So you just finished re-watching the TV series Vikings on Netflix and you desperately want to go camping in the fjords, but feel that Norway is too far away . 

Well look no further than Kitsap where you can find a fjord–aka Hood Canal (which is a fjord)- and get your own taste of “Little Norway” in Poulsbo, including a chance to visit a Viking festival from Viking Fest, Midsommer Fest to Julefest in December. Maybe you can even dress as Ragnar Lothbrok. Weird, huh?

Why Visit Kitsap Peninsula?

Kitsap Peninsula in Kitsap County (formerly Slaughter County) is just west of Seattle and its Puget Sound, and just a 30-minute ferry ride from Edmonds. And it’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway or beginning entry into camping along the Hood Canal fjord. 

Named after a famous Suquamish war chief who built Old Man House (also visited by his nephew Chief Seattle), this Peninsula houses a large navy base (Bremerton) and is home to one of the most Scandinavian towns I’ve seen outside of Norway: Poulsbo. 

The other benefit? With a quick ferry ride and its proximity to Seattle, getting to Kitsap is very easy. In fact, you can effortlessly reach Kitsap’s two main port towns Kingston and Bremerton. 

For this trip, you want the Kingston Terminal in Kitsap. Now, all you need is someone with a car and a Washington State Park Discovery Pass. 

If you’re new to Seattle and camping, review the section below. Within an hour, you can pick up items at REI’s used section at their Seattle Flagship Store ranging from shoes, hiking poles, to visiting any supermarket like Safeway or QFC to pick up firewood, and H Mart for portable grills and butane cans. You can also get these when you reach Kitsap, but the gear will be harder to get. 

Pre‑Trip Gear Stops in Seattle

• REI Used Gear: Snag gently used gear from boots, hiking poles (where I got mine), or a discounted sleeping pad.
• H Mart: My go‑to for Korean BBQ supplies (kalbi marinade + pork belly = campsite heaven). Also get low-cost portable butane grills and cans
• Discovery Pass from Washington State Parks: $35.00 for annual pass (will go to $45 starting Oct 1, 2025) or $11.50 for a one-day pass. Look for “Discover Pass Free Days” for better deals.

Edmonds vs Seattle: Which Ferry Should You Take?

Getting to Kitsap is surprisingly easy with two Washington State ferry terminal options from the Edmonds Ferry Terminal and main Seattle Ferry Terminal:

	Edmonds ⇄ Kingston (Recommended)	Seattle ⇄ Bremerton/Bainbridge
Vibe	Lively harbor, waterfront restaurants & bars right at the dock.	Urban waterfront is still in rejuvenation. Less to do on foot while you wait.
Why pick it	Quicker from North Seattle & suburbs. Easy hop to Poulsbo.	Great if you’re downtown & craving classic Seattle chowder at Ivar’s while you wait to board.
Reality check	Weekend lines spill onto the highway. Grab coffee & be patient.	Traffic can snake around the construction zone. Less “safe” walkability.

Line‑cutting hotline: Spot someone jumping the queue? Call 1‑877‑764‑HERO (1-877-764-4376)—there’s a sign, so yes, snitching is sanctioned.

Expect about 1 hr 20 min from the back of the Edmonds line to driving onto the boat on a Saturday morning. You can:

• View ticket pricing here
• Buy tickets here
• Track your ferry live here

Note: Walk-on passengers can also use theKingston Fast Ferry by Kitsap Transit from downtown Seattle (40-min crossing, no food/beverages onboard).

Kitsap Ferry & Camping Route Overview

Getting There: Your Kingston Ferry Guide

Picking which terminal you want to go to depends on how close you are to each terminal. Are you near downtown Seattle? Then pick the main Seattle Ferry Terminal. Are you near Edmonds, North Seattle, or Lynwood? Then I would suggest the Edmonds Ferry Terminal.

For the sake of peace and quiet and better vibes, I suggest the Edmonds Ferry Terminal. The Edmonds Terminal is much more lively, walkable, and safe. The landscape around is very much a mix of cozy everyone-knows-everyone and college town vibes. Its residential location and proximity to the harbor, restaurants, and bars give it a more homey feel.

This is in stark comparison to the Seattle Ferry Terminal which is in the heart of Seattle’s lake front but is just not the greatest for walking around (it is going through a rejuvenation process, so time will tell if this is a more accommodating area). However, if you are from out of town and visiting–then this is a great launching point to experience Seattle, and even try something Seattle. In that case, I recommend heading down to Ivars on Seatte’s Pier 54 dock if you are waiting for your boat to arrive.

Due to where we were located (MountlakeTerrace), it was easier to head to the Edmonds terminal and wait to board the ferry.. As you can see from the photo–people will start lining up on the shoulder of the road, which is on the right.

Note: You will see people trying to constantly cut and avoid having to wait a painful hour. But, you will notice that many people will just lean on their horns, since that just makes it worse for everyone. Also, why do that when you all end up on the ferry? Who would want that negative energy any way? And what makes them so entitled? But be aware that you can and should report line cutters. In fact there’s even a sign to look out for. It says “Report Line Cutting” with the phone number 1-877-764-HERO (1-877-764-4376). I don’t know if you will really be a hero or if anything happens if you do call that number. But something good to know I guess?

Other factors to consider:

• Time: Expect a wait time of 1 hour and 20 minutes (80 minutes) before boarding. Factor this into your planning when scheduling camp check-in times, and leave ample room for ferry wait times.
• Plan in advance: Plan to arrive WELL BEFORE your ferry’s scheduled departure. This includes considering rush hour (before and after work), which tends to be busier, and weekends.
• Avoid Weekends: We did this camping trip on Saturday. Therefore, it’s natural that these travel times are slightly longer. Again, the same holds true for both early morning (work commute) and late afternoon (return commute) periods.
• Pedestrians vs. Cars: If you’re walking onto the ferry without a car, you don’t need to wait in the vehicle line. You simply wait for the gangway to open for foot passengers to board

For this trip, the ferry lane you will be using is Edmonds <> Kingston. And, no, not Kingston Jamaica. Just Kingston, WA.  And then once you de-board—then you can make your way to the City of Poulsbo. 

First Stop: Poulsbo Breweries

Before heading to camp at Kitsap Memorial State Park, I suggest exploring the Poulsbo area first. 

We were desperate for a brewery to unwind and grab some food before setting up our tent. I spotted Echoes Brewing Company—and I’m glad we stopped.

This brewery turned out to be a great find, especially with their award-winning Blonde Beer (check out all those ribbons!). We met a regular named Vic who provided incredible details about the area and made it easy to talk shop about all things beer—from Poulsbo and Seattle to Oktoberfest in Germany and their Reinheitsgebot brew laws. We even reminisced about Hacker-Pschorr and Ayinger.

Unfortunately for our salivating taste buds, there weren’t any burgers on site. However, there is a food truck serving Indian food, but take into consideration that it doesn’t open until later. 

Also, don’t be afraid to make the hop across the street to visit another brewery, Rainy Daze Brewing.

Echoes Brewing Company Fast Facts

• Must-try: Their Blonde Beer
• Local tip: Chat with Vick, a regular who knows all the area secrets (he has a great beard and a walking stick).
• Food: Indian food truck (opens later in day)
• Bonus: Rainy Daze Brewing is right across the street

Stock Up on Supplies

After a pit stop at a local brewery or picking up some Poulsbo snacks (for non-beer drinkers), head to either Town & Country Market Poulsbo or the Safeway in Poulsbo. Stock up on firewood, last-minute groceries, or any items you forgot to grab in Seattle—from chips and paper plates to toiletries. We stopped at Safeway for convenience and rewards. 

As for firewood, save yourself extra trips between the campsite and grocery store by buying plenty upfront. We went through 5-6 bundles over several hours, so err on the side of getting too much rather than too little.

Featured Gear

*Contains affiliate links – I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Where to Stay: Kitsap Memorial State Park

Now that you’ve grabbed last-minute items from the supermarket, make your way to Kitsap Memorial State Park—a small park near Four Corners, WA. This is a great entry-level park to get your feet wet with camping. There are cabins and even a wedding venue (which was in use during our visit). Some sites will have hookups and might cost extra.

A brief walk takes you to views of Hood Canal and, on clear days, glimpses of the Olympic Mountains. It’s also kid-friendly—we saw lots of families throughout the park.

When you get your lot assignment, simply park and start unloading. You’ll see a mix of other campers setting up: some with tents like us, others with larger camper vans. After all, nearby Poulsbo is known for their RV’s (see PoulsboRV.com).

Expect to pay $20 for a campsite without power hookups. I recommend bringing an Anker Portable Power Station if you’re staying for a day or two, or smaller Anker chargers or solar powered luminAID Solar Lantern if you need minimal electricity. Skip the diesel generator—it’s noisy and unnecessary for short trips.

Fees: $20 per night, no power hookup. Bring an Anker power station or lighter battery packs if you need juice.

Note: For those visiting Seattle and the surrounding area, expect daylight until about 9:00 PM in summer. Our trip was in June and the sky was still lit until around 10:30 PM. Around 11:00 PM, most people will have shut down their festivities and called it a night. We continued well past 1 AM just enjoying the evening.

I found this campsite to be particularly relaxing as a non-camper. I came prepared with beers from Cloudburst Brewery and Echoes Brewing Company. 

Since I was dying for Korean BBQ, I went to H Mart before the trip and got a butane grill, some meat, and Kalbi sauce. At our campsite, I marinated the meat while we explored the nearby beach. Later, I threw it on my Germanium grill along with some pork belly, and let me tell you, it was straight up DE-LI-CIOUS!

Lesson learned: I forgot my sleeping bag. Luckily my friend had an extra blanket and cots, and I used a towel to cover my face. Don’t be like me! Remember the 6 P’s: Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance!

In the morning, wake up and have some coffee or head to Latte On Your Way for ready-made coffee and then make your way to Poulsbo to catch the ferry home. 

Park Features:

• Tent & RV sites (plus a few cabins)
• Wedding venue “The Log Hall” (often in use)
• Brief walk to Hood Canal views
• Olympic Mountain glimpses
• Kid-friendly with lots of families

Campsite Details:

• Cost: $30-40+ night
• Power: Bring an Anker rechargeable station or portable chargers
• Crowd: Mix of tent campers and RV travelers
• Daylight: Expect light until 10:30 PM in summer (usable light ends at 9:00PM)
• Quiet hours: Most campers settle by 11 PM

What to Bring Checklist:

✅ Sleeping bag (don’t forget like I did!)
✅ Camping pillow (I have the L.L. Bean Flannel and Therm-a-Rest)
✅ Tent and rain fly
✅ Portable grill for K-BBQ (purchased at H-Mart). See Coleman Brazos and my L.L.Bean Flannel Lined Camp Sleeping Bag)
✅ Cooler with ice (Bison Cooler Olive 25qt)
✅ Camping chairs (Coleman Broadband Mesh Quad Camping Chair)
✅ Headlamps/flashlights (I used Black Diamond Storm 400 LED and MagLite Mini LED Pro Flashlight)
✅ Bug spray (summer months). I’m still using Soffel mosquito spray.
✅ 5-6 bundles of firewood (purchased at Safeway in Poulsbo)

Camp Setup Tips

1. Pull into your assigned lot and unload. Most people are doing the same procedure with tents or camper vans.
2. Five to six bundles of wood kept our fire rolling for a long evening of chilling and late‑night KBBQ.
3. Remember the Six P’s: Proper Preparation Prevents Piss‑Poor Performance. Don’t be me and forget your sleeping bag.

Note: If you’re looking for additional camping resources.

• Booking a campsite (with reviews): Hipcamp
• First Come First Serve (FCFS) campsites in Washing: See Guide Here
• Pacific Northwest (PNW) Hiking Forum: NWHikers.net

Exploring Poulsbo: The Viking City

Why Poulsbo?

Poulsbo is a small town with a population just over 11,000 that was settled by Norwegian immigrant Jørgen Eliason in the late 1800s. It later attracted a plethora of additional Scandinavian immigrants due to its similarities to Nordic landscapes.

If you have time to stop by even if it’s just for a few hours, I highly recommend it. This “Viking City” as it’s listed on the City of Poulsbo logo feels like I ventured into the Wayback Machine–only this is real life–back into the Vikings TV Show. 

The Viking and Norse similarities are further evidenced by street names like “Midgard,” “Odin,” “Asgard,” “Valhalla,” “Viking Avenue,” and others of Viking lore, sagas, and mythology. This seemingly quiet town seems to have doubled down on Viking lore and mixing of Scandinavian culture in particular Norwegian style with the use of red paint. I mean there are a lot of red buildings. In fact it seemed like I was back in Norway. I mean, after all, it is called “Little Norway”

Poulsbo reminded me of several towns in Lofoten–an archipelago in Northern Norway just above the arctic circle–where the sun stays up 24/7 in the summer. Mostly the towns of Å (yes it’s just one letter) with it’s ironic and historical red houses, the Ramberg Beach (also see here) and a mix of Henningsvær and Svolvær (except in Poulsbo you don’t have a big beautiful mountain as a backdrop). 

Instead, you are surrounded by the sweeping views of the Olympic National Forest and on the ferry over you can see Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier. What makes it more of a connection? You can visit a reconstructed Viking longhouse at the Lofotr Viking Museum (We also have a Viking Museum in a way through the National Nordic Museum in Ballard, Seattle). If anything, I found it pretty ironic–notably since you could find Lofoten grocery items at Marina Market in downtown Poulsbo. 

Note: Marina Market was recommended by Vic at Echoes Brewing Company. And I found many goods that I ran into across my travels in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. If you’re lucky, then you will also find some items from Lofoten. Like Toro’s Lofoten Fiskesuppe. You can even order items online like Toro’s Norwegian Porridge. Also, don’t miss their expansive beer collection where you can find many other breweries from around the region and abroad.  

However, let’s get back on track! The main purpose of our stop in Poulsbo was to eat. After a night of camping, we desperately wanted some breakfast. While others wanted breakfast. I wanted a HOT breakfast. 

After all, we just left camp smelling some amazing food coming from one of the adjacent campsites. The smell of pancakes and fried bacon filled the area and seemed to purposely fizzle in the air and flirt with our noses. I could just imagine some eggs and some extremely warm coffee to go with that (particularly since I was sleeping bag-less the prior night). I mean I just wanted something hot. Did I say hot? That led us to Green Light Diner to try their Viking Breakfast. However, I will have to give this a hard pass. The food wasn’t up to par. The bacon was cold and lacked flavor, and same with the gravy. 

Coming from a family of cooks–not being a good one myself–and having had an expert Grandma baker, all from the South, I have an expectation for gravy, most importantly when it’s consumed outside. But this fell well below that average. 

And the eggs? Eggs are hard to mess up–especially when you can get fresh farmers eggs that barely require any salt from the farmers market. They are so good. These were not.

The bacon? I don’t even know what to say.

Despite the unsatisfactory food, we left full and caffeinated, and we were now able to make our way to the famed Sluys Poulsbo Bakery to try their pastries.

You know how some places just live off their hype and have long lines for no reason? Sluys pronounced “Sly’s” was the complete opposite. In fact, I waited until I arrived home to even try the deserts. My friends all consumed theirs and they raved how good their dessert was. Nevertheless, I still waited. In fact, I waited a day later, simply because I got caught up with work (and planning my Notion tracker for my Jetblue 25/25 challenge). Until all of a sudden, I was wrestling with hunger and ripped off a piece of the Glazed Viking donut. 

I was SHOOKETH! I dove in to grab some more. I was like OH MY GOD. Even my skin is tingling right now writing this and looking at the menu just thinking how good these were. I then went off the deep end and ravaged through the Viking Cup with Cream Cheese and summoned my inner Lofoten viking self and then gnarled off the helmet from the cute Viking cookie. Talk about some good food. I mean pastries can be food, right?

The short? If you’re in Poulsbo. Skip the diner. Grab pastries and baked goods from Sluy’s (including their baked bread), and a growler and extra beer at Echoes Brewing Company. If you’re staying longer and want to stay the night check out some Poulsbo hotel and lodging options here. 

Poulsbo Must-Visit Spots 

• Echoes Brewing Company: Blonde ale + great conversations from the staff and regulars like Vick, which make the whole interaction worthwhile.
• Rainy Daze Brewing: literally across the street, why not.
• Sluys Poulsbo Bakery: legendary pastries (arrive early, lines form fast).
• Marina Market: Nordic grocery treasures: Toro’s Fiskesuppe, Norwegian porridge 

Return to Edmonds/Seattle

Kingston Ferry Timeline

On the way back to Seattle again make sure you pay attention to what time your ferry is supposed to depart. 

View some useful time markers to help you avoid impatience or if you have to really “hold it” before going to the bathroom. For live cam and details see here. 

From “Kingston Ridge” sign when stopped:

• 31 minutes to checkpoint /toll booth (receive green tally slip). This confirms that yes, you did wait in line.
• 40 minutes to park at Kingston Terminal. You finally park and wait for the boat to arrive.
• 70 minutes total until boat departure. You are finally on board the boat. Car parked.
• 30-minute crossing to Edmonds. 

Do not sleep on the return ferry. Make sure to step outside and you could be greeted with amazing views of Mt. Baker and Mt Rainier. Make sure to bring a jacket and a had since it gets rather cold on deck and when crossing the Sound. 

Kitsap Camping

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

Sample 24‑Hour Itinerary

Time	Activity
08:00	Depart Seattle with coffee in hand.
09:30	Queue at Edmonds Ferry (aim 60–80 min before departure)
10:30	Ferry crossing. Snap Mt Baker & Rainier pics.
11:15	Land in Kingston → drive to Poulsbo
12:00	Echoes Brewing for a pint. Second pint at Rainy Daze.
14:00	Grocery & firewood run (Town & Country / Safeway)
15:00	Check‑in Kitsap Memorial. Set up camp.
19:00	Sunset KBBQ grilling + local Echoes beer and Cloudburst Brewery.
22:30	Enjoy extended summer daylight + stars + campfire chats.
08:00	Coffee or Latte On Your Way. Break camp. Head to downtown Poulsbo.
09:30	Sluys Bakery pastry pit stop.
12:00	Ferry line for return to Edmonds, WA

Budget Breakdown

• Ferry (round-trip car + driver): ~$50
• Camp fee (1 night): ~$30
• Firewood (6 bundles): ~$36
• H Mart (grill, butane, KBBQ meats & supplies): ~$222
• Craft beer (Cloudburst + Echoes): ~$110
• Groceries/supplies at Safeway: ~$30
• Food in Poulsbo (pastries, etc.): ~$20

Total: ~$498 for the group Per person: ~$167+ (splitting between 3 people)

Budget Tips:

• Save money by bringing your own grill and buying meat at regular grocery stores
• Our splurge on premium KBBQ cuts and craft beer significantly increased costs
• A more budget-friendly version could easily be done for $75-100 per person
• Ferry and camping fees are fixed, but food/drink costs are highly variable

Final Tips

Remember the 6 P’s

Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance – Don’t forget your sleeping bag like I did!

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (June-July): Warmest weather, longest days. August is usually smokey and therefore not as recommended. 
• Spring/Fall: Fewer crowds, cooler camping
• Winter: Many campsites closed, but Poulsbo is charming year-round

Extending Your Trip

• Add a day to explore more Olympic Peninsula
• Visit Bainbridge Island on the return (if using Seattle/Bainbridge ferry)
• Check out Port Gamble’s historic town

FAQs for First‑Time Kitsap Campers

Q: Can I walk-on the ferry without a car?
A: Yes! Walk-ons rarely wait. Just arrive 15 minutes before loading.

Q: Is Kitsap Memorial dog-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Leash required in camp, with designated off-leash beach zones.

Q: What about daylight in summer?
A: Expect a lit sky until ~10:30 PM mid-July. Usable light will be around 9:00 PM. Plan your campfire time accordingly!

Q: Do I need reservations?
A: Yes, especially for summer weekends. Book through Washington State Parks.

Trip Soundtrack

Because every adventure needs a soundtrack, each of my trips comes with a theme song. And for this trip's anthem? Well, it's...

Zach Top - I Never Lie

Why This Trip is Worth It

This Kitsap getaway offers the perfect balance of outdoor adventure mixed with Scandinavian cultural exploration, all within 90 minutes of Seattle. 

Whether you’re a camping novice (like me) or weekend warrior, the combination of easy ferry access, beginner-friendly camping, and charming Poulsbo makes this an ideal Pacific Northwest microadventure.

For a non-camper, this was a chill, low-stress intro to Washington’s peninsula life complete with Hood Canal sunsets, beautiful starry night skies, late-night Korean BBQ, and playing music from Washington State’s Own Zach Top – I Never Lie who I got to see in person. Noah Rinker – Save My Soul, Waylon Wyatt – Everything Under The Sun (Live from Arkansas), Oliver Anthony Music – Scornful Woman to Sam Barber’s Indigo with Avery Anna while listening to the fire crackle. 

Talk about a blend of cultures and experiences. Here I was, eating late-night Korean BBQ under Washington stars, in a county shaped by Scandinavian settlers and Native American heritage, while country artists from rural Washington, Arkansas to Virginia sang about the same kind of nights I was living right then. I mean, all the songs involved outdoors, some sort of camping-esque vibe, and fire crackle. By the end of the trip we were all singing lines from Zach Top, “I sleep like a baby…”

It’s been awhile since my surroundings have been that peaceful. And just for a second I forgot about work, bills, goals. I just lived in the moment. 

Next stop: tackling the Olympic Peninsula… but first, a proper sleeping bag! My Eddie Bauer sleeping bag was delayed in shipment. And even then, I had another one available that I  washed AND still forgot!