Best Campgrounds near Des Moines, WA

Camping near Des Moines, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds, like Dash Point State Park Campground, have trails where you can hike and see wildlife. One reviewer mentioned, "Several miles of hiking trails and chances to see wildlife or catch frogs."
• Beach Activities: At Penrose Point State Park Campground, you can enjoy beach walks and tide pooling. A visitor shared, "The sites are decently spaced with tall trees and ground cover between, trails for hiking and beach walks are clean and easy to navigate."
• Fishing and Kayaking: Campgrounds like Seal Rock Campground are right on the water, perfect for fishing and kayaking. One camper noted, "It’s the best of the best! Both tents or trailer/campers are accommodated at most campsites."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Dosewallips State Park Campground stated, "Amazing campgrounds. Super clean bathrooms and showers."
• Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park mentioned, "The campground is nice and clean... the sites are level and are a mix of back-in and pull-through."
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Tolt MacDonald Park are great for families. One reviewer said, "Kids and families on bikes everywhere, amphitheater, trails, water, grass fields, the works."

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A review for Belfair State Park Campground noted, "Some of the larger sites... are right next to the beach, and you can set up chairs and have a beautiful view. These sites have little, if any, vegetation to provide privacy."
• Reservation Recommendations: It’s a good idea to book your spot in advance, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Twanoh State Park Campground mentioned, "I reserved 3 weeks out and got the last spot."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Tinkham Campground pointed out, "The dispersed campsites themselves are nice enough, but... there's human feces and toilet paper everywhere."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. One reviewer at Fay Bainbridge Park said, "The beach is beautiful, rocky and sandy - love the PNW beaches."
• Pack for Activities: Bring toys and games for the kids. A parent at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park shared, "We had a very enjoyable 1st weekend back to camping."
• Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to have downtime in your schedule. A visitor at Belfair State Park Campground mentioned, "The kids spent most days playing in the river or at the beach."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Dosewallips State Park Campground noted, "I appreciate there is electric, sewer and water."
• Be Prepared for Road Conditions: Some campgrounds may have rough access roads. A visitor at Tinkham Campground mentioned, "The road was my only issue. It’s full of deep dips and bumps throughout."
• Look for Quiet Spots: Choose sites that are away from busy areas. A camper at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park said, "It was surprisingly quiet!"

Camping near Des Moines, WA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!