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.