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.

Best Camping Sites Near Federal Way, Washington (269)

    1. Dash Point State Park Campground

    72 Reviews
    Federal Way, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    "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."

    "Great easy access outside federal way with great hikes a beach and regular maintance and upkeep only problem comes from the city and crime that can sometimes follow lock your stuff up but still family"

    2. Game Farm Wilderness Campground

    15 Reviews
    Auburn, WA
    7 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."

    3. Saltwater State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Des Moines, WA
    5 miles
    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"

    4. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

    30 Reviews
    Ravensdale, WA
    21 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. Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor

    10 Reviews
    Gig Harbor, WA
    12 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."

    6. Penrose Point State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    19 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."

    7. Holiday Park Military - Lewis McChord Base

    7 Reviews
    Spanaway, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 982-5488

    "Excellent location for those with military access to the base - active duty, retired or family. 30/50 amp hookups. Beautiful views of American Lake. Pet friendly."

    "It is in the wilderness, on the lake, but it is also fairly close to stores and gas stations. Long term max is 28 days per spot."

    8. Manchester State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Manchester, WA
    21 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."

    9. Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord

    7 Reviews
    DuPont, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 967-7744

    $12 - $35 / night

    "Very friendly next to the lake plenty of things to do walking, biking, hiking, fishing, Military museums, not to far off of I-5. Full hookups laundry shower facilities. Cabins too."

    "Unfortunately the restrooms right next to our site were closed so it was a slight walk to the nearest restroom. Restrooms were heated and well taken care of."

    10. Angle Lake RV Park

    1 Review
    Normandy Park, WA
    8 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."

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Recent Reviews near Federal Way, WA

1327 Reviews of 269 Federal Way Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    White River Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Beautiful

    Best campground! I was in loop D which is right by the river. Amazing views from my roof tent. Sites are close to each other, but the roaring river drowns out any noise. I believe I had the best site in the whole campground… D29. Pretty big site and best views.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Cascades RV Resort

    Cascades RV Resort

    We are long term RV campers here at Cascades. It is a lovely RV resort with large concrete pads with astroturf lawn and picnic table. Everyone is friendly. Nightly noise is never excessive. Gracie’s place is an onsite cafe that serves food, alcohol, deserts, coffees, and other drinks. You can get package delivery just no USPS. They do offer monthly discounts. Would highly recommend for anyone in an RV.

  • Nicole L.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Woodlands at Lake Stickney

    BEAUTIFUL LOCATION

    I myself have never parked my RV at the campsite. However, I've been to the public Access area and have to say that it's very peaceful and has a restroom which is nice. I'm a local. I live inside my RV and it has been a major adjustment but having places like this has been extremely helpful.

  • Chris H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Mounthaven Resort

    Nice spot

    Very clean and quiet. Close to park entrance

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Top of the Hill camping

    Top of the hill camping

    This is actually a really secluded, pivate location with a beautiful view! The road is fairly easy to get up to this spot but really just room for one vehicle. I guess the last people used it as the dumb spot when they were leaving because there’s a grill and a TV screen there… we did not stay and camp here, but we did check it out and if we didn’t have a trailer, I would definitely have claimed the spot!

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    FR27 Landing

    fr27 landing

    Great large flat spot for camping. Could easily fit about 5 cars here. About 4 fire rings set up and the road is pretty easy getting here.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    NF-27 Tunnel Creek

    Pull through site

    This is a great spot to stay for a bit if you’re looking to do that OR just stay for a night. It’s like, a big circle that you pull in and out of. There’s a trail from this site that leads to a great tint site as well. Plenty of space if you have a decent sized group. Easily accommodating 3 cars. We have plenty of space with our rig. Star link works great here!

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Forest Road 7300 Pull-Off

    Large open pull off

    Lots of pull offs spots on FS Rd 73 but this spot is very open and it’s the one the GPS guided me to from The Dyrt site.

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    White River Dispersed Camping

    Couldn’t find it

    The GPS coordinates told me I arrived and there was nothing around me.


Guide to Federal Way

State parks surrounding Federal Way offer diverse camping experiences within 30 miles of this urban center. Campers can find sites ranging from dry tent camping to full-hookup RV spots at elevations between sea level and 400 feet. Weather conditions typically include mild temperatures from May through September, with rainfall increasing significantly from October through April.

What to do

Beach exploration: At Dash Point State Park Campground, a short walk from campsites leads to beachfront along Puget Sound. According to camper Brittany D., "This campground is remarkable in the privacy between each of the camping spots, the bird life, the wild and deep forest vibes, and the walking trails." Tidepooling opportunities vary with season.

Wildlife viewing: The forest around Dash Point State Park hosts diverse bird species. Multiple hiking trails start from the campground and loop through forested areas. As one camper notes, "Facilities were good and trails around are fun and easy enough for me and 2 kids. The beach and its tides are why we came."

Military history discovery: Manchester State Park Campground contains remnants of military installations. Visitors can explore concrete bunkers and an old torpedo warehouse. A camper explains: "Lots of beach great nature walk" with "great history too." The park includes informational displays about its military past.

What campers like

Site privacy: Penrose Point State Park Campground features heavily wooded sites with natural vegetation between camping spots. One camper states, "Campground is wooded and quiet, spots are nice and private. Penrose Point Park nearby has a great beach and a fun interpretive trail to do with kids."

Clean facilities: Many Federal Way area campgrounds maintain clean restrooms and shower facilities. At Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, a camper reports, "This campground has great clean and heated bathrooms. Sites and roads are paved." Another mentions "heated and very clean" individual bathrooms.

Urban-adjacent location: The proximity to urban areas while still feeling remote rates highly among campers. As one Kanaskat-Palmer visitor notes, "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!" Another camper observes, "Nice spot, especially if you don't want to be too far from the city."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most state parks near Federal Way fill quickly during summer months. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park accepts reservations up to nine months in advance for peak season. One camper advises, "We got lucky and snagged the very last spot here on a Saturday in late September... Note that you can check availability online on the day of, but you cannot make same day reservations online."

Aircraft noise: Proximity to Seattle-Tacoma Airport means regular aircraft noise at certain campgrounds. At Saltwater State Park Campground, one visitor reports, "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)."

Closures and restrictions: Some parks operate seasonally or have facility restrictions. At Saltwater State Park, "Camping is closed for 2024 while the park undergoes planning and development efforts," and "Campfires have been banned for a couple years." Check official websites for current status before planning trips.

Tips for camping with families

Water activities: Access to swimming areas varies by park. At Penrose Point State Park, "The beach is a medium-length walk and very warm and swimmable for NW standards." Families can plan for beach days with water temperatures reaching low 60s°F in summer months.

Kid-friendly trails: Multiple state parks offer interpretive trails designed for children. At Game Farm Wilderness Campground, "You can enjoy the shared picnic shelter" and access nature trails suitable for various ages. The park "offers a diverse landscape with wooded areas, meadows, and riverside views."

Wildlife awareness: Families should secure food items at all campgrounds. One camper at Penrose Point reported "a brief invasion of 6 raccoons at our site one night!" Parks post guidelines regarding food storage and wildlife interaction.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor provides complete services for RVs with sewer, water, and electric connections. One visitor notes, "All types of site- large, small, full hook ups (30&50) to rustic, small tent area." The park maintains "very well laid out" sites with "beautiful trees and landscaping."

Parking challenges: Some state parks have limited space for large RVs. At Kanaskat-Palmer, one RVer with a 30' motorhome reported, "I only took away a star because it was advertised as ok for a Motorhome but the gravel pull through was so not level the jacks pushed the front tires 6 inches off the ground."

Water pressure issues: Water systems at some parks experience pressure fluctuations. At Gig Harbor RV Resort, one long-term camper noted "water pressure challenges on hill" despite otherwise good facilities. Multiple campgrounds advise arriving with fresh water tanks partially filled as backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any state parks with camping near Federal Way?

Yes, there are several state parks with camping options near Federal Way. Saltwater State Park Campground in nearby Des Moines offers both drive-in and walk-in camping with amenities including water and toilets. It's also RV-friendly. Further out, Kanaskat-Palmer State Park near Ravensdale provides boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with similar amenities plus big-rig accommodation. Dosewallips State Park Campground is another option for those willing to travel a bit farther for a scenic state park camping experience. Most state parks require reservations, especially during peak summer months.

Where are the best campgrounds near Federal Way, WA?

Dash Point State Park Campground is the premier camping destination near Federal Way, offering small but private campsites nestled in tall trees. Despite being surrounded by the metropolitan area, the park provides a secluded wilderness experience. For those willing to travel a bit further, Silver Springs Campground is highly rated for its beautiful riverside sites. Located along the White River, it features well-distributed spaces and attentive staff. Sites numbered 2-10 are particularly desirable as they're closest to the river. Other good options include Saltwater State Park and Tolt MacDonald Park, each offering unique outdoor experiences within driving distance of Federal Way.

What amenities are available at campgrounds in Federal Way, Washington?

Campgrounds in and around Federal Way offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Tolt MacDonald Park provides access to nearby town amenities, including a laundromat, and is most enjoyable during dry seasons. For RV campers, Lake Pleasant RV Park and Eagle Tree RV Park offer full hookups. Many local campgrounds feature basic amenities like potable water, toilets, and fire rings. Campgrounds within state parks typically include picnic tables, toilets, and designated hiking trails. Some areas offer shower facilities, though availability varies by location. Most campgrounds provide access to recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and swimming, depending on their proximity to natural features.