Best Campgrounds near Federal Way, WA
State parks and forests surrounding Federal Way, Washington feature a surprising mix of urban-adjacent and forested camping experiences. Dash Point State Park Campground, located within city limits, offers a wooded retreat with small but private campsites that create the illusion of wilderness despite being surrounded by metropolitan development. The park provides full hookup sites for RVs, tent camping areas, and trails leading to Puget Sound beaches. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can access additional options including Saltwater State Park in Des Moines, Manchester State Park near Port Orchard, and several RV-focused facilities like Angle Lake RV Park and Midway Village RV Park, which cater primarily to motorhomes and travel trailers.
Washington State Parks in this region typically require advance reservations through the state reservation system, especially during summer months when occupancy rates peak. A Washington State Discover Pass ($30 annually) is required for day use at most state parks, though overnight camping fees generally include day use access. According to one camper, "Once in the campground, you would have no idea that you are surrounded by a sprawling metropolitan area." Cell service varies significantly between locations, with some campers reporting limited Verizon coverage at Dash Point. Most established campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though some beach facilities and water systems may be winterized from October through April.
Many visitors highlight the contrast between urban proximity and natural setting as a key advantage of camping near Federal Way. Trails connecting campgrounds to shorelines receive frequent mention in reviews, with one camper noting that "there is a trail that follows a creek down to the shoreline" at Dash Point, though cautioning it "can be quite muddy" depending on season. Airplane noise from nearby Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is occasionally mentioned in reviews, though most campers find it minimal at night. Security considerations appear in some feedback, with recommendations to secure valuables due to the urban-adjacent setting. Campground maintenance and cleanliness generally receive positive ratings, with multiple reviewers noting well-maintained facilities and helpful volunteer staff.
