Best Campgrounds near Tacoma, WA
Campgrounds surrounding Tacoma, Washington feature a mix of state parks and military-managed recreation areas suitable for various camping preferences. Dash Point State Park Campground provides developed sites with full hookups and beach access just 30 minutes from SeaTac Airport. Penrose Point and Saltwater State Parks offer additional waterfront camping options with amenities including fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms. Military installations including Joint Base Lewis-McChord operate several campgrounds with cabin accommodations and RV sites, though some require military affiliation for access.
Most developed campgrounds in the Tacoma region operate year-round, with peak season running May through September when reservations become essential. State park campgrounds typically require advance booking through the Washington State Parks reservation system, while military campgrounds have separate reservation processes. Sites with electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities are common at developed campgrounds near Tacoma, though they vary in availability. Many campgrounds provide both tent and RV sites with specific limitations on vehicle length. "Easily accessible escape from the city life! After flying into SeaTac late in the afternoon this campground was a great place to start our Washington trip and only about 30 minutes from the airport," noted one visitor about Dash Point State Park.
The proximity to Puget Sound creates distinctive camping experiences with saltwater beaches, forested settings, and mountain views. Campers frequently mention the convenience of staying near urban amenities while enjoying natural surroundings. One camper shared that Dash Point offers "spacious spots, although the sites aren't huge, they are wooded enough to provide decent privacy." Campgrounds in the region typically provide clean facilities with flush toilets and hot showers, though shower tokens may be required at some locations. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with Dash Point receiving positive reviews for its secluded individual sites. The Tacoma region's mixed-use campgrounds accommodate diverse outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, boating and fishing, making them popular destinations for weekend getaways from Seattle and surrounding metropolitan areas.