Camping near Duvall, Washington offers river access and forested sites within an hour's drive from Seattle. The area sits at the confluence of multiple waterways in King County, with many campgrounds remaining open year-round despite the region's typical 45 inches of annual rainfall. Camping options range from state parks with full amenities to more rustic forest service campgrounds.
What to do
River activities: Explore the Green River at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, where campers can access scenic swimming and fishing spots. "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 a recent visitor.
Hiking: Access trail networks that connect directly to campsites for easy day hikes. At Middle Fork Campground, trails wind along the river and through forests. One camper reports, "We stayed there to be close to the mailbox trail head. There were so many berries around the camp and we could literally sit in camp and pick blue berries."
Beach activities: Visit saltwater shores for beach walks and marine wildlife viewing. Saltwater State Park provides beach access within a campground setting. "The day use area on the water is really nice," reports one camper, with others noting the beach area is clean and well-maintained despite the urban setting.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural spacing at Dash Point State Park, where sites offer good separation. "I was impressed by how spread apart the sites were, I think they could have fit another in between each of them!" shares one visitor. Another notes that the park has "a cute campground, especially if you don't want to be too far from the city."
Wildlife viewing: The chance to observe elk, eagles, and other wildlife draws visitors to camping areas near Duvall. One guest at Dosewallips State Park explained, "Every night, my husband and I would walk to the wildlife viewing platform to see lots of birds, or walk down by the river and see lots of elk and bald eagles."
Clean facilities: Modern amenities make glamping in Duvall, Washington more comfortable. At Vasa Park Resort, "The bathroom, laundromat, etc. are sparkling clean. The full hook up spaces seem a bit close together but I was willing to do partial and got a roomier spot."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer. "No frills campground - beautiful scenery away from the city," reports a visitor to Middle Fork, adding that "we pulled up last minute and there were still campgrounds and most of the sites were pretty clean!"
Urban proximity: Some campgrounds experience urban noise despite natural settings. At Saltwater State Park, "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)."
Seasonal closures: While many sites offer year-round camping and glamping near Duvall, Washington, facilities may be limited in winter. "The campground is open April 1– mid-December but the day use area is open year-round," notes one review about a nearby park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beaches: Waterfront areas provide safe places for children to play. At Fay Bainbridge Park, "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites. Be prepared for showers to be closed but the restrooms were open. Can't beat the views."
Activity options: Many campgrounds offer recreational facilities beyond camping. "Vasa Park Resort has basketball courts, playground, and volleyball right at the site," reports one family, while another notes their children enjoyed "the pool, miniature golf, playground and basketball" at a nearby campground.
Secure campgrounds: Some areas provide added security measures. "It's a gorgeous park next to Puget Sound. Fairly safe since it's gated and a park ranger was there overnight," writes a visitor, adding that reservations are required weeks in advance.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Not all campgrounds provide complete RV services. At Tall Chief Campground, "No sewer connections which can be a bummer, but the nice bathrooms make up for it," according to one RVer. Another notes that "water at sunset is super pretty, can't beat that and it's only a five minute walk from the campsites."
Site sizing: RV sites vary considerably in size and layout. "For a longer term parking solution, this park was okay. Full hookups weren't always available. Sites are spacious but not always private," reports one RV camper, while another mentions that "most sites are pretty big too. We can easily fit our trailer, tow vehicle, and extra vehicle and still have space!"
Cell reception considerations: Forest coverage affects connectivity. "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."
