Best Campgrounds near Anderson Island, WA

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 Camping Sites Near Anderson Island, Washington (248)

    1. Dash Point State Park Campground

    70 Reviews
    Federal Way, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    ""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."

    2. Penrose Point State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $32 / night

    "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."

    3. Joemma Beach State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 884-1944

    $12 / night

    "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."

    4. Millersylvania State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Tenino, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $12 - $45 / night

    "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.  "

    5. Riverbend Campground

    7 Reviews
    DuPont, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 491-2534

    "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."

    6. Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord

    5 Reviews
    DuPont, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 967-7744

    $12 - $35 / night

    "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."

    7. Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor

    10 Reviews
    Gig Harbor, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 858-8138

    $57 - $104 / night

    "Close by stores, trails, parks, harbor. Tacoma across bridge (10 minutes - $6.25 toll)."

    "Costco, Home Depot, Albertsons and other shopping close by."

    8. Jarrell Cove State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 426-9226

    $12 - $50 / night

    "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."

    9. Lakebay Getaway

    4 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    7 miles
    +1 (253) 225-6248

    $50 / night

    "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."

    10. Camp Murray Beach

    4 Reviews
    DuPont, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 584-5411

    $8 - $32 / night

    "Need to reserve your site online with the JBLM MWR or go to the adventure center building nearby on base. Nice access to American Lake and fishing nearby as well."

    "This is a great spot on American Lake to camp with many sites on the waterfront. I would highly recommend this location to eligible military ID Card holders."

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Recent Reviews near Anderson Island, WA

1130 Reviews of 248 Anderson Island Campgrounds



Guide to Anderson Island

Camping near Anderson Island, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Explore the trails at Dash Point State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Several miles of hiking trails and chances to see wildlife or catch frogs."
  • Beach Activities: At Penrose Point State Park Campground, you can enjoy tide pooling and beach walks. A visitor shared, "Trails for hiking and beach walks are clean and easy to navigate."
  • Fishing and Kayaking: Alder Lake Park is great for fishing and kayaking. One camper noted, "A lovely lake is within a short walk and has a playground, a designated swim area, and a large dock."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. A review for Millersylvania State Park Campground stated, "The state park was clean and well maintained."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the welcoming vibe. One reviewer at Belfair State Park Campground said, "Camping here was so much fun for my family."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Scenic Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "The views are quite literally scenic and the sites are private."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A review for Penrose Point State Park Campground warned, "People don't come here to camp, they come here to party."
  • Site Proximity: Campsites can be close together, which may affect privacy. One camper at Potlatch State Park Campground noted, "The campsites are dramatically close, so there is little to no privacy if it was busy."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited facilities. A visitor at Alder Lake Park mentioned, "No sewer or showers, pit toilets."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Belfair State Park Campground, which has a playground and plenty of space for kids to play. One family shared, "The kids spent most days playing in the river or at the beach."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned, like hiking or fishing. A reviewer at Dash Point State Park Campground said, "I love coming here to hike with the dogs and kids."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring items that make camping easier for kids, like portable games or outdoor toys. A visitor at Millersylvania State Park Campground mentioned, "The trails are well mapped, and signed making it nearly impossible to get lost."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Alder Lake Park noted, "The sites may be too close together if the park was full."
  • Utilize Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. One RV user at Potlatch State Park Campground appreciated, "Each spot has water, power AND its own sewer hook up."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A visitor at Penrose Point State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground was kind of noisy and loud."

Camping near Anderson Island, Washington, has something for everyone. Whether you're with family or enjoying a solo trip, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Anderson Island, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Anderson Island, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 248 campgrounds and RV parks near Anderson Island, WA and 18 free dispersed camping spots.

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 70 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Anderson Island, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Anderson Island, WA.

What parks are near Anderson Island, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Anderson Island, WA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.