Best Camping 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, WA (257)

    Camper-submitted photo from Dash Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dash Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dash Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dash Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dash Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dash Point State Park Campground

    1. Dash Point State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    122 Photos
    413 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

    2. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

    27 Reviews
    46 Photos
    455 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Dosewallips State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dosewallips State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dosewallips State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dosewallips State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dosewallips State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Dosewallips State Park Campground

    3. Dosewallips State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    135 Photos
    293 Saves

    Dosewallips State Park, only 60 miles north of Olympia, is the eastern gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. The region is made up of forests, mountains, rivers, beaches and deltas – and surrounded by sound and sea. This freshwater/saltwater park makes a perfect day or weekend trip. It can also serve as a base from which to explore the historic forts and charming small towns to the north, or the first night on a grand road trip around the peninsula.

    The park's moss-carpeted forest and glacial river slope down to a shell-strewn delta on Hood Canal, a delight for clam-diggers, anglers, boaters, birders and beach explorers. The park features riverside campsites, cabins and five-person platform tents.

    Guests may share space with the local elk herds that wander through camp. (Stay back 100 feet, and never offer food.) Bald eagles have been seen on the beach and great blue herons flock to the river.

    The evening may find you grilling up a shellfish dinner and retiring to your cabin or tent, where you'll fall asleep to the sound of the river, enchanted by this lush, green corner of the country.

    PARK FEATURES Dosewallips State Park is a 1,064-acre, year-round camping park with 5 miles of shoreline on Hood Canal and the Dosewallips River. All camp areas are grassy and located in scenic, rustic settings.

    All campsites are on the reservation system. The campground has 37 tent spaces, 58 utility sites, twelve cabins, one dump station, four restrooms (one ADA), and two showers (one ADA). Maximum site length is 40 feet (limited availability). During winter months (November 15 through March 1), the campground is winterized and only sites 21-29 have water. Winter water supply is still available.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tinkham Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tinkham Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tinkham Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tinkham Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tinkham Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tinkham Campground

    4. Tinkham Campground

    44 Reviews
    54 Photos
    297 Saves

    Overview

    Tinkham Campground is located along the South Fork Snoqualmie River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It offers some of the most stunning scenery in Washington's North Cascades, as well as easy access to an abundance of recreational activities.

    Recreation

    The surrounding area is a prime location for hiking, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall. In winter, visitors can take advantage of skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. A handful of hiking trails lie within a short driving distance, making Tinkham an ideal setting for both individual and family camping excursions. The 0.5-mile Tinkham Discovery Trail is an easy, family-friendly nature path. It weaves through fallen, moss-covered trees to a small pond. Children love investigating the insects, wildflowers and fungi along the trail.

    Facilities

    The surrounding area is a prime location for hiking, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall. In winter, visitors can take advantage of skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. A handful of hiking trails lie within a short driving distance, making Tinkham an ideal setting for both individual and family camping excursions. The 0.5-mile Tinkham Discovery Trail is an easy, family-friendly nature path. It weaves through fallen, moss-covered trees to a small pond. Children love investigating the insects, wildflowers and fungi along the trail.

    Natural Features

    The campground sits alongside the river, in a towering canopy of Douglas fir, cedar and western hemlock, providing abundant shade. Rugged peaks, scenic rivers and abundant wildlife define the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and surrounding designated wilderness areas. On a clear day visitors can see Mt. Baker, which rises to an elevation of 10,781 feet. The active volcano is perpetually snow-capped. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Wildlife in the area ranges from mountain goats in the higher elevations to coyotes and pine martens in the forests. Migratory birds and native fish find ample habitat in the varied ecosystems as well.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242.

    Nearby Attractions

    Mount Rainier National Park is about an hour away. This beautiful park offers fantastic glimpses of glaciers, subalpine ecology and volcanic landscapes. Hiking and scenic driving are the area's most popular activities.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $30 - $32 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Manchester State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manchester State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manchester State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manchester State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manchester State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manchester State Park Campground

    5. Manchester State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    22 Photos
    224 Saves

    Manchester State Park is a year-round camping park with stunning views of the Puget Sound and an interesting military history, including the historic Torpedo Warehouse.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Point State Park Campground

    6. Penrose Point State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    38 Photos
    331 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $32 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Fay Bainbridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Fay Bainbridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Fay Bainbridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Fay Bainbridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Fay Bainbridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Fay Bainbridge Park

    7. Fay Bainbridge Park

    19 Reviews
    84 Photos
    305 Saves

    Fay Bainbridge Park is a 17-acre marine camping park with 1,420 feet of saltwater shoreline on the northeast corner of Bainbridge Island. The park offers sweeping views of Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains and features sandy beaches. On clear days, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker are visible from a sandy beach.

    Due to seasonal high water conditions, restrooms may be closed intermittently throughout the winter. We apologize for any inconvenience. The campground has 14 tent sites at $20.00 per night with a central water location and a portable toilet. We also offer 26 RV sites with water and electricity, with ADA accessible site 17, at $40.00 per night and three cabins at $95.00. There are two restroom facilities, one with showers. Please note that there is no longer a dump station available.

    Notice for Hiker/Biker Campers: Hiker/Biker campsites have moved from the north end of the campground to the south end, adjacent to the kayaker site. The north end of the campground is now for day use only.

    Due to seasonal high water conditions, restrooms may be closed intermittently throughout the winter. We apologize for any inconvenience.

    All RV sites have water and electricity and some will accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet in length. These sites are 11, 12, 13 and 14, these spaces are at a premium and very limited.

    Most campsites can be reserved. Sites and cabins can be reserved online ten days or more in advance of arrival date. Any sites not reserved will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations cannot be made for the Accessible site, or the Hiker/Biker/Kayaker sites. The three Hiker/Biker sites are available for one night only.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $7 - $95 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tolt MacDonald Park, WA
    Camper-submitted photo from Tolt MacDonald Park, WA
    Camper-submitted photo from Tolt MacDonald Park, WA
    Camper-submitted photo from Tolt MacDonald Park, WA
    Camper-submitted photo from Tolt MacDonald Park, WA
    Camper-submitted photo from Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    8. Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    22 Reviews
    80 Photos
    241 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Saltwater State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Saltwater State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Saltwater State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Saltwater State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Saltwater State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Saltwater State Park Campground

    9. Saltwater State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    19 Photos
    67 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tall Chief Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tall Chief Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tall Chief Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tall Chief Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tall Chief Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tall Chief Campground

    10. Tall Chief Campground

    14 Reviews
    47 Photos
    168 Saves

    Tall Chief RV Resort is located in Fall City, just 25 miles from Seattle and 10 minutes from beautiful Snoqualmie Falls! Book your stay and take part in all that Seattle has to offer including Pike Place Market, local wineries, sporting, cultural events and world-class shopping! Many of Washington State's premier attractions and natural wonders are less than one hour's drive from this RV campground in Seattle! RV campground in Seattle, just minutes from downtown Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Tall Chief RV & Camping Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience. *These activities are open Memorial Day thru Labor Day. Please Bring Your Own Equipment: Guests are welcome to use onsite amenities using their own equipment. Park will not be checking out recreation equipment until further notice.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 257 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Des Moines

Recent Reviews In Des Moines

1226 Reviews of 257 Des Moines Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed
    October 9, 2024

    Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed

    Great spot, plenty of room for Big Rigs

    This is my favorite dispersed site so far. Plenty of room for larger rigs, very close to a river and lots of woods to explore nearby.  Close enough to Mt. Rainier NP and nearby towns for supplies.   Vault toilets if needed, and the airstrip was only used twice in the 4 nights we stayed, i think (heard one mid-day, and saw another late morning).  

    There is a single-lane bridge when turning in that could be tricky for a motorhome that is towing, but not enough traffic to cause us any issues getting in. For larger rigs - take the second left (at a Y-intersection, and then keep to the left and you won't have any trouble getting in. Going to the right at the Y takes you to an area that big rigs might have trouble finding spots or turning around, but still doable.

  • Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
    October 5, 2024

    South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    Beautiful but creepy

    Nice area by a creek, very peaceful and quiet during the day, a ton of people around and lots of passerby’s. As soon as it got dark, someone decided to sneak around my campsite with a flashlight and stand outside my tent for some time. Packed up quick and zoomed out of there, very uncomfortable and would not recommend for solo campers.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Money Creek Campground
    October 5, 2024

    Money Creek Campground

    Convenient and Beautiful

    I just can’t say enough about this campsite. I wound up staying here 4 to 5 days at a time over the course of two months because I loved it so much. It’s private. The spaces allow you to have a certain level of intimacy. They have bathrooms, water, and gray water dump, the host Marissa is just a complete awesome doll. It’s convenient to drive into because it’s right off the highway and about five minutes or so is the town of Skykomish with an incredible deli library a laundromat and a coffee shop I hope to visit here many more times, but I absolutely love it. Oh and cell reception is pretty good. Best we stayed at. For both Google Fi and, Verizon.

  • Camper-submitted photo from NF-2419 Dispersed Site
    October 5, 2024

    NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    Nice free boondocking between Port Angeles and Forks

    Not a bad find that doesn't require any permit of any kind which was great! Would stay here again I pitched a tent which was nice and found a spot right by the river.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fall Creek Campground
    October 3, 2024

    Fall Creek Campground

    Neat Spot

    You are supposed to have a Washington State Discovery pass to stay here, also they want you to fill out self registration once you arrive, fyi there are no pens onsite to do so.

    This was a nice spot to stay the night, clean, nice picnic tables and fire pits, one pit toilet.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road Ridge Top
    October 1, 2024

    Forest Road Ridge Top

    Transferred from the IOverlander App - Wild Camping

    "What a majestic Spot! Absolutely beautiful 360 views of the canal, forest, and surrounding peaks. This is a steeply graded drive up to the top but it's well maintained and thick gravel. There are several (4-6) small fire rings and relatively level spots to set up around the ridge. 2 bar service"

  • Camper-submitted photo from Silver Springs Sno Park
    October 1, 2024

    Silver Springs Sno Park

    Good for an Overnight

    Large gravel parking area just outside the border of Mt Ranier NP that’s right off the highway, easy to access in our RV, just have to go slow over the potholes. Zero cell reception for ATT and the Verizon phone was very weak/ practically unusable. 

    There was an abandoned (ticketed) falling apart trailer, and another trailer camping there. The stay limit here is 14 days, though to me this is more a place if you need a place for the night, rather than a destination. 

    It’s on the way to Crystal Springs Resort area, which we did not check out.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Evergreen Coho SKP Park
    October 1, 2024

    Evergreen Coho SKP Park

    For Escapee members only

    Wonderful RV park for long term Escapee-ers or members just passing through. We stopped here for a night, arriving on the weekend with no prior reservations or contact with them. They make it easy for you to self register when they're closed on weekends, just go up to the office and take one of their welcome packets. 

    We stayed in a dry camp site for only $7.50, and paid $5 for the dump (dump is only for members as well). FHU sites are around $33 depending on in-season/off-season, but I don't know how we would have figured out which sites were available. There are so many activities and amenities here for the long termers (I believe it's a 55+ park), I couldn't even list them all. 

    Showers and laundry were clean and efficient. There's a dog park and a dog walking path (there are signs everywhere about not letting your dog pee or poo on their nice plants). Cell service was good and they have good wifi as well. This would definitely be a spot we'd stop at again when we're in the area next.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fay Bainbridge Park
    September 30, 2024

    Fay Bainbridge Park

    Puget Sound visit

    Good place for families that looks to be kept really clean. The spaces are packed in fairly tight with no dividing barriers of trees. Campsite 10 looks to be the best as it has a little canopy tree and is in the corner without obstruction for a view of the Puget Sound. Water and electric hookup, picnic table, fire pit at each site with additional bathroom with a shower for the grounds. There is a ship playground for the kids and beach volleyball court. It is nestled back through an area of homes that back up to sites 1-8.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
    September 29, 2024

    Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

    Quiet Park

    Really liked the park. Everything was good about it. The only thing for me was that we have a rv, and there is electrical hookups but no water hookups.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Landing on Forest Road 7200
    September 26, 2024

    Meadow Landing on Forest Road 7200

    Beautiful morning view of Mount Rainier

    Our daughter told us about this place. You have to climb up a narrow gravel road to get here. A drive leads out to a flat area with a fire pit It was raining when we pulled in, so views were limited. In the clear morning, we got a beautiful view of Mount Rainier. We got decent Starlink signal with a bar of Verizon. Spot would be perfect except prior campers left toilet paper around a bush.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Pleasant RV Park
    September 23, 2024

    Lake Pleasant RV Park

    Sweet spot just out of the city

    We stayed at this park on a trip to Seattle. It was only about 30 minutes to downtown, but almost felt like you were out in the country.

    We did not use the bathrooms, but enjoyed the walking trails, playground for the kids, and watching the resident ducks in the pond.

  • Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
    September 16, 2024

    South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

    Tinkham camping

    Very cool spot with new generation trees growing out of old generation stumps, close to river for water, very popular spot so found a lot of trash but loved the sites and hiking trails nearby

  • Camper-submitted photo from Elkamp Eastcreek
    September 14, 2024

    Elkamp Eastcreek

    Best. Spot. Ever.

    Went here for a social event and had a blast. Big sites with lovely paths between, wonderful shop with firewood available at any hour (just square up when the place is actually open), clean plumbed bathrooms and a coin operated shower at $0.50/minute. There’s a beautiful meadow, a creek, huge trees. The owners are incredibly friendly and the place is very dog friendly.

  • Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    September 10, 2024

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Could be beautiful

    We intended to stay a week, left after 4 days. Could be a beautiful place if not for people.

    Pros:
    Open space, plenty of room Beautiful View Near the park

    Cons:

    Crowded, even mid week we had close neighbors

    Party spot, loud people with loud music

    Dirty, we picked up an entire garbage bag of trash just in the spot we were at. Much more in the rest of the area.

    Road noise, you're literally right off the road

    River is nice, but it's a glacial run off so it's definitely not a swimming area (dirty)

    Road in is super rough

    Again, overall it could be a nice place. We stayed Wednesday through Saturday after labor day. So not "peak" season and the place was absolutely trashed. Feces, TP, beer cans and bottles, food trash, even car parts litter the area. We did a clean up but barely made a dent.

    The first night was quiet and then some locals came and you could tell it was a party area. Loud music, dogs off leash, close neighbors.

    We ended up leaving Saturday because it just wasn't enjoyable.

  • Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    September 9, 2024

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Amazing

    Right off the main road, but several sweet camping spots more tucked away and along the river. I’d definitely recommend a higher clearance vehicle if you want to camp deeper near the river due to rocks and tree roots. People need to clean up after themselves though. We pulled up to a spot that was thrashed. That is how free things get shut down.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Game Farm Wilderness Campground
    September 7, 2024

    Game Farm Wilderness Campground

    Arrived just a few min too late...

    This looked like a pretty good campground. I could see open tenting spots from the road, even! But I was unable to get in early in the evening with nowhere else to go. Too strict!

  • Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    September 3, 2024

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot!

    This place was gorgeous. Right off a busy road but with being right by the water it tunes out the noise of the traffic. Plenty of spots and can drive in further to be more secluded if needed.

  • Camper-submitted photo from White River Dispersed Camping
    September 2, 2024

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Fantastic camping spot

    We had a bit of trouble finding it at first (came from the south of white river), but the little shop down the street has WiFi and we weren’t too far from the entrance. Lots of places to camp, friendly visitors, and overall pretty quiet even with the road right there. The river is so peaceful! Bring a ground sheet for your tents, lots of twigs and foliage.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Carbon River
    September 1, 2024

    Carbon River

    Tons of places to camp, can be a party spo5

    I came on a Friday so i could get up early to go hiking. I put up my hammock around 7pm, nobody's else there. Around 9-11pm a few people including a 5th wheel arrived and spent a bunch of time moving that around. They ran their generator, lights and music until 2:30am. My bad for coming on a Friday. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise and spent time on the bridge taking photos before riding up the gravel road up to the Summit Lake hike.

    Lots of spots along the road which I'll utilize next time to avoid the party :)

  • Camper-submitted photo from Whidbey Island Fairgrounds Campsite - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
    August 28, 2024

    Whidbey Island Fairgrounds Campsite - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Funky, convenient

    Langley is a great little town. I don’t know why they haven’t done more to develop the campground- all sites are first-come-first served. They did repair the electrical system this year and just reopened. It’s at the fairgrounds on the edge of town, there’s a largely unlandscaped grass field with electrical boxes & (some) water connections. There is a dump out on site and potable water. There are accessible bathrooms and showers nearby. The campground is on a hill above the horse barn and arena, very convenient to the town of Langley, which is delightful. No camp host available, nobody you can call for assistance. Because the campground just reopened, we were the only ones camped most of the 6 days we were here. I love Langley but they are not as tourist-driven as many towns which have campgrounds like this.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 7300 Pull-Off
    August 17, 2024

    Forest Road 7300 Pull-Off

    Great beautiful spots

    This place was so pretty and quiet we went back the next night! There were many spots right next to the stream. There was a fire ban during our stay but there are many fire pits at each site.



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 257 campgrounds and RV parks near Des Moines, WA and 24 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 65 reviews.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Des Moines, WA.

  • What parks are near Des Moines, WA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Des Moines, WA that allow camping, notably Mount Rainier National Park and Keystone Harbor.