Seasonal camping opportunities near Covington, Washington vary dramatically between summer drought conditions and fall's rainy periods. The region sits in a transitional zone between the Cascade foothills and Puget Sound lowlands, with elevations ranging from 350 to 1,500 feet within a 30-mile radius. Campgrounds closest to Covington typically operate on city water systems, while those in more remote areas utilize well water that can become limited during peak summer months.
What to do
River access trails: Kanaskat-Palmer State Park offers walking paths along the Green River with several access points perfect for viewing or fishing. "Short hike to river spots that are perfect for wading or fishing. 10 minute drive from Deep Lake which is beautiful and great for swimming and paddle boarding," notes Ashlie M. at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park.
Low-impact water sports: Lake access at Vasa Park Resort accommodates paddle boards and small watercraft with a dedicated swimming area. "We stayed here while visiting my brother in Seattle and had so much fun. We roasted hotdogs and s'mores over the camp fire and our dog loved swimming in the lake," reports Amy H. about her experience at Vasa Park Resort.
Playgrounds and courts: Several campgrounds feature sports courts and children's play areas. "The park is kept incredibly clean. Bathrooms in that loop were pretty nice... heated and very clean," writes Jay F. about Kanaskat-Palmer, adding, "Took a walk down to the day use area by the river, which was easy for us."
What campers like
Proximity to Seattle with forest feel: The best places to camp near Covington include spots that feel remote while being convenient. "We love coming here. Its close proximity to our house allows us to hook up the trailer after work and include a Friday night in our camping weekend!" shares Shay F. about Tolt MacDonald Park, located under an hour from Covington.
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for restroom facilities. "The bathrooms and shower is kept clean, as is the rest of the campground," notes Brittany D. about Dash Point State Park. This campground earns praise for "Cleanliness, peace and quiet, and ease of access" from Evan F., who adds "better signage for the restrooms would be helpful, but this place is pretty sweet overall!"
Private campsites: For those seeking space between neighbors, several options stand out. "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," writes Brittany D. about Dash Point State Park. Jeff O. similarly praises Kanaskat-Palmer: "The spaces are very private and spread out. Everything is clean including the bathrooms."
What you should know
Campground security levels: Park ranger presence varies significantly between campgrounds. "This campground is heavily patrolled by the park rangers. I usually have contact with them in my campsite at least twice a day," explains Kelly P. about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. "I have been asked by the park rangers at 10:01 p.m. to be quite as myself and three 9 year old girls were talking too loud. I have also seen the park rangers call in the King County Police."
Airplane noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience significant aircraft noise due to flight paths. About Saltwater State Park, Travis P. warns: "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)." At the same location, Mark M. notes the noise can sometimes be helpful: "Planes fly by constantly but if you have noisy neighbors it's kind of nice."
Seasonal water hazards: Rivers can be dangerous during certain times of year. At Kanaskat-Palmer, Kelly P. cautions, "The riverfront accessed from the campground tends to be a bit too raging for my taste with children. We usually take the kids to the lake at Nolte state park (approx. 3 miles away) for water play."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Shoreline swimming varies widely between locations. "The beach is a short walk from camp, just long enough to make you feel like you earned your sunset view," shares Saraj B. about Dash Point. "It's more of a rocky, muddy beach than a sandy one, but it's still great for exploring, skipping rocks, or pretending you're in a moody PNW indie film."
Alternate water activities: When river conditions aren't suitable for children, nearby lakes offer alternatives. "There's a day use lake and we had a wonderful time camping here!" says Brittany L. about Dash Point State Park. For families at Kanaskat-Palmer, Kelly P. recommends, "We usually take the kids to the lake at Nolte state park (approx. 3 miles away) for water play."
Group-friendly areas: Several campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings. "Loved Kanaskat Palmer. Stayed in spot 13 - each site seems to have a trail connecting to the outer trail that runs along the river. Big entertainment for three boys who explored the woods and played on the rocks and in the eddy pools," writes Julie M. about her family's experience at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds offer partial rather than full hookups. "Hookups are easy but there is no cable tv hookups which we didn't need," reports Todd B. about Blue Sky RV Park. At Vasa Park Resort, Ralph D. shares, "The full hook up spaces seem a bit close together but I was willing to do partial and got a roomier spot."
Leveling considerations: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. Cody F. notes about Kanaskat-Palmer: "I only took away a star because it was advertised as ok for a Motorhome but the gravel pull through was so not level the jacks pushed the front tires 6 inches off the ground." In contrast, Russ H. praises Tolt MacDonald: "The only campground we've been to where we didn't need to level the trailer. RV sites are all pull through its fairly quiet."
Cell service variability: Connectivity ranges from excellent to none depending on location. Ashlie M. reports "Great cell service if you have TMobile" at Kanaskat-Palmer, while Laura M. found "Zero cell reception here for ATT and Verizon" at the same location. At Blue Sky RV Park, Mark O. noted his site was "paved, level and long enough for Super C and toad."
