks or campgrounds.

The nightly campsite fees are $25 for electric sites and $20 for non-electric at Upper Oak Bay; $25 at Lower Oak Bay; $18 at Lake Leland; and $15 at Quilcene.

The bicycle-only rate is $10, and the extra vehicle fee for more vehicles than 2, with trailers counting as 1, is $10.

Jefferson County campgrounds opened for the season with improvements made since last year, according to Tyler.

“With the generous support of the Lodging Tax Committee, we have made improvements like surfacing, new picnic tables, information kiosks, entrance signs, campsite maps, fire-rings and professional maintenance. They look great,” Tyler said.

“We have consolidated some sites and rearranged others to make more room at Quilcene and Oak Bay campgrounds.”

The Quilcene campground, located next to the Quilcene Community Center at 294952 U.S. Highway 101, has nine spaces open this year for $15 per night. Campers have access to a newly resurfaced basketball court, tennis courts, picnic shelter, playground, water and garbage surfaces.

The campground is close to the Herb Beck Marina, which offers access to Hood Canal, and is near a number of popular hikes including Mount Walker.

“Quilcene is wonderful because a family can actually come and have an affordable vacation here, surrounded by attractions, with no stress, no Discover Pass required, for not much money — sort of how camping used to be in my mind,” Tyler said.

Lake Leland has 22 campsites and is located on the lake just off Highway 101 a few miles from Quilcene. The lake boasts plenty of fishing, but the campground does not have water available, so visitors are urged to bring plenty of drinking water.

Closer to Port Townsend, the Upper Oak Bay campground has 20 campsites available, and Lower Oak Bay, located on the sand spit right on the bay, has nine sites available this year.

“You don’t need a reservation or a Discover Pass to use our campgrounds. You can almost always find a good site, except for maybe July 4 weekend, when you might want to come early,” Tyler said.

Campers are required to keep their dogs on leashes and camp in designated spots only. No alcohol or marijuana is allowed.

“This is state law, and we are strict about it,” Tyler said.

“These are family campgrounds, and we have a long-established tradition of quiet and peaceful camping.

“People return year after year to enjoy nature and the local attractions. Our camp hosts and staff do a wonderful job keeping things nice for our visitors,” Tyler said.

Camps are first-come, first-served and have a seven-day limit. Checkout time is 3 p.m., and quiet hours are from 9 p.m. until 9 a.m. daily.

Find out more at www.countyrec.com.

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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.