Best Campgrounds near Maple Valley, WA

Camping near Maple Valley, Washington encompasses several state parks and established campgrounds within a short drive of this suburban community. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, located in nearby Ravensdale, provides year-round camping with updated facilities and river access. Lake Sawyer Resort in Black Diamond offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with boat-in access. The area sits between the urban amenities of the Seattle metro region and the wilderness of the Cascade Mountains, providing a convenient base for outdoor recreation. As one camper noted, Kanaskat-Palmer State Park features "nice updated bathrooms and great trails along the river with swimming spots" that can be explored beyond the main swimming area.

Most campgrounds in the Maple Valley region require reservations, especially during summer months when sites fill quickly. A Washington State Discover Pass ($30 annually) is required for day use at state parks, though overnight camping fees typically cover parking. Campfire restrictions are common during dry summer months, but firewood is available for purchase at most established campgrounds when fires are permitted. Cell service is generally reliable at campgrounds closer to town but becomes spotty in more remote areas near the mountains. The region experiences mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers, making late spring through early fall the most popular camping season.

The camping options around Maple Valley range from fully-developed RV parks with hookups to more rustic tent camping experiences. Tolt MacDonald Park, about 30 minutes north, offers a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and yurts with river access. Dash Point State Park provides forested camping with beach access, though some sites experience road noise. Visitors appreciate that many campgrounds balance convenience with natural settings, as one reviewer mentioned that locations are "close enough to town for necessities but far enough to get the secluded feeling." Family-friendly amenities like swimming areas, hiking trails, and picnic facilities are common at the state parks throughout the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Maple Valley, Washington (270)

    1. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

    30 Reviews
    Ravensdale, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    "Great spot not too far from thr city of Maple Valley. The showers and bathrooms and nice and updated. The river has some great trails to walk on and nice swimming spots!"

    "There is good system of trails, tons of picnic tables along the river, and good river access to the Green rivers.

    Campground is well maintained, clean bathrooms and showers available."

    2. Dash Point State Park Campground

    72 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."

    3. Game Farm Wilderness Campground

    15 Reviews
    Auburn, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 931-3043

    $40 / night

    "Just like building and exploring in Minecraft for PC, you can craft your perfect outdoor adventure here, surrounded by nature, and enjoy endless fun and exploration."

    4. Tinkham Campground

    45 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $30 - $36 / night

    "Although the Camp Ground and facilities are great at Tinkham, my advice would be to get into your lifted Off-Roader and hit the mountain roads for this camping trip of a lifetime!"

    "It is a small Forest Service campground next to the south fork of the Snoqualmie river. The site well shaded and fairly privet for the most part."

    5. Saltwater State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Des Moines, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 661-4956

    $60 / night

    "My family stayed here for a night when we went out to Washington a few months ago. It was a nice little place."

    "Pay showers ($1 for 3 minutes) and clean restroom with air dryer, pet friendly, lots of trails to hike and a beautiful beach area with a playground, seasonal/weekend snack shop, outdoor shower by the beach"

    6. Tall Chief Campground

    15 Reviews
    Fall City, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "This is a big park that is part of Thousand Trails.  No sales pitch to join, which was nice.  Rangers were super nice.  Bathrooms very new and clean.  Lots of trees between sites. "

    "We love Tall Chief because it is super close to a lot of great spots around the Seattle region.

    It’s super close (like 7 min drive) from one of my favorite coffee shops, Aroma Coffee Co. Try it!"

    7. Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    22 Reviews
    Carnation, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 205-5434

    "The campground is next to a classy laundromat, and I say classy because it’s probably one of the nicest laundromats in the area that even has a dumpsite for RVs."

    "The campground is in 500+ acre Tolt-McDonald Park, far enough away from any busy road so that there is no traffic noise, just the sound of the Tolt River rapids."

    8. Blue Sky RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Preston, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 222-7910

    "A Quiet oasis tucked into the forest. The new and clean bathrooms and showers were a real treat after a 2100 mile journey from Texas."

    "It’s a very nice location, exceptionally clean and safe.

    In site 11 you can hear the highway when outside of rv but couldn’t inside. Neighbors were very friendly."

    9. Lake Sawyer Resort

    4 Reviews
    Black Diamond, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 886-2244

    "If you can look past the rundown bathrooms and strict rules about dogs and everything else you’re doing then you can appreciate the beauty of Lake Sawyer every morning."

    10. Issaquah Village RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Issaquah, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 392-9233

    "It’s in the heart of Issaquah and close to every kind of service, shopping and even nature you could want."

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Recent Reviews near Maple Valley, WA

1363 Reviews of 270 Maple Valley Campgrounds


  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Elkamp Eastcreek

    Beautiful grounds, meticulous maintenance

    There aren’t many campgrounds to which I would award six stars out of five, but Elkamp Eastcreek is certainly one of them. Every square inch is meticulously maintained (and that includes the two spacious and sparkling clean restrooms). The campsites are far enough apart that they feel relatively private, and most appear completely level. Trees abound. Dogs are welcome! 

    You couldn’t ask for more courteous and caring hosts than Tom and Brian. They run a classy gift shop with merchandise that includes art, apparel, books, games, gifts and gear.(Plus firewood, ice and propane.) Brian is also the barista at the KampGrounds espresso wagon, and he makes a fabulous mocha. 

    Eatonville is reasonably close, and the Mill Haus Cider Co. is worth the drive. The food is excellent— order the Basque cheesecake if it’s on the menu that day— and the outdoor patio(with a working waterwheel) is stunning. And, of course, you’re only a few miles from the Nisqually Gate of Mt. Rainier National Park, which needs no introduction. If that’s not enough, Tom and Brian will have additional ideas for you. 

    If you don’t happen to have an RV or a tent, you can rent Elkamp’s Airstream by the night. And while I don’t see a link on the website, there’s also a cabin you can rent. 

    What would improve Elkamp? It would be great to have a dump station. Sewer hookups would be even better. But that’s a small inconvenience in exchange for staying at a gorgeous campground just a short drive from the Seattle metro area. 

    We will definitely be back. Probably every year.

  • Emma C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Salmon la Sac Road Dispersed Camping

    Multiple Spots, All Great

    there are truly endless amounts of sites along this road- most along the river. they are super fun and each one is pleasantly different. couldn’t recommend this road more for dispersed camping

  • Emma C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites

    Never Dissapoints

    i’ve camped at different sites along this road so many times and keep coming back because they are just great!! the river being close is wonderful and every site has fun quirks and lots of space

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Mounthaven Resort

    Nice 3 night stay

    This is a great small campground for exploringMt Rainier. We stayed here with friends from Colorado and explored the park and did some great hiking outside of the park. It’s a small mostly quiet campground with around 17 sites and 10 cabins. I would stay again if going to explore the mountain. Very clean showers and restroom building. There is ice available for purchase and firewood if no burn ban. Very enjoyable stay.

  • Zachary H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Small Site but Million $ View!

    Solid spot for capable vehicles

    I drive a 2010 tacoma and made it up the mtn road fine, but it was a little janky in spots. Got to camp around 8pm so the “prime” spot was taken and it was hard to turn around at the top since they had a party of three cars parked, but beautiful views of Rainier and there were a few other pull offs on the road with good views.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Salmon La Sac

    Salmon La Sac

    Very busy campground on the weekend, but found one of the last first come, first serve sites on Friday around noon. Pit toilets were clean but stronger than normal smell. Good family oriented campground with swimming hole at bottom of loop.

  • Elena M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Kachess Lake Lakebed

    Beautiful but dirty

    Beautiful view, but very dirty, dusty and noisy, dirt bikes are everywhere.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord

    Easy

    If you have access, use it. $50 for FHU. The laundry is fine. The bathhouse is big and well maintained. There are two separate buildings with these facilities. I observed Commons#2. The park is kid of tight for my tastes. But the sites are big and separated from your neighbors. Very comfortable and woodsy. Great place.

  • L
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Vasa Park Resort

    Vasa Park Resort

    We have enjoyed our 3 week stay at this little water front event and RV campground. This is in the shore of Lake Samammish, giving access to swim, paddle, picnic. The facilities and grounds are kept clean and well maintained. It been fun watching the buffet groups come in and have their celebrations. Everyone is friendly and kind.


Guide to Maple Valley

Camping near Maple Valley, WA, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds have trails where you can hike and spot wildlife. For instance, at Dash Point State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Several miles of hiking trails and chances to see wildlife or catch frogs."
  • Beach Access: If you enjoy the water, Kachess Campground is a great choice. A visitor shared, "The lake has always been the highlight of our trip," making it perfect for swimming and kayaking.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near rivers or lakes where you can fish. At Penrose Point State Park Campground, families can enjoy fishing and kayaking, as one reviewer noted, "We caught a bunch of little trout (catch and release) with the kids."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A visitor at Middle Fork Campground said, "The bathrooms were spotless," which is a big plus for families.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One reviewer at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park mentioned, "The campground is nice and clean," highlighting the spaciousness.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Fay Bainbridge Park are known for being welcoming to families. A camper noted, "The camp host is friendly and helpful," which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Denny Creek Campground mentioned, "It's crowded but it's so close to the city that you can't expect much else."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Tinkham Campground lacks drinking water and electric hookups, so plan accordingly.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Middle Fork Campground shared, "There was a small black bear in my campsite one morning," reminding everyone to store food properly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places with hiking trails and water access. At Dash Point State Park Campground, families can enjoy hiking and beach walks.
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring games and outdoor toys. One parent at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park mentioned, "It's a very family-friendly setting," which is great for kids.
  • Plan for Meals: Make sure to have easy meal options. A camper at Kachess Campground noted, "The hosts are always nice and helpful," which can be a lifesaver if you need local tips.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Tinkham Campground mentioned, "The road was full of deep dips and bumps," so be cautious when driving in.
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, choose campgrounds that offer electric hookups. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park has sites with electric options.
  • Be Mindful of Check-In Times: Some campgrounds have strict check-in times. A camper at Kachess Campground noted, "They are strict about the check-in time at 2pm," so plan your arrival accordingly.

Camping near Maple Valley, WA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Maple Valley, WA?

Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is an excellent option close to Maple Valley, offering updated showers and bathrooms, plus beautiful river trails and swimming spots. For those willing to drive a bit further, Silver Springs Campground is highly recommended for its well-distributed sites and riverside location. Sites numbered 2-10 are particularly desirable as they're closest to the river. Other quality options in the region include Game Farm Wilderness Campground and Tolt MacDonald Park, which offers amenities even during non-rainy seasons and is located near the town of Duvall with shops and activities.

Are there tent camping options available in Maple Valley?

Dash Point State Park Campground provides excellent tent camping opportunities within driving distance of Maple Valley. The campground is known for its clean facilities, friendly staff, and beautiful layout. For a more rustic experience, Tinkham Campground offers tent sites accessible by both driving and walking in. Tent campers looking for options with water access should consider Kachess Campground or The Dalles Campground, though be aware that The Dalles is located near a highway and cell service can be limited in the area.

What day use camping facilities are available in the Maple Valley area?

Lake Sawyer Resort near Black Diamond offers day use facilities with boat access to the lake, making it perfect for daytime recreation near Maple Valley. Dosewallips State Park provides well-maintained grounds with access to easy and moderate hiking trails for day visitors. The park is about an hour's drive but offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. Saltwater State Park is another option with day use amenities including picnic areas and beach access. Many of these facilities feature restrooms, picnic tables, and access to trails or water recreation, though availability may vary seasonally.