Best Campgrounds near Des Moines, WA

Iowa isn’t always considered when you think of states to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or just a place to spend the night, Des Moines, Iowa has plenty of options.

The best camping near Des Moines is going to be near the Saylorville Lake Project. While any lakefront spot is great, the Bob Shetler Recreation area is popular for tents and RVs. If you’re willing to make a bit of a drive, you’ll find the Red Rock Wildlife Management Area near Hartford, IA. While WMA camping depends on the state, you’re welcome to spend up to 14 consecutive days at your campground when you’re at Red Rock. Kick your feet up and enjoy a lakefront campsite when you’re there.

Best Camping Sites Near Des Moines, Washington (261)

    1. Dash Point State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    Federal Way, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    ""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."

    "This campground is hidden in the middle of a major Western Washington city, Federal Way. Once in the campground, you would have no idea that you are surrounded by a sprawling metropolitan area."

    2. Saltwater State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Des Moines, WA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (253) 661-4956

    $60 / night

    "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"

    3. Game Farm Wilderness Campground

    13 Reviews
    Auburn, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 931-3043

    $40 / night

    "Just like building and exploring in Minecraft for PC, you can craft your perfect outdoor adventure here, surrounded by nature, and enjoy endless fun and exploration."

    4. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

    29 Reviews
    Ravensdale, WA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    "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!"

    5. Manchester State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Manchester, WA
    17 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."

    6. Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor

    9 Reviews
    Gig Harbor, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 858-8138

    $57 - $104 / night

    "Close by stores, trails, parks, harbor. Tacoma across bridge (10 minutes - $6.25 toll)."

    "Costco, Home Depot, Albertsons and other shopping close by."

    7. Penrose Point State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $32 / night

    "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."

    8. Angle Lake RV Park

    1 Review
    Normandy Park, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 920-1917

    $100 - $120 / night

    "Wanted them close by otherwise likely wouldn’t have stayed here. Great option for family in town and wanting to be close by. Close to the airport if you need to leave your RV for a bit and fly out."

    9. Fay Bainbridge Park

    20 Reviews
    Bainbridge Island, WA
    24 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."

    10. Blake Island Marine State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Manchester, WA
    13 miles
    Website

    $12 - $45 / night

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 261 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Des Moines, WA

1258 Reviews of 261 Des Moines Campgrounds



Guide to Des Moines

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Des Moines, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Des Moines, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 261 campgrounds and RV parks near Des Moines, WA and 27 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Des Moines, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Des Moines, WA is Dash Point State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 68 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Des Moines, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 free dispersed camping spots near Des Moines, WA.

What parks are near Des Moines, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Des Moines, WA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.