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Best Campgrounds near Kirkland, WA

1,234 Reviews

Campgrounds near Kirkland, Washington provide a range of accommodations within 30 minutes of this suburban Seattle community. Lake Pleasant RV Park in nearby Bothell serves as a convenient base for exploring the greater Seattle area, with full hookups and a park-like setting around a small pond. The camping landscape includes several established campgrounds offering tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals, with Tolt MacDonald Park in Carnation and Vasa Park Resort in Bellevue being popular options for those seeking mixed-use facilities. Most campgrounds in the region operate year-round, though availability may be limited during peak summer months.

Access to most campgrounds requires advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when Seattle residents seek outdoor recreation opportunities. The region's mild, rainy climate means campers should prepare for precipitation even in summer months, though July through September typically offer the driest conditions. Many campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with several featuring sewer connections as well. According to one visitor, "This was a very pleasant and nice place to stay, quiet and set up around a pond. The facilities were very clean, laundry was great and very affordable!" The proximity to urban areas means most campgrounds have good cellular coverage and paved access roads, making them suitable for larger RVs and trailers.

The developed campgrounds in this region tend to be more urban in character than wilderness experiences. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the balance of natural settings with proximity to city amenities. Lake Pleasant RV Park receives consistently high ratings for its duck pond and walking trails, while still being just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle. Campers note the convenience of nearby shopping and restaurants, with many campgrounds positioned within walking distance of grocery stores or other services. For those seeking more natural experiences, Tolt MacDonald Park offers cabin camping along with tent and RV sites beside the Snoqualmie River, providing water access and forest views while still maintaining good amenities. Most campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and clean restroom facilities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Kirkland, Washington (239)

    1. Lake Pleasant RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Bothell, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 487-1785

    $62 - $750 / night

    "This is the nicest park with the best rates close to the Seattle area. It’s north of Lake Washington so you can skip bridge traffic and tolls. It has easy access to UW Bothell."

    "The roadways are easy to navigate and lots of folks walk around the park roads."

    2. Fay Bainbridge Park

    22 Reviews
    Bainbridge Island, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 842-3931

    $7 - $95 / night

    "2, #3, #4 are IMO best after that as they move away from the beach and then curve around in ascending order.

    Some neighbor noise, sites are close, but was not busy."

    "Great spot on the edge of bainbridge. Lots of spots depending on your preferred privacy level."

    3. Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    22 Reviews
    Carnation, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 205-5434

    "The campground is next to a classy laundromat, and I say classy because it’s probably one of the nicest laundromats in the area that even has a dumpsite for RVs."

    "The campground is in 500+ acre Tolt-McDonald Park, far enough away from any busy road so that there is no traffic noise, just the sound of the Tolt River rapids."

    4. Tall Chief Campground

    15 Reviews
    Fall City, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "This is a big park that is part of Thousand Trails.  No sales pitch to join, which was nice.  Rangers were super nice.  Bathrooms very new and clean.  Lots of trees between sites. "

    "We love Tall Chief because it is super close to a lot of great spots around the Seattle region. It’s super close (like 7 min drive) from one of my favorite coffee shops, Aroma Coffee Co. Try it!"

    5. Dash Point State Park Campground

    72 Reviews
    Federal Way, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    "Firstly, I just have to say what a positive and amazing experience I had at this campground. The volunteers were friendly, kind and absolutely awesome to interact with."

    "The campground itself is tucked into a beautiful, forested area with plenty of trees and privacy between sites. Ours had a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table."

    6. Vasa Park Resort

    6 Reviews
    Bellevue, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 746-3260

    $65 - $125 / night

    "This is in the shore of Lake Samammish, giving access to swim, paddle, picnic. The facilities and grounds are kept clean and well maintained."

    "Cute campground very close to Seattle and Bellevue right on the lake. Beautiful beach area, basketball courts, playground, and volleyball right at the site. Spots are a little tight."

    7. Manchester State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Manchester, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 871-4065

    $50 / night

    "Nice wooded campground with access to the water. Plenty of opportunities for day hikes and not far from port orchard Washington. Some sites have hookups and others are dry camping."

    "Trails, views, and history in walking distance. Coin operated showers and clean restrooms."

    8. Trailer Inns RV Park (Bellevue)

    4 Reviews
    Bellevue, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 747-9181

    $45 - $70 / night

    "This is a perfect place for dropping your mobile hotel room and explore Seattle and the surrounding areas. There are clean bathrooms, laundromat and rec room."

    9. Issaquah Village RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Issaquah, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 392-9233

    "It’s in the heart of Issaquah and close to every kind of service, shopping and even nature you could want."

    10. Blue Sky RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Preston, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 222-7910

    "A Quiet oasis tucked into the forest. The new and clean bathrooms and showers were a real treat after a 2100 mile journey from Texas."

    "It’s a very nice location, exceptionally clean and safe. In site 11 you can hear the highway when outside of rv but couldn’t inside. Neighbors were very friendly."

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Recent Camping Photos near Kirkland, WA

344 Photos of 239 Kirkland Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Kirkland, WA

1234 Reviews of 239 Kirkland Campgrounds

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

    Bigfoot Lives Here

    If he doesn't, then he's missing out on the most Idyllic campsite ever! There are no fewer than 9 campsites within less than a mile either side of the bridge. The one directly on the south side of the bridge is 4wd access only because of the big rocks protruding into the road bed. But if you go about 3/4 mile up from the bridge, you'll find the most superb spot ever. There is nothing here for TT or large RV's, for small van-lifers and such, it's a pot of gold. There are two absolutely beautific sites at the 3/4mile area. Both sites can access the river for water (it's a small, steep hill). There are no toilets, cell service was spotty, Starlink worked fine.

  • B
    Oct. 15, 2025

    John Wayne's Waterfront Resort

    Quiet this time of year

    Right across John Wayne marina. Full hook ups. Trails behind rv sites for walks and close to discovery trail for biking or walking long distances. Close to town but away from traffic and traffic noises

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Cascades RV Resort

    Cascades RV Resort

    We are long term RV campers here at Cascades. It is a lovely RV resort with large concrete pads with astroturf lawn and picnic table. Everyone is friendly. Nightly noise is never excessive. Gracie’s place is an onsite cafe that serves food, alcohol, deserts, coffees, and other drinks. You can get package delivery just no USPS. They do offer monthly discounts. Would highly recommend for anyone in an RV.

  • Nicole L.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Woodlands at Lake Stickney

    BEAUTIFUL LOCATION

    I myself have never parked my RV at the campsite. 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. I live inside my RV and it has been a major adjustment but having places like this has been extremely helpful.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Top of the Hill camping

    Top of the hill camping

    This is actually a really secluded, pivate location with a beautiful view! The road is fairly easy to get up to this spot but really just room for one vehicle. I guess the last people used it as the dumb spot when they were leaving because there’s a grill and a TV screen there… we did not stay and camp here, but we did check it out and if we didn’t have a trailer, I would definitely have claimed the spot!

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    FR27 Landing

    fr27 landing

    Great large flat spot for camping. Could easily fit about 5 cars here. About 4 fire rings set up and the road is pretty easy getting here.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    NF-27 Tunnel Creek

    Pull through site

    This is a great spot to stay for a bit if you’re looking to do that OR just stay for a night. It’s like, a big circle that you pull in and out of. There’s a trail from this site that leads to a great tint site as well. Plenty of space if you have a decent sized group. Easily accommodating 3 cars. We have plenty of space with our rig. Star link works great here!

  • Eun Ji L.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Big Creek Campground

    I'm an avid camper - this was THE WORST experience ever.

    I'm an avid camper, and the experience I had at this campground with the host was ABSOLUTELY THE WORST ever. We arrived at the campground early to find the best spot as we were planning to take some outdoor wedding photos at the campsite the day after. It was not a busy season, so there were only a couple of sites occupied. We carefully selected a spot, paid for it, and posted the receipt on the site clip. I took a photo of both the envelope and the receipt clipped at the site. 

    After exploring the national park, we arrived at the campground at around 9pm. Most of the campsites were still unoccupied. To our surprise, when we arrived at our reserved spot, there was a group of people who took our campsite! They already put up their tent and a canopy as well. When I checked the pole where I clipped the receipt, it was GONE & REPLACED by someone else's!! When I talked to those people who took our campsite, there were already drunk and were at the verge of becoming hostile. But they did tell us that the host "allowed" them to take the spot. 

    Right then and there, we went to the host and explained the situation, and the host said (1) we never paid and that (2) there was no receipt clipped at the site. When I told him that that wasn't true, he proceeded to tell me that the information I wrote on the clip let him know that we were checking out today. So, for a second, I thought maybe I wrote either the# of nights spent or check-out date incorrectly. But then, I remembered I took pictures of both the envelope and the receipt!! I showed the photos to him, then, of course, he could not lie his way out of this. 

    There was no apology, and he simply proceeded to tell us to sleep at one of the other available campsites. We were super furious because we had NEVER experienced this kind of rudeness, lies, and brazen behavior. As anyone can imagine, we did not want to spend another second there, so we demanded a refund, and "MIRACULOUSLY", the envelope (still glued) with our payment was found in his RV. 

    I'm reporting the host to the US Forest Service.

  • alexandrea L.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Penrose Point State Park Campground

    Beautiful

    The beach is beautiful here! And the campsites are very secluded! There are tons of trees and bushes in between everybody’s campsite

Guide to Kirkland

Camping near Kirkland, WA, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are several trails nearby. At Dash Point State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Several miles of hiking trails and chances to see wildlife or catch frogs." This park is perfect for those who love to explore nature.
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the beach at Seal Rock Campground. A camper said, "It’s right on the beach. Water available near all sites." This makes it a great spot for swimming and beachcombing.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Middle Fork Campground is a good choice. One visitor noted, "Nice river access, some of the spots are a bit exposed but some are further back from the road."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A review for Dosewallips State Park Campground stated, "Super clean bathrooms and showers." Clean facilities make for a more enjoyable stay.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. At Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, a camper mentioned, "The campground is nice and clean... the sites are level and are a mix of back-in and pull-through."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts can make a big difference. A visitor at Fort Flagler Historical State Park Campground said, "The hosts and maintenance folks were all very friendly."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A review for Dosewallips State Park Campground mentioned, "US 101 runs through the park next to the campground, and the logging trucks can be quite loud." If you're sensitive to noise, consider this before booking.
  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially in summer. A camper at Tinkham Campground advised, "Probably need to reserve far in advance." Planning ahead is key.
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites may lack certain amenities. A review for Tolt MacDonald Park noted, "The tent campsites have no shades, so on a sunny day it can get really hot."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby trails. At Fay Bainbridge Park, a reviewer said, "There is a playground for kids in the park." This makes it easier to keep the little ones entertained.
  • Group Sites: Consider reserving a group site for larger families. A camper at Camano Island State Park Campground mentioned, "The trailers ranged in size from 22’ to 36’ and we found ample space for each."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy. One visitor at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park noted, "It's close enough to where we live that someone could run home if anything major was forgotten."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to check if the campground has electric hookups. A review for Tinkham Campground pointed out, "NO electric hookups." This is important for RVers who rely on power.
  • Road Conditions: Be aware of road conditions leading to campgrounds. One RVer at Middle Fork Campground mentioned, "The road was full of deep dips and bumps throughout."
  • Privacy: Look for sites that offer more privacy. A camper at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park said, "Heavily wooded sites afford good privacy between sites."

Camping near Kirkland, WA, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Kirkland for tent camping?

Tent campers near Kirkland have several quality options within driving distance. Dash Point State Park Campground offers a clean, beautifully laid-out camping experience with friendly staff and is highly rated by tent campers. For a more backcountry experience, Pete Lake Backcountry Camping provides a relatively short drive from Seattle with a dusty trail leading to the lake, making it popular among hikers. Tall Chief Campground near Fall City and Vasa Park Resort near Bellevue also accommodate tent camping with basic amenities. Most sites offer fire rings, picnic tables, and access to toilets, though amenities vary by location. Weekends fill quickly during summer months, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Are there RV parks or campervan parking areas in Kirkland?

While Kirkland has limited dedicated RV facilities within city limits, there are options in the greater area. Lake Pleasant RV Park is one of the most convenient options north of Lake Washington, offering good rates, easy access to Seattle, and amenities including a man-made duck pond. For overnight parking, note that the Kirkland Costco explicitly prohibits overnight stays despite its ample parking. Other nearby options include Trailer Inns RV Park in Bellevue, Issaquah Village RV Park, and Blue Sky RV Park near Issaquah. Most RV parks in the region require reservations, particularly during summer months, and typically offer full hookups with water, electric, and sewer connections.

Where can I find camping sites near Kirkland, WA?

While Kirkland itself doesn't have dedicated campgrounds within city limits, several excellent options are available within a short drive. Tolt MacDonald Park is relatively close in the Carnation area, situated on a floodplain with proximity to the town of Duvall. For a slightly longer but worthwhile drive, Kachess Campground is about 1.5-2 hours from Seattle near Cle Elum, offering walk-in sites with great lake access. Other nearby options include Fay Bainbridge Park on Bainbridge Island and Dash Point State Park. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations during peak season (May-September), and many offer a mix of standard and primitive sites with varying amenities.

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