Campsites near Hobart, Washington can be accessed year-round with varying terrain conditions depending on the season. The area sits at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet among the different camping locations. Many sites feature second-growth forest coverage with significant undergrowth vegetation, creating natural boundaries between camping spots.
What to do
Explore river trails and swimming spots: At Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, each site connects to river trails. "Each site seems to have a trail connecting to the outer trail that runs along the river," notes one visitor who recommends exploring beyond the main areas for more privacy. For swimming options, "Deep Lake which is beautiful and great for swimming and paddle boarding" is just a 10-minute drive from the campground.
Visit nearby lakes for family recreation: Just 3 miles from Tinkham Campground, several swimming and fishing areas provide alternatives to riverfront activities. "Green with tall trees. Close to great hiking," mentions one camper about the surrounding landscape. The campground has "a lovely little river that runs through" providing entertainment for both adults and children.
Play on-site activities at established resorts: Several campgrounds within 30 miles of Hobart offer developed recreation facilities. One camper at Tall Chief Campground mentions, "The pool, miniature golf, playground and basketball were great." Some locations provide free morning refreshments, with one visitor noting, "Mini golf basket ball court, lakes, bingo, free donuts and coffee."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Unlike more crowded campgrounds, several locations near Hobart offer separation between campsites. At Dash Point State Park, campers appreciate the site layout: "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." Another visitor mentioned being "impressed by how spread apart the sites were."
Clean facilities and bathrooms: Many campgrounds receive praise for their maintenance standards. At Tolt MacDonald Park, "Bathrooms are super nice - each is private with a shower. Camp staff were pleasant and helpful." Other campers note the facilities are "heated and very clean," making longer stays more comfortable.
Proximity to Seattle with wilderness feel: Despite being close to urban areas, many sites provide natural surroundings. One camper at Kanaskat-Palmer described it as "close to the city but feels miles away," adding it's a "beautiful, clean campground." A Tolt MacDonald visitor appreciated how "it's a short walk to the river where we watched the kayakers and did a very easy hike."
What you should know
Train and aircraft noise at some locations: Several campgrounds experience transportation noise. While not mentioned in all reviews, some campers note this aspect: "We could hear trains at night but that didn't bother us," explained one Tolt MacDonald visitor. At Saltwater State Park, "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)."
Ranger presence and rule enforcement: Some parks maintain active staff supervision. At Kanaskat-Palmer, one camper observed: "This campground is heavily patrolled by the park rangers. I usually have contact with them in my campsite at least twice a day. I have been asked by the park rangers at 10:01 p.m. to be quiet." While providing security, this level of supervision might affect some camping styles.
Cell service variability: Digital connectivity varies significantly between locations. At Kanaskat-Palmer, reviewers report "Great cell service if you have TMobile," while at other sites "Zero cell reception here for ATT and Verizon, and the cell booster didn't help." Some campgrounds offer limited WiFi in common areas only.
Tips for camping with families
Look for eddy pools and safe water access: River camping locations often have varying water conditions. At Kanaskat-Palmer, one family found "big entertainment for three boys who explored the woods and played on the rocks and in the eddy pools." Another family recommended specific water areas: "We usually take the kids to the lake at Nolte state park (approx. 3 miles away) for water play."
Consider camp layout and playground proximity: At Game Farm Wilderness Campground, families appreciate the open layout and accessible amenities. The location offers "a diverse landscape with wooded areas, meadows, and riverside views" with "a shared picnic shelter," making it suitable for group gatherings.
Check for seasonal activities: During warmer months, water-focused campgrounds offer expanded options. At Vasa Park Resort, one visitor enjoyed how "we roasted hotdogs and s'mores over the camp fire and our dog loved swimming in the lake." The park includes "basketball courts, playground, and volleyball right at the site."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations at most sites: Many campgrounds near Hobart offer partial hookups only. At Tall Chief Campground, "No sites have sewer hookups but if you want/need one, you cannot get one." RVers should plan accordingly: "We had to take showers at the facilities which are kept up fairly well" and "bring your water" at some locations with electric-only connections.
Power considerations during extreme weather: During heat waves or cold snaps, limited electrical service can affect comfort. One RVer noted, "We ended up here during a heat wave and an entire section of the park blew after having several days of power issues." Most sites provide 30-amp service only, with "a few 50 amp sites but from what I saw they were all taken by RVers that are there on a more permanent basis."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional setup effort. At Tinkham Campground, sites can be "a little mossy and uneven," while another RVer at Kanaskat-Palmer reported "the gravel pull through was so not level the jacks pushed the front tires 6 inches off the ground." However, some locations offer better conditions, with one camper noting their site was "level and long enough for Super C and toad."
