RV Rental Shine Tidelands State Park, WA

One of the best ways to see the park when RV camping in Shine Tidelands State Park in all its natural glory is to simply go for a walk. Different times of the day and different seasons give the area a new lease of life, but the sparkling water and surrounding wetlands will never fail to impress. After a gentle stroll along the beach, make use of one of the four unsheltered picnic tables which are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

With so much water bordering Shine Tidelands State Park, it is hardly surprising that kayaking is also a particularly popular activity. The park allows for primitive boat launching of personal watercraft, and there is no fee, so it is worth bringing along your boat in your rental RV.

The low tide begins to bring the oysters and clams out of hiding, which makes the park a popular place to go motorhome camping for shellfish harvesters. The beach does not require a very low tide to access a good clamming habitat, and as soon as the water subsides a little, a good number of native littleneck clams appear. Butter clams can also be found over much of the beach, as well as horse clams buried in the mud. If you look hard enough, you may even be able to find some natural oysters. The wetlands on the property also offer some great birding opportunities.

Although it is not possible to go camping with an RV directly in Shine Tidelands State Park, due to the popularity of the area, there are plenty of places to park up for the night in the surrounding area. A good campsite nearby is Cove RV Park, which is nestled in a scenic area of Highway 101. The RV sites here offer full hook-ups with cable TV, WiFi, campfire rings, and a picnic table. There is a large community BBQ area as well as bathhouses, places to park up your boat, laundry facilities, and horseshoe pits.

Another nearby campground is Lake Leland Park Campground. The park offers a much more rustic camping experience, with no water available. There are 22 campsites, each of which has a picnic table and a fire ring, plus there are toilets, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier, making it easy to explore the beautiful park the campground is located in.

Those that get an RV rental near Shine Tidelands State Park can discover the contemporary art and craft of the Puget Sound Region at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. The museum is home to a growing collection of permanent art, with a focus on artists and art from within the region. The galleries and auditorium are always buzzing with events covering all sorts of topics, with the galleries themselves featuring both recognized masters and emerging artists. The major exhibitions change their theme three times a year, keeping it exciting while also offering access to workshops, tours, films, concerts, and more.

Learn about the future of our oceans at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. One of the main attractions at the center is one of only six fully articulated orca whale skeletons in the US. In addition to a number of interesting exhibits, the building also houses an aquarium, where visitors can view plankton through a microscope, touch, and anemone and even help with the feedings. No matter how long you decide to visit, you’ll leave having learned something you didn’t know before.

A beautiful day out, especially in the summer months, is Meerkerk Gardens. You don’t have to be a garden lover to visit here, as the bright colors and well-manicured beds are a delight to behold. Explore the many different areas, such as Hall Garden, Ramsey Rock Garden, Big Leaf Valley, and Lems Patch, to name a few.