Tent campsites near Hobart, Washington range from accessible established grounds to secluded backcountry sites requiring strenuous hikes. Hollyhock Farm offers walk-in tent camping with four secluded forest sites, while White River Dispersed Camping provides free tent sites in more primitive settings. Mount Rainier National Park, within driving distance, features multiple backcountry tent campgrounds including Ipsut Creek and Mowich Lake, where tent campers can experience more remote settings.
Most primitive tent sites in the region lack amenities like drinking water or electric hookups. While Hollyhock Farm provides drinking water and toilets, many dispersed camping areas such as Forest Road 7300 Pull-Off require campers to pack in all supplies and pack out waste. According to one visitor, "Lots of great creekside campsites along Huckleberry Creek with small swimming spots and fire pits to enjoy." Fire regulations vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months. Many backcountry tent campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park prohibit fires year-round, regardless of season.
Tent campers visiting higher-elevation sites like Melakwa Lake or Pratt Lake should prepare for challenging hiking conditions. One camper noted that "Melakwa means mosquito and they are not kidding—you have been warned! If you can deal with the bugs though this lake is STUNNING." Most backcountry tent campsites in the region require hiking 5-12 miles with significant elevation gain. The effort rewards tent campers with pristine alpine lakes, wildlife viewing opportunities, and less crowded camping experiences. At Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground, hikers must travel 5 miles along the Carbon River, but gain access to multiple tent sites with picnic tables and bear boxes. Many sites feature proximity to water sources for filtering, though campers should check seasonal conditions as some alpine lakes remain partially frozen into July.
"Right outside the entrance to Mt."
"If you come here you must leave no trace."
"The sites were secluded from one another within a beautiful forest, the toilet was clean and fairly close to the sites, parking was easy and the host was a total gem! Highly highly reccomended :-)"
from $35 - $65 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $12 - $70 / night
"The road slowly meanders uphill alongside the Carbon River for 5 miles, giving campers majestic views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks."
"One incredible part about being here is the proximity to Mt. Rainier National Park. We did so many amazing hikes, it was unreal. The weather was perfect so Rainier was out and shinning bright!!"
"This is a large and Crystal clear Alpine Lake in the Alpine Lakes wilderness. The lake is full of fish so make sure you bring your Pole, beautiful trout were jumping."
"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."
from $90 - $125 / night
"If you can deal with the bugs though this lake is STUNNING. In July there was still ice on the lake, which is at 4500ft."
"We arrived late close to sunset with the campground closed and the camp host site vacant."
"A drive leads out to a flat area with a fire pit It was raining when we pulled in, so views were limited. In the clear morning, we got a beautiful view of Mount Rainier."
TravelerNice campground, well maintained and rangers often patrol the campsite loops. Bathrooms are nice but dated, but quite expensive campground. Paying in-person was $49 for an RV spot with utilities, but booking online was $69 for the same site. Can be busy on the weekend.
ScoutThis place is so nice. We felt welcomed as soon as we walked to the check-in desk. Dave and Victoria are so kind. This place is so nice and neat and clean. They have a pool and a hot tub which is a plus and a sauna. It was very nice to be able to chatter with them and joke back-and-forth like they were old friends. You can’t go wrong staying here. The only thing is I hate to tell anyone how nice it is cause then I might not be able to get in.
ScoutFirst off you get what you pay for it's cheap but you're packed like sardines in a gravel lot that looks trashy as hell I didn't go in the restrooms because they don't have stuff there till after 6:00 p.m. so I was terrified by how disgusting they might be on top of it the owner is quite possibly the rudest most inconsiderate and unempathetic human I've ever encountered he gaslit the hell out of me he insulted my intelligence he lied about our conversations that place is so shady there's no checking or check out time written on their forms they will just make up a time that seems appropriate and then if you don't respond and how they like they'll tell you that you have to leave I thought it was just me but after moving to a beautiful Campground I talked to two out of their individuals that told me that they basically told him to F off and they would find somewhere else really horrible business practices and his sister is just as rude as he is trashy place with Shady practices and Shady people running it. Also if you're one that noise bothers you you will hate this because it's right on the highway and you can hear everything from every spot in the park. Especially if you're looking for nightly you can go down the street to the one they recommended and pay $18 less a night for way more beautiful place
RangerIt was MAGICAL- mushrooms, fall leaves, and moss everywhere. Keep in mind that there’s no signal, Starlink nor cell.. we also were freezing at night (35 degrees) in early October and the spots were tricky for our bigger rig. But if you have a smaller rig there’s tons of places off of road 73 for dispersed camping. Bumpy road to get there but keep on driving and you’ll find places with even firepits.
LegendThe dispersed sites are on the narrow, gravel section. There are a few on the paved area but most have been blocked off. Even on the gravel section most are pull-offs or quite close to the road. They are dispersed sites so no amenities. Most are close or have access to the Sauk River. The road and TH’s were very busy but cleared out as evening settled in.
LegendRoad closures due to a bridge out closed off probably the better sites up top but we did find a great spot off the road with a view. Enjoyed a nice evening under the stars and a campfire.
ScoutIt IS a pretty, private, moderately priced rv park. Too bad -- there is a note announcing their permanent closure 10/31/2026. Enjoy it while you can!
ScoutJust a car park. Do not go to the front of the casino as there are over hanging branches that that can scratch your RV.
ScoutI wanted to like this campground, but I wouldn’t stay here again for more than maybe one night.
There are signs EVERYWHERE warning about theft, which immediately tells you something about the area. I didn’t have anything stolen, but I was extremely careful about what I left out.
The biggest problem is that you’re basically on your own after hours. There is no campground host, no posted after-hours ranger number, and no non-emergency number at the campground or through the park’s phone system. The staff hours also seem very limited and inconsistent. I arrived around 6:30 PM and nobody was there, and staff didn’t seem to return until around 9–10 AM.
The bathrooms were dirty, out of toilet paper, and the showers were cold. One morning there was a large unleashed dog in the women’s bathroom that growled at me while its owner was showering. I believe she may have been homeless and using the facilities. Again, there was nobody around to contact about it.
Another night, people were extremely loud until almost midnight. Same problem: no host, no ranger and no non-emergency number. Unless something is serious enough for 911, you’re left to deal with it yourself.
There are also a lot of homeless people and visible drug addicts/drug activity around Federal Way. I had been warned about the area before coming here, and I understand why.
The park itself is pretty and might be fine for a quick overnight stay, but for multiple nights, I wouldn’t recommend it. Between the theft warnings, lack of after-hours staff, weird staffing hours, and no way to report non-emergency problems, I never really felt comfortable settling into my campsite.
Tent campsites near Hobart, Washington often require difficult access during winter months due to seasonal road closures and snow-covered trails. The region sits at the gateway to multiple wilderness areas, with elevations ranging from 800 feet to over 5,000 feet at higher alpine lakes. Campsite availability varies dramatically by season, with most primitive sites becoming accessible only after snow melt in late May through early October.
Boat-in camping at Blake Island: Access this marine state park campground via personal watercraft or the Argosy ferry from Seattle, about one hour away. "It is a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle with gorgeous views of the city. Hike the perimeter trail for views all around the island," notes Christi R. of Blake Island Marine State Park Campground.
Fishing in alpine waters: Many high-elevation tent sites offer fishing opportunities during summer months. "The lake is full of fish so make sure you bring your Pole, beautiful trout were jumping," shares Alex T. about Pratt Lake Hike In Campsite. Water temperatures remain cold even in August.
Snow viewing into summer: Higher elevation tent campsites retain snow well into summer. "Even in July there is snow and temperatures reached as low as 40F," reports kasey about Mowich Lake Campground. Late season hikers can still encounter partially frozen lakes at elevations above 4,000 feet.
River sounds for sleep: Many tent campers appreciate waterside sites for natural white noise. "I love the view and the sound of the river! Each site is pretty small...maybe enough for 2-3 tents," shares Jada P. about White River Dispersed Camping. The rushing water also helps mask road noise.
Private forest settings: Several tent-only sites offer secluded camping experiences. "The sites were secluded from one another within a beautiful forest, the toilet was clean and fairly close to the sites," reports Rio B. about Hollyhock Farm. Each of their four tent sites features distinct forest settings.
Seclusion from crowds: Lesser-known tent sites provide quieter alternatives to popular park campgrounds. "I stayed here two nights while visiting MRNP. It was an absolutely beautiful location, about 10-15 minutes away from the Sunrise Entrance. The second night, I managed to find a spot tucked super far in that had a small private beach," writes Corbanzo B. about White River Dispersed Camping.
Challenging road access: Many tent camping areas require navigating rough roads. "To get to campground you do have to drive on a dirt road for about 10miles," mentions Adeline T. about Mowich Lake Campground — Mount Rainier National Park. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for several dispersed camping areas.
Variable tent platforms: Some established tent sites feature wooden platforms. "Each spot had a raised platform for your tent, bear box, and picnic table," explains Megan H. about Mowich Lake Campground. These platforms help protect tent floors from ground moisture but require appropriate staking methods.
Bear safety requirements: Several tent camping areas mandate proper food storage. "The camp itself is pretty large, with plenty of tent sites, tables, and bear boxes," notes Marley B. about Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground. Always check local regulations regarding required food storage containers.
Consider hiking distances: When tent camping with children, evaluate trail difficulty to backcountry sites. "The road into camp is easy, either by foot or bicycle. The road slowly meanders uphill alongside the Carbon River for 5 miles," explains Marley B. about Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground — Mount Rainier National Park.
Plan for temperature fluctuations: Alpine tent sites experience significant day-to-night temperature changes. "In summer there is generally a burn ban and if you don't have a shaded spot, the heat can be pretty punishing but the temps go way down at night and you'll have a great breeze off of the water," advises Julia S. about Blake Island Marine State Park.
Consider insect protection: Higher elevation tent sites often have significant mosquito populations during summer. "If you can deal with the bugs though this lake is STUNNING. In July there was still ice on the lake, which is at 4500ft," reports Alex T. about Melakwa Lake. Pack appropriate insect repellent and protective clothing.
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent campsites near Hobart have poor RV access. "The road can be a bit thin, so I would be careful with extra large vehicles. It is also a bit of a challenging road, so low clearance vehicles wouldn't be treated well," warns P J. about White River Dispersed Camping.
Consider camping near mountain attractions: Tent camping sites provide alternatives when RV campgrounds fill up. "Great place to stay if you can't get a spot at White River / Ohanapecosh," suggests Rich P. about White River Dispersed Camping, noting its proximity to Mount Rainier National Park entrances.
Plan for primitive conditions: Unlike developed RV parks, most tent sites lack amenities. "We ended up overnighting in the day use area as it was dark by this time and not a soul around," reports Geoff T. about Cold Creek Campground, highlighting the need for self-sufficiency when tent camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hobart, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hobart, WA is White River Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.
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