Best Campgrounds near Bothell, WA

Bothell, Washington provides a mix of developed campgrounds and RV parks within a 30-mile radius, with options ranging from lakeside settings to forested retreats. Lake Pleasant RV Park offers year-round camping directly in Bothell with full hookups and a central duck pond, while Tolt MacDonald Park in nearby Carnation features tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and yurts along the Tolt River. The region's campgrounds typically accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several locations also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more sheltered accommodations.

Road access to most campgrounds near Bothell remains reliable throughout the year, though seasonal considerations affect site availability and conditions. Many campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, but experience significantly higher demand during summer months. "This is the nicest park with the best rates close to the Seattle area. It's north of Lake Washington so you can skip bridge traffic and tolls," noted one Lake Pleasant RV Park visitor. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping between May and September, particularly for sites with water views or electrical hookups. Most developed campgrounds provide water and restroom facilities, though amenities vary considerably between locations.

Campers frequently mention the convenient proximity to urban amenities while still enjoying natural settings. Several visitors highlighted the balance of accessibility and natural beauty, with one camper describing Tolt MacDonald Park as having "easy access to UW Bothell" while providing a peaceful environment. The campgrounds near Bothell serve as practical basecamps for exploring the greater Seattle area while avoiding city accommodations. Water features represent a common element in the region's most highly-rated campgrounds, with ponds, rivers, and lakes enhancing the camping experience. Public lands with more primitive camping options can be found farther east toward the Cascade Mountains, providing alternatives to the more developed campground options closer to Bothell.

Best Camping Sites Near Bothell, Washington (237)

    1. Lake Pleasant RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Bothell, WA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (425) 487-1785

    $62 - $750 / night

    "This is the nicest park with the best rates close to the Seattle area. It’s north of Lake Washington so you can skip bridge traffic and tolls. It has easy access to UW Bothell."

    "The roadways are easy to navigate and lots of folks walk around the park roads."

    2. Fay Bainbridge Park

    22 Reviews
    Bainbridge Island, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 842-3931

    $7 - $95 / night

    ". #2, #3, #4 are IMO best after that as they move away from the beach and then curve around in ascending order.

    Some neighbor noise, sites are close, but was not busy."

    "Great spot on the edge of bainbridge. Lots of spots depending on your preferred privacy level."

    3. Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    22 Reviews
    Carnation, WA
    18 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."

    4. Flowing Lake Park & Campground

    12 Reviews
    Everett, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 568-2274

    "This is a nice campground with semi private sites, several of which are  generous sized with walking trails, and trails to the lake.  Lots of trees for privacy."

    "Lake access with boat launch and fishing dock. Small loop trail. We do enjoy this campground for a quick getaway. Fall camping here is beautiful.

    Cabins available, also the most amazing playground."

    5. Tall Chief Campground

    15 Reviews
    Fall City, WA
    17 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!"

    6. North Sound Recreational Vehicle Park

    3 Reviews
    Lynnwood, WA
    7 miles
    +1 (425) 743-6180

    " I looked at all the RV/Trailer Parks close to Seattle. They were either over priced money traps, or crammed in so tight that there was no room to turn yourself around.

     "

    "Located in Residential area with mostly full- time residents. Clean, safe, quiet. Staff was very friendly and helpful."

    7. Paine Field Community Park

    3 Reviews
    Mukilteo, WA
    9 miles
    Website

    "A great clean safe place in the city and surrounded by trees and nature"

    8. Silver Lake RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Mill Creek, WA
    8 miles

    "The proximity to the lake is very nice. The park is very well kept. This is a bit close to businesses, but still feels pretty sereen."

    9. Manchester State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Manchester, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 871-4065

    $50 / night

    "Nice wooded campground with access to the water. Plenty of opportunities for day hikes and not far from port orchard Washington. Some sites have hookups and others are dry camping."

    "Trails, views, and history in walking distance. Coin operated showers and clean restrooms."

    10. Woodlands at Lake Stickney

    2 Reviews
    Mill Creek, WA
    8 miles
    +1 (425) 280-0317

    $60 - $68 / night

    "The tent sites at Hearth Street Properties offer secluded spots near the water, with conveniences like restaurants nearby.  Check them out and share some pics from your trip on the Dyrt!"

    "Despite the moss on the roof shingles of the outbuildings, this was best camping site near Seattle I've ever been to."

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Showing results 1-10 of 237 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bothell, WA

1302 Reviews of 237 Bothell Campgrounds



Guide to Bothell

Camping near Bothell, WA, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds, like Dash Point State Park Campground, have trails where you can hike and spot wildlife. One visitor mentioned, "Love coming here to hike with the dogs and kids," highlighting the great trails and wildlife opportunities.
  • Beach Access: Campgrounds such as Dosewallips State Park Campground are close to beautiful beaches. A reviewer noted, "The beach is clean and water is too!" making it a perfect spot for a day by the water.
  • Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy fishing, Middle Fork Campground is near great fishing spots. One camper shared, "Nice river access," which is perfect for those looking to cast a line.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground said, "Super clean bathrooms and showers," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park mentioned, "The campground is nice and clean," emphasizing the spaciousness and cleanliness.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. One camper at Fort Casey Campground noted, "The park staff were super helpful," which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or airports. A visitor at Dash Point State Park Campground mentioned, "Several reviews complain about the airplane noise overhead," so be prepared for some background noise.
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially in summer. A camper at Dosewallips State Park Campground advised, "Probably need to reserve far in advance," to secure a good site.
  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites close together. A reviewer at Fort Worden Historical State Park noted, "The only negative is the lack of any privacy," which is something to consider when choosing a spot.

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby trails. A camper at Tolt MacDonald Park mentioned, "There is a playground for kids in the park," making it a great choice for families.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. One visitor at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park appreciated its proximity to a grocery store, saying, "It's about 8 miles from a Safeway if you forget butter and olive oil."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A reviewer at Fay Bainbridge Park said, "Lots of space to fly kites and walk," which can be fun for kids.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park noted, "The campground is nice and clean," but it's good to double-check site dimensions.
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, check for campgrounds with electric hookups. A visitor at Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground mentioned, "Full hook up sites," which can be a big help for RVers.
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Bring gear for rain or wind. A camper at Fort Casey Campground said, "If there’s a storm in the forecast be ready for some wind," so plan accordingly.

Camping near Bothell, 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 Bothell, WA?

For camping near Bothell, Lake Pleasant RV Park offers convenient access to the Seattle area without dealing with bridge traffic or tolls. It features a scenic duck pond and quiet atmosphere, making it ideal for short stays. For a more nature-immersive experience, Tolt MacDonald Park south of Duvall provides riverside camping with easy access to town amenities. Additional options within driving distance include Flowing Lake Park & Campground near Snohomish and Dash Point State Park, which offers clean facilities and beautiful layouts for tent camping. Most campgrounds in the region are best visited during dry seasons to avoid flooding in low-lying areas.

Can I rent an RV or camper in Bothell for a camping trip?

While Bothell doesn't have dedicated RV rental facilities within the city limits, numerous rental options are available in the greater Seattle area. Major RV rental companies operate throughout the region, with pickup locations accessible within a 20-30 minute drive of Bothell. For local convenience, check with dealerships like Cruise America and El Monte RV that serve the Seattle metro area. Many rentals can be booked online with flexible pickup arrangements. Alternatively, peer-to-peer rental platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare connect you with local RV owners offering various camper styles. Once you've secured your rental, Fort Worden Historical State Park and Dosewallips State Park provide excellent destinations for your trip.

Are there any family-friendly campgrounds near Bothell for kids?

Deception Pass State Park Campground offers an excellent family experience with numerous kid-friendly activities including hiking trails accessible from the campsites and gorgeous beaches with swimming opportunities. Despite slightly cooler temperatures at night, the daytime weather is typically wonderful during summer months. Another great option is Dash Point State Park Campground, which features clean facilities, friendly volunteers, and a beautifully laid-out camping area that families consistently rate highly. Both parks provide easy access to nature activities that keep children engaged while offering the amenities parents need for a comfortable outdoor experience.

What RV camping options are available near Bothell, Washington?

The most convenient RV option near Bothell is Lake Pleasant RV Park, offering excellent rates close to Seattle with a peaceful atmosphere centered around a small lake populated with waterfowl. For those willing to travel a bit further, Flowing Lake Park & Campground near Snohomish provides drive-in access with water hookups and big-rig-friendly sites. Silver Lake RV Park is another viable option with boat access and necessary amenities. Most RV parks in the area provide water hookups, though electricity and sewer connections vary by location. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during summer months when sites fill quickly due to the limited number of RV parks in the immediate Bothell vicinity.