Camping near Issaquah offers sites within the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, where elevations range from 100 to 500 feet above sea level in the valley floor. Winter temperatures average 32-45°F with summer highs reaching 75-85°F, creating ideal camping conditions from late spring through early fall. Fall City and Carnation serve as gateway communities to several campgrounds that provide alternatives to the popular glamping locations.
What to do
River activities: At Middle Fork Campground, campers can access the pristine Pratt River for day activities. "We stayed there to be close to the mailbox trail head. There were so many berries around the camp and we could literally sit in camp and pick blue berries," notes reviewer Dan P.
Hiking trails: The area surrounding Kanaskat-Palmer State Park offers numerous trail options. "Took a walk down to the day use area by the river, which was easy for us, but some portions of the trails closer to the river were slightly overgrown w/ a few obstacles, which could be problematic for some," shares Jay F.
Beach exploration: When staying at Fay Bainbridge Park, visit the shoreline. "Great campground right on the beach. Clean facilities," explains Brook M. Many visitors enjoy watching cruise ships pass by and spotting wildlife along the shoreline.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the natural screening at certain campgrounds. "I've been coming to this state park for as long as I can remember. There's so many activities to do; clamming, shrimping, hiking, hunting for oysters, and there's even places to rent kayaks," mentions Shariah T. about Dosewallips State Park.
Yurt accommodations: For yurt camping near Issaquah, Washington, many visitors enjoy the comfort of semi-permanent structures. "Spent a night in the yurt. Everything worked," reports Chris A. about his stay at Tolt MacDonald Park, making it a reliable option for those seeking structured camping experiences.
Wooded settings: Blue Sky RV Park offers a forest setting despite being close to urban areas. "This is a great RV resort. The picture on the app is not at all what this place looks like. A Quiet oasis tucked into the forest," explains Todd B., highlighting the unexpected natural environment.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires preparation for cooler, wetter conditions. Many campgrounds remain open year-round but with limited services. "We went here in October and dry camped with our 30' Motorhome so not the typical experience others would have in a true RV site," notes Cody F.
Site reservations: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak summer months. "We pulled up last minute and there were still campgrounds and most of the sites were pretty clean!" shares Alexa T. about Middle Fork Campground, one of the few first-come options.
Security measures: Some parks have regular ranger patrols. "This campground is heavily patrolled by the park rangers. I usually have contact with them in my campsite at least twice a day. My point with this is, if you are a large group, like to stay up late and listen to music and/or party it might not be the campground for you," explains Kelly P. about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Vasa Park Resort offers numerous activities for children. "Cute campground very close to Seattle and Bellevue right on the lake. Beautiful beach area, basketball courts, playground, and volleyball right at the site," reports Erin A.
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas. "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites," shares Tanya B. about Fay Bainbridge Park, noting the unique pirate-themed structure.
Wildlife viewing: Children enjoy spotting local animals. "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," writes Amy & Stu B. about their experience at Dosewallips State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Tall Chief Campground offers various site options but has limitations. "We love Tall Chief because it is super close to a lot of great spots around the Seattle region... No sewer connections which can be a bummer, but the nice bathrooms make up for it imo," explains Brodie D.
Cell reception considerations: Many wooded sites have variable coverage. "Another thing that can be annoying is trying to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees. I'm getting 120+ mbs download on AT&T in my site right now, but several sites down from me, it can dwindle down to 5mbs!" adds Brodie D. about Tall Chief Campground.
Site leveling: Check site conditions before setting up. "The only campground we've been to where we didn't need to level the trailer. RV sites are all pull through its fairly quiet," notes Russ H. about Tolt MacDonald Park, an important consideration for larger rigs.
