The name of the this vacation rental is called The Historic Balch Waterfront Retreat. It's a Nantucket style home on Hood Canal built in 1920 and steps away from Dosewallips State Park. This was so great for us, since the group we were with had RV's, but we didn't, so it was super convenient. We also had our two dogs which was no problem. I was sweating bullets trying to find a place that took pets close to the State Park. It also allowed us to walk right onto the hiking trails at the state park, right from the house. It really was like walking back into 1920, but with the perfect touch of modern amenities. So many thing were original about the house it was really neat. It's also at the mouth of the where the Dosewallips river meets Hood Canal. I had no idea how much of a draw that is for wildlife. The Brinnon Elk showed up!! We thought we'd really hit the jackpot when we saw a navy submarine that was practicing along the Dosewallips shelf. It was so entertaining with the escort ships watching it's every move. Can't wait to go back and spend more time there. The big bonfire pit and covered balcony with heater and outdoor recliners was a great touch. The panoramic view jetted spa was to die for, especially if you used it at night because the opening skylight above it let you look at the stars and the moon on the water out the windows was..........lets just say inspiring.

40 miles NORTH of Shelton WA. The road leading us there was a curvy Highway 101 two lane (single in both directions) with pull outs for slow vehicles. Beautiful scenery all the way.

Campground is on both sides of the Highway. Spaces seem pretty good size through out. They have full hook-ups, partial, and primitive. They also have 3 Platform Tents. This is where we stayed.

We rented PT1 & PT2 for a night. Out of the 3 PT sites available, I believe PT3 is the best. PT3 is the furthest out on the road - away from most other campers.

All 3 have electric and water. But PT1's water is used by all of the other campers near by. They are told by the rangers to use the nearest one available - this is PT1.

PT2 is directly across from the PIT Toilet. When we were there, the site constantly smelled like a restroom. The PIT Toilets are non-flushing basic port-a-potties sheltered in a wood building with a concrete floor. This is the closest toilet to the platform tents.

Full service restrooms are a five minute walk away. (Very worth the walk) Lots of trees and grassy areas. Some of the roadways are paved, and some are gravel.

Our sites had picnic tables and deep fire-rings with a flip up grill. They also had a full size bunk-bed with a single up top. A full size futon and table with small step stool. They also had a heater, a table lamp, rugs, and small covered porch area.

There are trails through out the park. MOST all are non-marked. There is a walkway/roadway that passes under Hwy 101 leading to the other side of the park.

This is also where the trail to the Bay is located. LOOK Close for it, or YOU WILL MISS IT. You walk up at the underpass and walk across the bridge along the highway over to the otherside of the river. Then you walk across what appears to be a field. The walk from the platform tents all the way to the bay was a VERY long walk. My six year old was good most of the way, but the walk back (after playing in the bay) was almost too much.

The river was very cold. There were people fishing in it. There was some sand, but not an actual beach, mostly rocks and gravel. The bay was pretty neat to look at and my kids found exploring under the rocks to be the highlight of their trip.

We spent a night in platform tent 1 at this campground over the weekend. We had a great time and really enjoyed the variety of activities - saltwater clam beds/ocean wading, river wading, horseshoes and lush campground hiking trails.

The only disappointment was that you can't really swim in the ocean (too shallow) or the river (too cold), but that's pretty common in Washington.

The park itself was beautiful - lush and well kept with the platform tent locations being nicely isolated. The best platform tent site appeared to be site 3, but we stayed in the least secluded and saw almost no foot traffic. The only foot traffic was people from nearby tent sites who were told that "our" water pump was the closest one for their use. That's why I'd recommend platform tents 2 and 3 over 1. Still, it wasn't a major annoyance.

I'd totally recommend going here. It's quiet and beautiful and has an interestingly diverse landscape.

A caution on Dosewallips: People get the Dosewallips State Park campground mixed up with the ones up the Dosewallips Road that is washed out.

The state park is on the main highway (101), the road is fine, and you don't hike in. There is plenty of RV parking and tent sites this time of year, but you should make a reservation.

The river (right there at the park) is rather low, but fun to visit, especially in the Fall when the salmon are spawning. There is also a trail out to the beach on Hood Canal (it is level and takes about 20 minutes each way).

The grassy sites are cozy and unless there is a serious drought, allow campfires. You can buy wood at the campground, and there is a small store nearby. Bringing a boat? People staying at the campground can use a boat launch for free, just up the road at Triton Cove.

Whichever way you choose to get there, the drive is lovely. Try going over the Hood Canal Bridge---there is a great view and once in a while a submarine comes by.