Tent camping near Edmonds, Washington offers options ranging from beachfront sites to wooded campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The Puget Sound region experiences mild temperatures with summer highs averaging 75°F and winter lows around 35°F. Seasonal fire restrictions typically affect campgrounds from July through September during the region's driest months.
What to do
Explore historic military installations: Fort Ebey State Park Campground features preserved World War II gun emplacements and concrete batteries. As one camper noted, "There are old (but well maintained) battery and concrete gun emplacements from WW2 when the Fort was used to defend the West coast."
Mountain biking trails: Green Mountain offers extensive trail systems open to various users. "Nice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles," reports one visitor.
Paragliding opportunities: Fort Ebey State Park provides launch points for paragliders along its bluffs overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A camper mentioned the park "has plenty of options for everyone. Hiking, paragliding, biking, and just watching the sound are all options."
Beach exploration: Kinney Point State Park Campground offers boat-in access to secluded beaches. "This is a great boat-in-only site. No running water but vault toilets. No reservations. Rack for kayaks above high tide," states one review.
What campers like
Secluded forest camping: Hollyhock Farm provides wooded sites with natural privacy barriers. According to a camper, "The sites were secluded from one another within a beautiful forest, the toilet was clean and fairly close to the sites, parking was easy and the host was a total gem!"
Wildlife viewing: Fort Ebey State Park Campground regularly has deer sightings throughout the camping area. "We've camped here a few times, and we've seen wildlife each time, mostly deer. It's a good place to make memories!"
Urban proximity with nature access: Woodlands at Lake Stickney offers a balanced experience. One visitor mentioned, "The owners took a lot of care in making sure we were comfortable while also giving us our privacy and space... this was best camping site near Seattle I've ever been to."
Seasonal wildflowers: Spring camping at Fort Ebey reveals coastal blooms. "My daughter and I camped at Fort Ebey during Spring Break and it was a lovely time with many Scotch Broom and other seaside flowers were in bloom."
What you should know
Access limitations: Many desirable tent sites near Edmonds require specialized transportation. Kinney Point requires boat access, while others like Hollyhock Farm involve walk-in access from parking areas.
Variable amenities: Toilet facilities range from flush toilets with showers at Fort Ebey to basic vault toilets at Green Mountain. A camper at Green Mountain notes it "has about 5 tent spots with picnic tables and fire pit. Had a bathroom but no other amenities- drinking water, shower, firewood/ice for sale."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience activity noise. Green Mountain can be "noisy due to dirt bike traffic," according to a recent review.
Reservation requirements: Tulalip Casino allows free overnight camping but requires registration. "Great free camping for up to three nights. Just call security (number is on the sign) to register when you arrive. Very nice friendly security staff."
Tips for camping with families
Clean facilities for kids: Paine Field Community Park offers family-friendly tent sites. "We visit this park frequently as it is great for the kids. It's clean and has bathrooms available!" notes one family camper.
Educational opportunities: Fort Ebey State Park provides interpretive trails for children. "There are so many fun walking paths around the bluffs as well as a beautiful hike around Lake Pondilla with interpretive signage naming the native moss and lichen."
Pet-friendly options: Most campgrounds welcome pets, but with varying restrictions. A visitor to Paine Field Community Park mentioned it's "A great clean safe place in the city and surrounded by trees and nature" that works well for "dogs and kids in the city."
Water activities: Blake Island Marine State Park offers swimming areas suitable for families with children. "It is a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle with gorgeous views of the city. Hike the perimeter trail for views all around the island."
Tips for RVers
Limited RV facilities: True RV camping options near Edmonds are limited to Fort Ebey State Park and Tulalip Casino. At Tulalip, "This is just a parking lot for you to park your RV while gaming. There is a spot for the animals to wee and that is about it."
Hookup availability: Fort Ebey State Park Campground offers water and electric hookups but no sewer connections. One RVer advised that "The campsites are generally large and well separated by foliage, even in winter."
Casino overnight parking: Tulalip Casino provides free overnight RV parking without hookups. A visitor reports it's a "Nice place to have a free spot for the night. Not sure the max number of nights. I forgot to ask. No hook ups and no water available."
