Camping options near Anderson Island, Washington include both state parks and private campgrounds within driving distance. Located at 46 feet above sea level in southern Puget Sound, Anderson Island's temperate marine climate creates ideal camping conditions with mild temperatures rarely exceeding 80°F even during summer months. Most campgrounds near Anderson Island remain open year-round with peak season running May through September.
What to do
Shoreline exploration: At Dash Point State Park Campground, enjoy the beach access and nearby creek. "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," explains Ingrid M. The park features hiking trails within walking distance of campsites.
River activities: Visit Riverbend Campground for water recreation on the river. "We stayed there on a Thursday right on the river. 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," notes reviewer J. The campground provides dedicated pet areas for dog owners.
Lake recreation: Alder Lake Park offers swimming and boating with designated no-wake areas for safer swimming. "The lake has a blocked off no wake area for those that wish to swim fun and the rest of the lake is for small motorized water craft," explains Mary C. The park features clean facilities with coin-operated showers.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Dash Point State Park Campground campers appreciate the well-designed layout. "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," shares Brittany D. Despite being near Federal Way, the campground maintains a secluded feel.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Anderson Island, Washington, Elkamp Eastcreek delivers well-maintained facilities. "We spent 1 night at Elkamp and were sad to have to move on so quickly. It would be a great base for exploring the south side of Mt. Rainier as it is within minutes of the Nisquilly entrance," reports Shannon H. Beyond standard campsites, this campground offers cabin rentals and alternative accommodations.
Wildlife viewing: Campers value animal sightings at nearby parks. "The campsite was beautiful! There's a day use lake and we had a wonderful time camping here!" Brittany L. notes about Dash Point. The surrounding woodland areas support diverse wildlife populations, particularly in early morning and evening hours.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Water levels fluctuate seasonally at area lakes. "Usually when water is at normal level the beach is all sand and water is clean and clear," explains Natashinka C. about Alder Lake Park. Reservations for summer weekends often fill 3-6 months in advance.
Campsite selection matters: At Dosewallips State Park Campground, location within the park significantly impacts experience. "Do not choose a site by the cabins or field, you will be disappointed. Choose a large site by the river!" advises Michele K. Many campgrounds offer site-specific reservations online.
Airport noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience aircraft noise. "Commercial jets landing at Sea-Tac fly directly above us at a low altitude and are VERY loud and VERY frequent (every 3-5 minutes), so if you don't mind the noise, or LOVE airplanes (like we do), this is an Awesome campground!!!" explains Travis P. about Saltwater State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Campground amenities: Families benefit from dedicated facilities. "It was raining for nearly our entire time here, but we still enjoyed the close/easy access to bathrooms, showers, potable water, and hiking trails, not to mention the numerous activities available near the lake," shares Geanna R. about Millersylvania State Park Campground.
Weekend planning: Many family-friendly campgrounds get crowded during peak season. "We enjoyed our stay at Millersylvania. It's a beautiful place. We purchased firewood from the Boy Scout troop here for $6/bundle. The only downside for us is that it is really crowded," notes carrie S. Midweek visits typically offer quieter experiences.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. "Alder Lake is a great spot for both swim play and boating. The lake has a blocked off no wake area for those that wish to have swim fun and the rest of the lake is for small motorized water craft," shares a camper. Many parks offer junior ranger programs during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up options: Full-service sites available at several campgrounds. "We had a pull-through site right across from the dumpster, bathrooms, and camp host. We had decent service for Verizon. There are ample trails throughout the park including a lovely trail along the lake, which is not far from the campground," reports Christina F. about Millersylvania State Park.
Level sites: Check reviews for information about site grading. "RV sites are blacktop and level. Some sites have partial hookups w/o septic. Dump station is on site," notes James and Susan K. about Dosewallips State Park. Most area campgrounds accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, with some sites specifically designed for larger rigs.
Power considerations: Electrical service varies by campground. "They advertise 30A service, but the grid cannot handle it. Breakers flip often, especially in the colder months when campers are trying to stay warm," warns Michael R. about Olympia Campground. During peak season, arrival before 2pm often results in longer waits for check-in processing.