Alder Lake Campground
Rugged yet beautiful
The views by the lake were stunning. Not too many people and even less mosquitoes. I would go back, but the tent sites are brutally uneven and rugged. Pack some extra grit or a thicker air mattress.
256 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Burton, Washington sit along the shores of the Puget Sound and Hood Canal, with several state parks providing a mix of tent and RV camping opportunities. Manchester State Park and Dash Point State Park offer year-round camping with established sites featuring amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water. The region includes both waterfront camping options and forested settings, with accommodation types ranging from basic tent sites to RV hookups, cabins, and even yurt rentals at select locations like Fay Bainbridge Park on Bainbridge Island.
Road access varies significantly between campgrounds, with most state parks easily accessible via paved roads. "Even in the final days of summer, it was a lovely temperature to hang out for the week and we even got to see the Northern Lights one night," shared one camper about Oak Bay County Park, highlighting the region's mild climate. Many campgrounds require a Washington State Discover Pass for day use, which costs approximately $30 per year. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage can vary at more remote campgrounds. Most developed campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though some facilities like showers may be seasonal.
Waterfront access represents a defining feature of many campgrounds in the Burton area, with Hood Canal and Puget Sound providing scenic backdrops. Campers frequently mention the peaceful setting despite proximity to urban areas. A reviewer at Dash Point noted, "This campground is hidden in the middle of a major Western Washington city. Once in the campground, you would have no idea that you are surrounded by a sprawling metropolitan area." Sites typically provide varying levels of privacy, with some campgrounds featuring well-spaced, wooded sites while others have more open layouts. Most developed campgrounds in the region include clean restrooms and showers, with many offering hookups for RVs. The proximity to water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and tidepooling enhances the camping experience, while nearby hiking trails provide additional recreational opportunities.
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"Close by stores, trails, parks, harbor. Tacoma across bridge (10 minutes - $6.25 toll)."
"Costco, Home Depot, Albertsons and other shopping close by."
from $57 - $104 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 - $58 / night
Check Availability"Often our first or last trip of the year, due to its proximity to the greater Seattle area. Most of the folks we meet are from western Washington. "
"On the water of the Hood Canal, it offered more family activities than many of the parks around. The campground itself is situated close to the water with several loops, tightly packed together."
from $12 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $7 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Hike the perimeter trail for views all around the island. It's a great place to stay in the summer months and relax."
"Really fantastic location. Very strict rangers which can be good or bad depending on your preference. Quiet hours are at 10pm which is early for some people so be aware."
from $12 - $45 / night
Check Availability"The grounds are well-maintained with easy access to some hiking trails that are easy to moderate in difficulty."
"Dump station close by worked great on exit. Wooded with ferns. Rain was nice to enjoy through the windows."
from $12 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It's close proximity to our house allows us to hook up the trailer after work and include a Friday night in our camping weekend!"
from $20 / night
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The views by the lake were stunning. Not too many people and even less mosquitoes. I would go back, but the tent sites are brutally uneven and rugged. Pack some extra grit or a thicker air mattress.
the camping spots along this road are very nice, with plenty of space for cars and tents. the only downside is people aren't the best about burying their waste, so watch where you step. otherwise, couldn't ask for more. the sound of the river in the background is so soothing, and the sites offer plenty of shade.
This place is stunningly beautiful. The winding trails throughout the campgrounds are very nice. Restrooms and showers are very well maintained. One of the park rangers helped us book a reservation after showing up since the website wasn't working for us on our side. Overall an amazing time, def my favorite spot in the whole county so far.
USE AS A LAST OPTION ONLY - It's right behind the racetrack so if you like rednecks reving engines until midnight less than 100yds from your campsite you'll love it here! Didn't even bother with the restrooms or showers, everything looks pretty run down at the RV-2 site. Overall, a pretty crap operation. The other parks in the county are AMAZING, just steer clear of this place
Beautiful area with friendly community.
Stayed on site 38. Perfect for Van camping. Electric,water and sewer. Some sewer locations may need an extension hose. Power ran about 118 to 120 voltage. Cell service where we were at ...ATT had 3 bars and Verizon at 1 or 2 bars at best. Very dated park. But paved narrow roads and tight sites. Reserved on phone, same day of arrival. At 3:18 pm and checkin was closed. So we just went to site. Our loop restroom was very dated and needed some repairs. X1 shower in men's and women's. Men's side had tile missing but had hot water. Overall....just a very dated park. Airport noise noticeable. But spaces are somewhat spaced out with some privacy.
As cyclists, we really enjoyed this state park. The hiker/biker sites are in a wooded area removed from the other sites which makes them peaceful. Good bathroom and shower amenities, picnic tables by the hiker/biker sites and in the day use area, and a lovely ocean view. Love the cheap, first come first serve option for those arriving by human power! There is also access to a store with supplies and firewood nearby. We enjoyed this spot because we could bike from our home in North Seattle, take the ferry from Edmonds and do a quick one-nighter over here.
Gorgeous location. We saw one staff person working SO hard cleaning the campground of weekend trash. The bathroom was ghastly! Big door doesn’t close, the one shower stall so old I don’t think cleaning could help. Totally unsafe with just a couple curtains - no lock. Don’t go in there alone. If you play Pickle Ball you’re in luck - the Founders Course s are wonderful and the Club Members very welcoming!
VFW 969 Rec Park is clean and quiet. It's run by the VFW and has until recently been just for veterans and active military. They have now opened it to civilians for RV camping at just $50/day, tent camping at $20/day and up to 7 days. It is located right on the Carbon River with a couple awesome swimming holes. Nested between South Prarie and Orting. There is a biking/walking/running path that goes all the way between both towns and then some. There is onsite showers/toilets and coin operated laundry. Full court basketball, softball/kickball field, children's playground/swingset. There is guest parking first come first serve. Guests are allowed to use the clubhouse as long as they clean up after themselves. There is a big screen TV and comfy couch for movie nights and there are also board games and books. The clubhouse can also be rented out for events. (Speak to management for pricing) This place is a little slice of heaven tucked back out of the way of the hustle and bustle of the metro areas surrounding it. There is so much to do around the PNW and this is the perfect base camp.
Camping near Burton, Washington offers a mix of waterfront and forest experiences with proximity to Hood Canal and Puget Sound shorelines. Sites across the region vary from primitive tent spots to full-hookup RV options. Most campgrounds remain accessible through winter months, though seasonal limitations on facilities like showers occur from November through March when temperatures average 35-45°F.
Beachcombing and tidepooling: Fay Bainbridge Park provides excellent shoreline access with views of Mount Rainier and Baker. "The beach is a short walk from camp, just long enough to make you feel like you earned your sunset view, but not so long that you regret your life choices," notes Saraj B. The rocky beaches offer prime opportunities for exploring marine life during low tides.
Waterfront hiking: Dash Point State Park features multiple trail systems suitable for families. "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. Most trails are under 3 miles round-trip and connect directly to the beach areas.
Wildlife viewing: At Dosewallips State Park, visitors can observe native wildlife from established viewing platforms. "Every night, my husband and I would walk to the wildlife viewing platform to see lots of birds, or walk down by the river and see lots of elk and bald eagles," shares Amy & Stu B. Morning and evening hours provide the best viewing opportunities.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the vegetation between camping spots at certain parks. At Penrose Point State Park, "Sites and restrooms were clean. We had a great time exploring the beaches. Sites were reasonably private and quiet at night (except for a brief invasion of 6 raccoons at our site one night!)" according to Rachel.
Clean facilities: The region's campgrounds typically maintain good bathroom conditions. At Manchester State Park, "The shower house restrooms are very clean. Firewood is available for purchase," reports Eric P. Most campgrounds provide token-operated showers costing $0.50-1.00 for 3-5 minutes of hot water.
Natural sound barriers: Despite proximity to urban areas, many campsites maintain a sense of seclusion. Dash Point reviewers frequently mention this quality: "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," notes Brittany D.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Burton require advance booking, especially during summer months. At Manchester State Park Campground, sites fill quickly from May through September. Campers should reserve 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends, particularly for waterfront sites.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience flight path noise. At Saltwater State Park, "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)," reports Travis P. Research campground location relative to airports if seeking quiet.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal burn bans often affect campgrounds from July through September during dry conditions. Several parks restrict fires to established fire rings year-round, and some sites prohibit wood fires entirely. "Campfires have been banned for a couple years as the neighbors (who bought houses next to a state park) didn't like the smell," notes Ken about Saltwater State Park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Fay Bainbridge Park features "a pirate ship playground for children," according to Judy J., making it suitable for families with younger kids who need activity options beyond beach play.
Short hiking options: Belfair State Park provides family-friendly walking paths along Hood Canal. "The beach was great, water is rather warm for in the sound, it's also pretty shallow which is great for the kids to play in," mentions Leah H. Most trails are under a mile and suitable for all ages.
Junior ranger programs: Several state parks offer educational activities for children. At Penrose Point, Sarah H. notes, "the kids enjoyed taking part in the junior ranger program." These programs typically run weekends during summer months and provide structured learning opportunities about local ecology.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups. At Gig Harbor RV Resort, "Sites are blacktop and level. Some sites have partial hookups w/o septic. Dump station is on site," explains James and Susan K. Electric (30-amp) and water hookups are most common, with fewer full-hookup sites available.
Site dimensions: RV campers should verify space dimensions before booking. "The spaces are very close together, but there are a lot of trees and it's very well kept," reports Joseph I. about Gig Harbor RV Resort. Many campgrounds have limited sites for larger rigs exceeding 35 feet.
Winter accessibility: Most campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced services. When staying at Manchester State Park in winter, Conrad C. notes, "If I was to say there is an issue the only one I have is in the winter it is very dark. But it the Northwest its' suppose to be." Check for seasonal road closures after heavy rain or snow events, particularly at more remote locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Burton, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Burton, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 256 campgrounds and RV parks near Burton, WA and 23 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Burton, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Burton, WA is Dash Point State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 74 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Burton, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Burton, WA.
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