Camping sites near Kirkland, Washington sit predominantly within western hemlock forest zones at elevations between 100-500 feet. The region receives approximately 40 inches of annual rainfall with drier periods from late June through September. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round despite seasonal precipitation, with winter camping available but requiring preparation for temperatures that regularly dip into the 30s.
What to do
Water access at beach parks: Fay Bainbridge Park on Bainbridge Island offers beach camping with water recreation opportunities. "Beautiful beach, great views of Mt. Rainier & Baker on a clear day, cruise ships going by, pirate ship playground for children," notes one visitor, who also mentions the "great beach walk and good camp sites."
Hiking trails: Tolt MacDonald Park features walking paths along the Snoqualmie River, accessible via a suspension bridge. A camper explains, "If you venture across the Shakey bridge there are hiking trails, access to the water, and plenty of trees to hang your hammock in. There are also additional more remote camping spots on the other side of the bridge."
Military history exploration: Manchester State Park preserves historical military structures from the Spanish-American War and World War II. A visitor points out the unique construction: "Look for the cement form lines on the buildings, they are only 18" high at best, this is because when they were built Portland cement hadn't been invented yet, it took quite a while for the cement to dry before adding the 'next layer'."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campsites at Dash Point State Park feature good separation. "I was impressed by how spread apart the sites were, I think they could have fit another in between each of them!" reports one camper. Another mentions the "privacy hedges between spots" at a nearby campground.
Clean facilities: Lake Pleasant RV Park maintains well-kept amenities. A visitor notes: "The grounds are quiet... truly silent... save for the many geese that call the lake in the center of the property their home." Another mentions, "Office staff is friendly, bathrooms are clean, laundry is cheap ($1 wash), maintenance staff is constantly tending to the grounds."
Cost-effective extended stays: Tall Chief Campground offers affordable monthly rates. "Stayed 3 months for work, perfect beautiful, CHEEP CHEEP, not too good to be true, just right. All hookups included. (Bring your dump tote!) easy easy easy dump station," reports one visitor. Other campers mention "reasonable rates" at campgrounds in the area.
What you should know
Tent sites may require walking: Some campgrounds advertise tent sites that aren't directly accessible by car. At Fay Bainbridge, a visitor reported being "very disappointed. Booked and told tent sites could be driven up to. Not the case. Host was very nice. Beautiful place."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Issaquah Village RV Park, campers note being "200' from I-90" but found that "ear plugs did a good job of quieting that noise enough for us to get a good sleep." Similarly, another notes some spots have "very tight camping sites, no privacy, plenty of noise in summer."
Sewer hookup limitations: Several campgrounds lack full hookups or have restrictions. A camper at one park mentions "no dump station" while another notes that "most sites are pretty big too. We can easily fit our trailer, tow vehicle, and extra vehicle and still have space! No sewer connections which can be a bummer."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Vasa Park Resort offers family-friendly amenities on Lake Sammamish. "Cute campground very close to Seattle and Bellevue right on the lake. Beautiful beach area, basketball courts, playground, and volleyball right at the site," notes one visitor. Multiple campers mention this is "a great summer family spot."
Kid-friendly beaches: Beach access makes several parks popular with families. "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites," reports a visitor to Fay Bainbridge Park, who also recommends being "prepared for showers to be closed but the restrooms were open."
Weather preparations: Families should pack for variable conditions, even in summer. The region experiences sudden weather changes, with morning fog common along waterfront locations. One camper advises, "It's tucked into the city so it's busy. You might hear a bit of road noise, depending on your site. But it's a small price to pay for a low-effort, high-reward camping weekend."
Tips from RVers
Power supply considerations: Electrical service varies significantly between parks. A visitor at Tall Chief Campground notes: "Knocking another star as the majority of the sites are only 30 amp with antiquated posts. There are a few 50 amp sites but from what I saw they were all taken by RVers that are there on a more permanent basis."
Cell reception: Tree coverage affects connectivity at some parks. A camper advises: "Another thing that can be annoying is trying to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees. They definitely have a few, but I would say arrive early so you can drive by all the sites while checking to make sure you have good reception if you need it. I'm getting 120+ mbs download on AT&T in my site right now, but several sites down from me, it can dwindle down to 5mbs!"
Urban proximity advantages: Blue Sky RV Park provides convenient access to city amenities. "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," mentions one RVer. Another calls it a "quiet oasis tucked into the forest" with "new and clean bathrooms and showers."
