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Best Tent Camping near Gig Harbor, WA

944 Reviews

Tent campgrounds near Gig Harbor, Washington include boat-in sites and primitive forest locations, with several options accessible only by water. Blake Island Marine State Park offers tent-only camping with drinking water, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails around the island perimeter. Hope Island Marine State Park provides similar tent camping experiences, though pets are not permitted on this boat-in island.

Most tent sites in the area require campers to bring their own water or have limited facilities. Sites on Blake and Hope Islands feature fire rings and picnic tables, while forest service dispersed camping along NF-2419 provides more primitive experiences with no facilities. Green Mountain camping area has toilets and trash service but no drinking water or showers, making it suitable for self-sufficient tent campers. During summer months, fire bans may be in effect at many locations, particularly on the islands and during dry periods.

The forest setting at many of these tent campgrounds provides natural shade and privacy between sites. One camper noted that Blake Island offers "a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle with gorgeous views of the city." Boat-in tent sites on both Blake and Hope Islands provide unique camping experiences with beach access and marine views not available at drive-in locations. NF-2419 dispersed camping areas feature multiple streams crossing near campsites, though reviews mention regular vehicle traffic throughout day and night. Sites are typically spaced well apart, allowing for more private tent camping experiences compared to developed campgrounds. Green Mountain's tent sites include picnic tables and fire pits, with nearby trail access for day hiking opportunities from camp.

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Best Tent Sites Near Gig Harbor, Washington (78)

    1. Macie's Brook

    1 Review
    Lakebay, WA
    9 miles
    +1 (206) 200-9169

    $15 - $45 / night

    2. Blake Island Marine State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Manchester, WA
    15 miles
    Website

    $12 - $45 / night

    "Really fantastic location. Very strict rangers which can be good or bad depending on your preference. Quiet hours are at 10pm which is early for some people so be aware."

    "Hike the perimeter trail for views all around the island. It's a great place to stay in the summer months and relax."

    3. Hope Island Marine State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Shelton, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 426-9226

    $12 / night

    "Boat-in sites are first-come, first serve so we did not arrive early enough to snatch the few that are right on the water but nonetheless the ones tucked in the forest were still beautiful and only a few"

    "It is located in the Puget Sound just North of Steamboat Island. It has 2 miles of hiking trails and 8 primitive campsites."

    4. Malaney Creek Farm

    1 Review
    Shelton, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 463-7783

    $29 - $185 / night

    "gated entry and showed us our spot. they gave us a quick run down of the place and let us be. our spot was the Trillium site which has a few hundred foot hike from where you park your car and the portable toilet"

    5. Green Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Seabeck, WA
    19 miles
    Website

    "Nice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles. Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area."

    6. Lena Lake Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    $5 / night

    "The campsites offers fire rings and has plenty of amazing views of the lake. Don’t forget to pack everything out and leave no trace."

    "This is a hike-in campground down a 3.5 mile trail. It sees heavy use from locals on the weekend. There was plenty of room during the week when I was there."

    7. NF-2419 Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    "Had a blast coming up the mountain with the family , found a few great spots that we pinned for later that are unmarked with fire rings. Not many other campers' sites are well dispersed ."

    "Not a bad find that doesn't require any permit of any kind which was great! Would stay here again I pitched a tent which was nice and found a spot right by the river."

    8. Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead

    5 Reviews
    Tumwater, WA
    31 miles

    9. Mowich Lake Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    13 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-2211

    "The lake is absolutely beautiful and there are so many different trails branching off of it."

    "The sites were your standard, with a picnic table, fire ring, and plenty of trees for shade and cover. There are lots of things to do in the area."

    10. The Healing Farm

    2 Reviews
    Yelm, WA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 308-0188

    $60 / night

    "The campsite itself was private, peaceful, and perfectly set up—complete with a fire pit and a hammock that our son loved. Leaving was the hardest part (there were definitely tears)."

    "The kids was in Awh with all the animals and how they would let you walk up to them and interact with them."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Gig Harbor, WA

58 Photos of 78 Gig Harbor Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Gig Harbor, WA

944 Reviews of 78 Gig Harbor Campgrounds

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2021

    Penrose Point State Park Campground

    A Gem of a State Park on Puget Sound

    This was our first time at Penrose Point State Park. We are so fortunate to have so many State parks along the beaches of the Sound. Penrose Point is located across Carr Inlet from Gig Harbor and Fox Island. There are trails and beaches to explore. Lovely large campsites. No hookups available but isn't dry camping just taking us back to the purity of camping? There are showers and flush toilets. Nearby Joemma Beach State Park offers even more to explore with a wonderful dock for fishing, crabbing, loading your boat, or just watching the sea life in the waters below.

  • Jason H.
    Mar. 24, 2021

    Lena Lake Campground

    Great spot

    A nice 3.5 miles ish hike from the parking area to campground. The campsites offers fire rings and has plenty of amazing views of the lake. Don’t forget to pack everything out and leave no trace.

  • Tj J.
    Sep. 21, 2017

    Malaney Creek Farm

    Great Private Camping Getaway

    arrived at the farm and were greeted by the owners. they got on their quads and led us down a private road through a super nice cedar gated entry and showed us our spot. they gave us a quick run down of the place and let us be. our spot was the Trillium site which has a few hundred foot hike from where you park your car and the portable toilet. the site was pretty cool and very secluded. it had a fire ring with some sawn cedar benches, a pile of firewood and a giant old spool for a table. we threw our marmot up and took a closer look. there is a camp box with info, instant coffee, guides to area sight seeing and food along with a log book to write about your stay. there were also some cool led lighting which was great at night. fire ban was on but they put a big candle on the grate of the fire pit so we had something. we kicked around on the trails which look like they are used by horses and motorcycles but not heavily. some interesting plants in the area. they were working on a new trail that is supposed to eventually lead out to the lake but it wasnt complete yet. however it was covered with wood chips and had a hand cut cedar bridge built on it. you gotta see it. sounds like they are constantly evolving the farm looked like a lot of things in the works. definitely will come back for more time here. night time got spooky with coyotes howling in the distance but the morning there were so many birds chirping and singing you couldnt hear yourself think! oh we found a corn hole game in an open area that they have several picnic tables staged at.

  • April C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2022

    Millersylvania State Park Campground

    Choose your Adventure

    This place had it all; open RV camping, secluded van camping, tree canopy car/tent camping, walk-in camping, and themed safari tent camping, and one cute mini airstream. 

    Lake down the road. Water and electrical hookups, dump station with dump water and fresh water. 

    Restrooms and showers are scattered around. Showers are coin based and there is a machine to turn your dollars into coins.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2016

    Lena Lake Campground

    Lena Lake campground

    This is a hike-in campground down a 3.5 mile trail. It sees heavy use from locals on the weekend. There was plenty of room during the week when I was there. Lena Lake is quiet and serene and the perfect place to sit on a log and journal. Other people walked around the edge of the lake but care must be taken as it's a bit rugged. Follow the leave no trace principles and this place will be one to return to again for yourself and others.

  • Amanda
    Jul. 20, 2021

    Dragon's Gate Gardens

    A reservable paradise- expansive solitude, out of a picture book

    I just completed my third stay at Dragon's Gate, and I've now stayed in each of the different sections (Moon Meadow, Giant Crystal, Jessie's Camp). Each gives a completely different but wonderous experience, either with open views of flower pastures and woods, or a more insular green surrounded by trees. Each reservable space is massive.... 4-5 times the size of most campsites. While you may reasonably run into other campers within each section if you go for a walk, you won't even know anyone is in the other sections, its so private. Sing at the top of your lungs or let your dog roam, they won't run into anyone. 

    Its just SO pretty. Each campsite is really well maintained- the roads and campsites are mowed, carving into the meadows. There are porta potties and access to drinking water and a great deal on both wood and eggs. Wooden picnic tables are in each site, and a well appointed fire ring. The hosts are really lovely as well, and overly accommodating. The entire site is organic, so they do ask that you participate in their policies of no charcoal usage and leave no trace.

    Tenino itself is a cute little historic town, with a surprisingly well appointed supermarket and hardware store, and on Saturdays there's a farmers market. 

    Mostly, I love how my dog can safely roam, and how, even when I am completely by myself camping, I still feel safe.

  • Amy & Stu B.
    Oct. 3, 2022

    Dosewallips State Park Campground

    Gorgeous location

    This campground is right next to a state park. It’s also very close to a river and lots of woods. We stayed here to see Olympic national park, (I wouldn’t recommend this location to travel to Olympic every day, it was very far.)

    The amenities were nice, bathrooms with warm water (one shower per bathroom.)

    No laundry, no Wi-Fi and both Verizon and AT&T worked with about one bar.

    The sites were level spacious and had a fire ring and picnic table at each. We chose the full hookup option. Firewood could be purchased through the camp host.

    The best part about this day was the surrounding area. 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.

  • Jess G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2017

    Middle Waddell Campground

    LEDlenser MH2 Headlamp at Middle Waddell Campground

    Campground

    Fairly large campground, free as long as you have a discover pass! Close to town yet still secluded in the woods. Tons of trails for hiking, horses and dirt bikes! Plenty of sites for trailers and tents. Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and water hook ups. The camp host even had free bottled water for guest if needed. There was a creek near by with people panning for gold which was interesting!

    Product Review

    Being a ranger I get to test some products from time to time! Today's product is the LEDlenser MH2 Headlamp!

    This headlamp is very impressive! Certainly the brightest light I have ever explored with. It comes in a very nice package with a charging cord, two different colored lens attachments, a carrying pouch and a battery. My only complaint is that the headlamp itself doesn't fit very well in the carrying pouch but I made it work! It was also a little heavy and I had to adjust the strap to fit my head more often then I would have preferred. The brightness of the light made up for the flaws completely!

  • Callie S.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Sahara Creek DNR Horse Camp

    Shady, quiet

    YOU NEED A WA DISCOVER PASS TO CAMP HERE!!! But it is free with the pass. And there’s a gas station 5 minutes down the road in Ashford where you can buy one. Very shady and quiet, not crowded at all. Primitive camping, no water, no restrooms just vault toilets, no trash pickup either so you need to pack everything out. Was hard to stake my tent down bc of rocky soil, but it worked fine cause it’s not windy. 15 minutes from the entrance to Mt Rainier. Good place if you’re here for that reason. Most of the sites are horse camping only, but there are a handful that allow other types EXCEPT FOR RV, to my understanding there is NO RV CAMPING HERE

Guide to Gig Harbor

Tent camping near Gig Harbor, Washington, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gig Harbor, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gig Harbor, WA is Macie's Brook with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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TheDyrt.com has all 78 tent camping locations near Gig Harbor, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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