Tent campsites near Issaquah, Washington range from walk-in campgrounds to backcountry tent camping options in surrounding forest areas. Pratt Lake offers hike-in tent sites with drinking water available and permits pets, making it popular for backpackers seeking Alpine Lakes wilderness access. Blake Island Marine State Park provides boat-in tent camping with amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and showers, though access requires watercraft since the island is only reachable by boat.
The terrain at most tent camping areas varies significantly depending on location and elevation. Melakwa Lake tent sites sit at approximately 4500 feet elevation and may have lingering snow into July, with one visitor noting "in July there was still ice on the lake." Sites generally feature minimal improvement beyond small cleared areas for tent placement. Most backcountry tent sites prohibit campfires, especially at higher elevations. Wallace Falls State Park offers walk-in tent camping with more established facilities, including trash collection and nearby market access. Several locations maintain strict quiet hours, with Blake Island enforcing a 10 pm quiet time.
Tent campers seeking solitude should consider the hike-in options that require more effort to reach. A visitor commented that Pratt Lake is "crystal clear" and "full of fish so make sure you bring your pole." Mosquitoes can be problematic at some backcountry tent sites, particularly at Melakwa Lake, which derives its name from the word for mosquito. Most tent campgrounds in the region remain open seasonally, with access to higher elevation sites limited by snow conditions. Backpackers planning multi-day trips often connect various tent camping areas using the extensive trail network throughout the region. Pete Lake backcountry camping provides relatively accessible tent campsites with gradual elevation gain, making it suitable for beginners while still offering lakeside camping approximately 4.5 miles from the trailhead.
"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
from $90 - $125 / night
"The tent sites at Hearth Street Properties offer secluded spots near the water, with conveniences like restaurants nearby. Check them out and share some pics from your trip on the Dyrt!"
"However, I've been to the public Access area and have to say that it's very peaceful and has a restroom which is nice. I'm a local."
from $60 - $68 / night
"Right outside the entrance to Mt."
"If you come here you must leave no trace."
"A great clean safe place in the city and surrounded by trees and nature"
from $90 - $100 / night
"I picked enough berries to share with my crew. There is nothing better than perfectly ripe blackberries on a camping ⛺️ trip."
"We arrived and only had hammocks to camp in and the two walk up sites did not provides trees to manage our hammocks."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $12 - $61 / night
"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."
"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."
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.
ScoutMy review is from my own experience but there are numerous other reviews that express my same sentiments. I was there 7 years and only had infractions during one month. (all from the same ranger) and one speeding infraction.
Port Susan Camping Resort has been a bad experience for me and presently turned to bitter. I sold my lot but the check got lost in the mail. I asked the sales agent to replace the check and I have waited approximately 35 days! I finally asked the board to intervene. This is bad business. This is a sample of the treatment or abuse I was given at Port Susan from the sales office. Replacing a check is easy and the money is not even drawn on Port Susan, it comes from the buyer. What would happen if I were paid but the buyer could not access the lot or wasn't given a gate pass or if the sales had to wait for their commission for 35 days after the sale? I was treated so unfairly! They showed me lots for sale with BLACK MOLD.I would think I am being targeted once again but there are many complaints that have been filed about poor management, unfair fines and being targeted if you speak up. The only recourse you have is to go to Tribal court since Port Susan Camping resort is Tribal owned. If you ask me this is a conflict of interest? Bottom line, absolute power leads to absolute corruption. Port Susan is like living under communist rule: The board took a vote to install 50 amp service, the members voted against it because most trailers use 30 amp. The 50 amp was installed any way and members have to pay for it. I spoke up on Campers Chat, but PSCC has the right to determine what will be allowed to be viewed. Freedom of Speech, NOT sat Port Susan. Members have to be careful who they speak to, if they speak against unfair fines to one of"them" they will be targeted. I have been targeted by one ranger who gave me 1200.00 worth of fines in one month. There used to be one ranger who patrolled lots 24 hours a day now there are 2 or 3. You are under constant survelience and fined for violations. Port Susan changes the rules constantly. One example, the road going downhill to the laundra mat and mailbox changed the speed limit to 5 miles per hour. Try going down a hill at 5 miles per hour. I was fined 200.00 at 5:00 am. This was thrown out because no one could do this but later going down hill to the front gate is a radar controlled system. I accidentally was going 17 mph in a 15 mph and was fined 400.00 for going over the speed limit for a 2nd infraction! no where in this country has fines like this but PSCC has unlimited power and no jusidiction. If you take it Tribal Court,( they lease the land to Port Susan you can be held liable to pay the attorney fees against Port Susan. There is less than 30 years on the lease so your membership is a poor investment. Not to mention that they have water pipe problems and boil water warnings posted periodically. If they decide to change all the water pipes the members will pay. I had rats get into my trucks. One was towed to Toyota and they found a rat. The rats got into the cab. I replaced this truck with a brand new Honda and during an oil change was notified that rat tracks were found all over my distributor cover and it was only at my site for 2 weeks!!! Many members tell the truth once they leave and abuse and mistreatment is the norm. THIS IS A FEAR BASED COMMUNITY Good luck with your purchase
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.
Tent campsites near Issaquah, Washington range from primitive dispersed sites along White River to walk-in camping at established state parks. The region sits within easy reach of Alpine Lakes Wilderness where camping elevations can reach 4,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, while winter camping often means dealing with significant snowfall at higher elevations and rain at lower sites.
Fishing opportunities: At White River Dispersed Camping, campers have direct river access. "The lake is full of fish so make sure you bring your Pole, beautiful trout were jumping," notes one visitor to nearby alpine lakes.
Hiking connections: Several campgrounds connect to extensive trail networks. From Wallace Falls State Park Campground, "The hike to Wallace Falls (lower & upper) is moderate & enjoyable. The 'wooded hike' meanders along the Wallace River."
Berry picking: Seasonal foraging adds flavor to camping trips. "If camping in July-August, blackberries abound! I picked enough berries to share with my crew," reports a Wallace Falls camper.
Waterfront sites: Many campers prioritize spots with water views. "We found a spot right next to the river. There were a few other people, but everyone was very quiet," writes a White River visitor.
Secluded options: Hollyhock Farm offers privacy not found at more crowded campgrounds. "The sites were secluded from one another within a beautiful forest, the toilet was clean and fairly close to the sites," notes one camper.
Natural soundscapes: The rushing water creates ambient noise that enhances camping experiences. "I love the view and the sound of the river!" writes a White River visitor, while another notes the river noise "does a great job of masking any sounds from the nearby road."
Access challenges: Many prime camping locations require effort to reach. "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," cautions a White River camper.
Seasonal pests: Melakwa Lake camping comes with warnings about insects. "Melakwa means mosquito and they are not kidding- you have been warned! If you can deal with the bugs though this lake is STUNNING."
Water-only access: Some campgrounds require boats to reach. "Beautiful park, great hiking! Only accessible by boat," notes a visitor to Blake Island Marine State Park.
Fire restrictions: Many wilderness sites prohibit open flames. "No camp fire allowed," reminds a Melakwa Lake visitor, a common restriction at higher elevation sites throughout the region.
Kid-friendly options: Paine Field Community Park receives high marks from families. "We visit this park frequently as it is great for the kids. It's clean and has bathrooms available!"
Private property alternatives: Some families prefer more controlled environments. At Woodlands at Lake Stickney, "It was my first time camping on a private residential property. I've grown so used to sites like KOA that it was strange to have friendly owners serving us rather than paid staff."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Issaquah, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Issaquah, WA is Hollyhock Farm with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 70 tent camping locations near Issaquah, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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