F
Fraun P.
Guide
GuideCoho Campground
Beautiful! Campsites are spaced out.
Quiet campground! Beautiful rainforest features. No showers. Clean flush toilet restrooms. Welcoming and friendly camp host. Long drive off 101 to get here.
Camping near Anderson Island, WA
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The South Puget Sound region surrounding Anderson Island, Washington features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds accessible by ferry or mainland routes. Penrose Point State Park, located on the Key Peninsula about 10 miles from Anderson Island, offers year-round camping with tent and RV sites in a forested setting with beach access. Nearby Joemma Beach State Park provides seasonal camping from March through October with waterfront views. Dash Point State Park in Federal Way, approximately 20 miles northeast of Anderson Island, combines wooded campsites with beach access and hiking trails, creating a natural retreat despite its proximity to urban areas.
Washington State Parks in the region typically require a Discover Pass for day use, which costs $30 annually. Most campgrounds near Anderson Island maintain clean facilities but offer varying levels of privacy between sites. As one camper noted about Dash Point: "The campground is tucked into a beautiful, forested area with plenty of trees and privacy between sites. It was quiet at night and bathrooms were clean." Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those near highways. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to urban centers. Weather conditions remain mild year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for rain and temperatures that occasionally drop below freezing.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in this region. Sites with water views tend to fill quickly during summer months, especially on weekends. Many visitors appreciate the balance between natural settings and proximity to services. According to one reviewer of a nearby state park: "Close enough to town for any necessities but far enough to get the secluded feeling." RV campers will find several parks with hookups, including Millersylvania State Park south of Olympia and Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor, though site privacy varies considerably. Tent campers generally have more options for secluded sites, particularly in the wooded sections of state parks. Traffic noise affects some campgrounds, with several reviewers noting highway sounds as a drawback at otherwise scenic locations.
Best Campgrounds near Anderson Island (266)
1. Dash Point State Park Campground
"Firstly, I just have to say what a positive and amazing experience I had at this campground. The volunteers were friendly, kind and absolutely awesome to interact with."
"The campground itself is tucked into a beautiful, forested area with plenty of trees and privacy between sites. Ours had a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table."
from $23 - $80 / night
Check Availability2. Penrose Point State Park Campground
"Pros: group camp is very close to beach front area, GREAT CLAMMING AND OYSTERING!"
"Penrose Point State Park is a great place close to Seattle to go camping in a small or large group. It's tent or camper friendly with plenty of spots for busier seasons."
from $12 - $72 / night
Check Availability3. Joemma Beach State Park Campground
"We arrived little later around 6 p.m. And being such a nice day there were only few sites left."
"Conveniently located right next to the bathroom with an area for parking two vehicles. I have AT&T and had good service in this spot."
from $12 / night
Check Availability4. Millersylvania State Park Campground
"This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking, pathways and even a lake."
"This is a beautiful park located on Deep Lake just outside of Olympia. The park itself is huge offering lots of options for campers. "
from $12 - $137 / night
Check Availability5. Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord
"Very friendly next to the lake plenty of things to do walking, biking, hiking, fishing, Military museums, not to far off of I-5. Full hookups laundry shower facilities. Cabins too."
"Unfortunately the restrooms right next to our site were closed so it was a slight walk to the nearest restroom. Restrooms were heated and well taken care of."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability6. Riverbend Campground
"Super peaceful, great fire pit location, water at the site entrance, portable restrooms away (but close), and best of all right at the river’s edge."
"We needed something close to the city, but didn’t want to feel like we were in the city, this fit the bill. People are very friendly and accommodating. The park is really clean."
7. Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor
"Close by stores, trails, parks, harbor. Tacoma across bridge (10 minutes - $6.25 toll)."
"Costco, Home Depot, Albertsons and other shopping close by."
from $57 - $104 / night
Check Availability8. Lakebay Getaway
"The location is great, so close to the water, Penrose and other peninsula activities."
"Great location if you want to relax and take long walks at nearby state parks and beaches. Robyn is a spectacular host who was great to communicate with. We will be coming back."
from $50 / night
Check Availability9. Jarrell Cove State Park Campground
"Tucked away remote campsite in a forest next to estuary. Two sites have hookups. Clean restrooms with shower."
"Site 8 is a pull through and is very large, but not so private as everyone walking to the main dock walks right past your site."
from $12 - $70 / night
Check Availability10. American Heritage Campground
"We had a little trouble finding this spot because an industrial area moved in around the campground. Signs tell you where it is, but it feels wrong."
"Site #5 is close to main office where you can get wifi if you want, we declined though. Restrooms were good. No issues. Will definitely return again soon!"
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 36 min from Olympia, WA
- 51 min from Bremerton, WA
- 1 hr 1 min from Seattle, WA
- 1 hr 38 min from Longview, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Anderson Island, WA
345 Photos of 266 Anderson Island Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Anderson Island, WA
1293 Reviews of 266 Anderson Island Campgrounds
- Charlie Y.Guide
Lake Pleasant RV Park
Cross country travelers
Nice urban RV campground.,..good location and price if you are visiting the Seattle area.....I would camp here again if need be. Clean, safe, secure
Emmi O.GuideKanaskat-Palmer State Park
Good place to stay overnight
We spent one night here. Short walk to the riverside.
- SSam B.
ScoutAlder Lake Campground
Nice not during holiday weekends
Labor Day weekend was nearly packed full, plus visiting friends and family. It was almost too busy. But after everyone left, it was a lot more peaceful and quiet. Many walking paths for walks (people or with a dog). I wish speakers were actually not allowed. Headphones or ear buds is a more considerate way to listen to music while in close proximity to others.
- LLori R.Guide
Schafer State Park Campground
One of Our Favorite Stays Yet: Riverside Calm at Schafer State Park
One of our favorite stays so far. Schafer State Park has everything you actually want in a campground: flush toilets, hot showers, potable water, and hookups if you need them. The hiking is excellent for how compact the park is—easy, mossy forest loops and river-edge paths that feel much bigger than two miles. The park is split into two worlds: the older West Campground and a newer East side (about three years old). We chose the “old” side for its first-come, first-served sites. They felt private and spacious, with the East Fork Satsop River running right behind us. Kids’ laughter and happy dogs mixed with the sound of the water—this place is very family- and dog-oriented in the best way. We loved it. We were honestly surprised sites were still available over Labor Day weekend. We’ll definitely be back
Alex R.GuideMossyrock Park
I’m not sure how to feel
This park has so much potential. Sites are a decent size with OK spacing, no site has sewer and the line at the dump site gets pretty long on the weekends so plan accordingly. There’s is no true access point to the lake but many walking trails from other campers. No, designated swim area if you are into that sort of stuff. A place where this park shines is the park for kids, it’s well kept (as long as campers pick up after their kids). Bathrooms were a little messy but again, this is mostly due to campers….
This park is pretty big but easy to get around. We stayed at main campground B and it has a lot of sites that are mostly in shade. They have a lot of trees but none messed with backing up or trailer height issues. Overall I don’t think I would book here again unless I needed a last minute spot.
- LLori R.Guide
Falls View Campground
Quiet forest camping at Falls View — spacious Site 12, a steep river hike, and Highway 101 for a soundtrack
Falls View Campground is a small, primitive U.S. Forest Service campground in Olympic National Forest, about 3.5 miles south of Quilcene on Highway 101. We spent two quiet nights here and had the place mostly to ourselves. That emptiness is the tradeoff: no potable water (the campground is under redesign), vault toilets only, no hookups, and first-come, first-served sites. If you want flush toilets and a water spigot, this is not it. If you want tall timber, a river below you, and room to breathe, it works. We stayed in Site 12, one of the newer spots. It was spacious, with good privacy from the next site and easy pull-through options for a van. Picnic table, fire ring, and enough gravel pad to park without a scramble. The campground map notes that Sites 1, 2, 3, and 9 are small and limited to car/truck campers; 12 felt like a different category. Payment is cashless. You can occupy a site, then either scan the QR code with the Recreation.gov app or drive about three miles north to the fee machine at Quilcene Ranger Station (295142 US-101). Official rate is $10 per night for a single site, plus $5 for an extra vehicle. Display the receipt on the site post. The Falls View Canyon Trail starts in the campground and drops to the Big Quilcene River. It is not an easy stroll. What goes down must come up, and the climb is steep — switchbacks, stairs in places, and enough grade to make you notice. The payoff is the river: mossy basalt, clear water, and that classic Olympic Peninsula green. There is also a shorter loop to a viewpoint of the waterfall plunging toward the river. Bring water; there is none at the campground. Highway 101 is close enough that you hear traffic. It did not ruin the stay for us, but light sleepers or people hunting total silence should know that going in. Pets must be leashed. Season is roughly May through September. Bottom line: Cheap, quiet, and pretty if you are self-contained and okay with vault toilets and a steep hike. Site 12 was a winner. Pack your own water and expect the highway
- JJude B.Scout
View Disperesed Camping
Beautiful road side spot on a cliff
Very rough and narrow road that follows a cliff face. 4wd not needed but sedan or mid sized truck would be most practical. Go past the marker just a little bit and there is good sized pullouts with fire rings.
- JJennifer M.
TravelerOlympia Campground
Very quiet and great people!
I stayed there for one night on my way back to Seattle, and it was perfect for what I needed. Very quiet back there. The people were all super nice and accommodating. They had a dump site, restrooms outside and heated restrooms attached to the office area. I really loved that two of the permanent residents would do security at night as well. Being a woman and traveling alone, that made me feel very safe. Highly recommend this place!
Guide to Anderson Island
Camping spots near Anderson Island, Washington offer a mix of beachfront access and forested retreats around the South Puget Sound. The average elevation in this region is just 200-300 feet above sea level, creating mild temperature variations between coastal and inland sites. Campgrounds typically remain open year-round with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 35°F, though some smaller parks like Joemma Beach operate seasonally from March through October.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: Jarrell Cove State Park provides excellent opportunities for discovering marine life. According to one camper, "When the tide goes down the rocky beach comes out full of crabs and other treasures that were fun to find" and "A short drive to Harstine Island state park is great for collecting sand dollars and clams, you see a ton of little crabs and we went kayaking."
Hiking forest trails: Dash Point State Park features several well-maintained paths for all skill levels. A visitor noted, "Facilities were good and trails around are fun and easy enough for me and 2 kids. The beach and its tides are why we came." Another camper mentioned, "There are also some nice forest trails for an easy hike or post-takeout digestion walk."
Fishing and boating: Penrose Point State Park offers water access ideal for anglers. "This park is on an east-facing peninsula in the south of the sound. Views are rolling wooded hills, with some shorelines to explore. It's not the most exceptional park in this area if you're looking for classic PNW experiences, but it is a great camping site if you just want to take your boat out."
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: Many campers appreciate the natural buffers at certain parks. At Dash Point State Park, one reviewer stated, "This campground is remarkable in the privacy between each of the camping spots, the bird life, the wild and deep forest vibes, and the walking trails."
Clean facilities: Millersylvania State Park maintains well-kept amenities despite high usage. "Clean facilities, some nice perks like a beer garden and ice cream and the lake is great. You're packed in pretty close to each other, but the trees provide pretty good insulation."
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common at several campgrounds in the region. At Jarrell Cove State Park, a camper observed, "Several deer came up throughout the day to eat the apples off the ground and trees in those spots, that was fun." Another mentioned, "I read previous reviews and they do have deer that roam and when we pulled up there was one at our site to greet us."
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: While most state parks require advance booking, some smaller locations offer first-come options. At Joemma Beach State Park, "It is now reservable online, but if you get there and there is an available spot it is $12 a night that you pay at site. The host is on site and checks the areas very regularly."
Cell service inconsistency: Signal strength varies significantly by location and provider. At Jarrell Cove State Park, visitors report "zero Verizon cell service," while at Lakebay Getaway, a camper noted, "We use Verizon and no issues."
Payment options: Many campgrounds require specific payment methods. At Joemma Beach State Park, "You get the little slip, fill out the info and out cash/check and deposit the envelope portion, keep the detachable slip and display on vehicle." For shower facilities at Penrose Point, "There's only 1 shower per bathroom, and you have to pay to make it work... it's tokens, not quarters."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Riverbend Campground offers specific areas for children. As one visitor mentioned, "Friendly staff, nice river walks and nice picnic spots. Children and dog play grounds."
Plan for busy weekends: Family-oriented parks fill quickly during summer months. A Penrose Point camper advised, "The campground was full with lots of families with young kids (guilty as charged) but the sites felt relatively private and the whole park is heavily wooded. Bathrooms are clean!"
Pack for temperature changes: Despite mild daytime temperatures, evenings can cool significantly. At Joemma Beach, "It got little chilly at night but wasn't too bad." Another camper at Penrose Point noted, "Honestly,if you have a boat or kyak absolutly check this place out. If you don't care about entertaining young kids and just want a quiet, relaxing, off grid place to watch the water this is your spot."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor offers pull-through sites but space can be limited. A camper noted, "The spaces are very close together, but there are a lot of trees and it's very well kept. The facilities and grounds are clean and well cared for. I stayed for almost three weeks and it was quiet and relaxing, despite how close together the sites are."
Consider hookup locations: At some campgrounds, utility connections may require planning. One Riverbend Campground visitor shared, "This site does is a back in, but the slab is at a 90 degree angle from the drive. So you will have to back your trailer around a corner if you plan to park it on the slab. Didn't see other sites like this."
Check for dump stations: Not all parks with RV sites offer full hookups. At Penrose Point State Park, "There are two sites here with hookups. No dump station on the grounds. Site 8 is a pull through and is very large, but not so private as everyone walking to the main dock walks right past your site."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Anderson Island, WA?
What camping is available near Anderson Island, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Anderson Island, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 266 campgrounds and RV parks near Anderson Island, WA and 23 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Anderson Island, WA?
Which is the most popular campground near Anderson Island, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Anderson Island, WA is Dash Point State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 77 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Anderson Island, WA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Anderson Island, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Anderson Island, WA.
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