Camping options near University Place, Washington extend beyond established parks to include waterfront access points and tent sites with varying seasonal availability. The region experiences average January lows of 37°F and July highs of 77°F, with significant rainfall (37 inches annually) concentrated between October and March. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations below 500 feet and face moderate wildfire risk during summer months.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: Dash Point State Park offers access to tidal pools and beachcombing along the Puget Sound shoreline. "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," notes Ingrid M. about Dash Point State Park Campground.
Fishing from dedicated piers: Joemma Beach State Park provides a long dock for anglers. "Long dock in the area where you can go fishing. You can walk along the beach as well," reports Diamond A. about the Joemma Beach State Park Campground.
Walking trails at varied difficulty levels: Penrose Point State Park features interpretive trails suitable for families. "Penrose Point Park nearby has a great beach and a fun interpretive trail to do with kids. Facilities were clean," according to Big_Tan_Turtle visiting Penrose Point State Park.
Water activities on American Lake: Military campgrounds provide direct lake access. "This is a great spot on American Lake to camp with many sites on the waterfront," reports Robert K. regarding Camp Murray Beach.
What campers like
Private, wooded campsites: Many campgrounds near University Place feature tree cover between sites. "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," writes Brittany D. about Dash Point State Park Campground.
Proximity to urban amenities while feeling remote: Campsites maintain a wilderness feel despite urban proximity. "I spent a weekend tent camping at Dash Point State Park, and honestly, it was a great time even though I completely failed to plan any meals. Thankfully, civilization is only about 15 minutes away," shares Saraj B.
Warm swimming in protected coves: The water temperature at Penrose Point reaches comfortable levels for swimming in summer months. "The beach is a medium-length walk and very warm and swimmable for NW standards," notes Adrienne Q. about Penrose Point State Park Campground.
Year-round access at select sites: Some campgrounds maintain operations throughout winter. "Sites and restrooms were clean. We had a great time exploring the beaches," Rachel shares about her October visit to Penrose Point.
What you should know
Airport noise impacts certain campgrounds: Saltwater State Park experiences significant aircraft traffic. "The planes fly by constantly but if you have noisy neighbors it's kind of nice," notes Mark M. about Saltwater State Park Campground.
Shower facilities require tokens or payment: Most state park campgrounds charge for shower use. "The showers are not near the entrance. There is firewood for sale, lots and lots of shade," explains Adrienne Q. about Penrose Point.
Cell service varies significantly: Coverage depends on location and carrier. "T-mobile service spotty - could not use hotspot. Had to drive about 15 mins down road to park to access 5G," reports Callie C. about Joemma Beach State Park.
Seasonal limitations for smaller parks: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "The campground is open April 1– mid-December but the day use area is open year-round," notes a visitor to Saltwater State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Select sites away from main roads: Campgrounds with internal loops offer quieter experiences. "Our site was near the entrance so traffic was heavy at times. Next trip we'll stay farther in," advises Adrienne Q. about Penrose Point.
Look for designated Junior Ranger programs: Some parks offer educational activities. "The grounds, including bathrooms, were well maintained and the kids enjoyed taking part in the junior ranger program," shares Sarah H. about Riverbend Campground.
Consider proximity to playgrounds: Recreation areas vary between parks. "Children and dog play grounds," notes Lai La L. about the amenities at Riverbend Campground.
Expect varying noise levels at different campgrounds: Some locations host more family gatherings than others. "I had to cap the families because our first night Campsite Karen went crazy because I was camping with kids," warns Katiedawn V. about Joemma Beach State Park.
Tips from RVers
Book hookup sites well in advance: Limited RV sites with full services fill quickly. "W/s/e at each site. Great stay for the price. Laundry washers work well, but driers don't heat up," advises William B. about Lewis North Travel Camp.
Military ID holders have expanded options: Several quality RV parks restrict access. "To a military ID card holder, you won't find a better deal. Full hookups, sites are a bit close, but the campground loop makes it feel spacious," explains Paul B. about Holiday Park Military camp.
Consider concrete pad availability: Some sites offer improved parking surfaces. "We got site 106 which was the furthest one out, it was right along the river. The site has a concrete slab and fit our Jayco 174BH perfectly," shares Doug about Riverbend Campground.
Check dump station hours: Not all campgrounds offer 24-hour access. "The site had water and electrical, but no sewer connections. They do have a nice dump station," notes Doug about Riverbend.
