18 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Campgrounds near Lake Forest Park, Washington range from state parks to privately operated RV resorts, with most sites located within a 30-minute drive of the city. Camping near Lake Forest Park spans waterfront tent sites and full-hookup RV parks, giving campers access to both Puget Sound beaches and forested riverside settings. Fay Bainbridge Park on Bainbridge Island offers tent sites, RV spots and cabins with beach access, while Lake Pleasant RV Park in nearby Bothell provides full hookups for recreational vehicles. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with Tolt MacDonald Park in Carnation featuring yurts and cabins alongside traditional campsites along the river.
Access to most campgrounds remains consistent year-round, though reservations become essential during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds in the area maintain all-season operations, unlike more remote locations in the Cascades that close during winter. "This is one of the most popular locations in Washington State and easy to see why. Both fresh and salt water experiences are within a few steps away with amazing sunsets and breathtaking views," noted one camper about the regional waterfront camping options. Most established campgrounds require a Washington State Discover Pass for day use, which costs approximately $30 annually. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary at campgrounds tucked into forested areas.
Waterfront camping consistently ranks among the highest-rated experiences near Lake Forest Park, with Hood Canal and Puget Sound sites particularly popular. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of camping so close to urban areas while still enjoying natural settings. A recent review highlighted that "It's right in the floodplain, so it is only enjoyable when it is not rainy season" regarding Tolt MacDonald Park, underscoring the importance of timing visits to avoid seasonal challenges. Campgrounds with RV hookups tend to be more developed and often feature amenities like showers, flush toilets and picnic areas, while tent-focused sites typically offer more privacy between campsites. Public campgrounds in the region typically feature fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions may apply during dry summer months.
"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."
from $62 - $750 / 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."
from $25 - $95 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $250 / night
"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."
"There is a big field to play ride bikes walk dog etc . The beach is really nice and nearby and at low tide is so peaceful to take a walk. There’s group activities too which is great for the kids."
"There is also access to a store with supplies and firewood nearby."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $151 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $23 - $74 / night
"I looked at all the RV/Trailer Parks close to Seattle. They were either over priced money traps, or crammed in so tight that there was no room to turn yourself around.
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"Located in Residential area with mostly full- time residents. Clean, safe, quiet. Staff was very friendly and helpful."
"This is a nice campground with semi private sites, several of which are generous sized with walking trails, and trails to the lake. Lots of trees for privacy."
"I probably wouldn’t bring a trailer more than 32 or 33 feet long in here as there are tight curves around trees. Did have electric and water."
"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."
from $65 - $125 / night
"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!"
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
ScoutStayed here 2 nights... . sign in and yu can stay for free 3 nights. If yu want electrical and water, it is 20$ . Wifi in the casino. Friendly staff.
ScoutFull Hookups at the waters edge at a marina with great views. But packed together with no picknic table or fire pit. Next to restaurants and shopping. It’s different
GuideStayed Sept 28 to 30th 2026. Nice park, hot showers, clean bathrooms, enjoyed our stay
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.
ScoutIt was a quiet and private place to pull in for the day on my way through the peninsula. The casino is literally across the creek for dinner but is still quiet and feels secluded.
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.
Cabin camping options near Lake Forest Park, Washington include multiple styles from rustic to more upscale accommodations. Temperatures range from 40-75°F in summer months, with frequent morning fog along waterfront sites. Many cabins remain accessible year-round, though some facilities reduce services during winter months.
Tide exploration: At Manchester State Park Campground, visitors can access excellent shoreline areas. "There are several hiking trails that start from the campground. Make sure and go to near by Hama Hama for their oysters," notes one visitor who found the riverside location ideal for wildlife viewing.
Hiking access: The trails around Dash Point State Park Campground provide easy outdoor access with minimal travel time. "The trails are fun and easy enough for me and 2 kids. The beach and its tides are why we came," reports a camper who appreciated the combination of forest and shoreline trails within walking distance of campsites.
Wildlife viewing: At Dosewallips State Park Campground, regular elk sightings enhance the camping experience. "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," reports one visitor who stayed in the full hookup area.
Private spaces: At Tall Chief Campground, sites offer more distance between neighbors than many urban campgrounds. "Large private sites. It feels like you are deep in the PNW rainforest but you close to amenities and shopping," notes one camper who appreciated the balance of seclusion and convenience.
Bathroom quality: Clean facilities consistently rank high in visitor satisfaction. "The washroom and shower is kept clean, as is the rest of the campground," reports a visitor to Dash Point State Park, while another mentions the "spa feeling" of the facilities at Tall Chief, noting "Bathrooms are usually found to be immaculate."
Water activities: Multiple camping areas offer direct water access. "The campsite backed up on the river, so we were able to wade in it and put out some chairs and sit on the beach," reports a camper at Dosewallips State Park, highlighting the appeal of sites with immediate river access.
Site differences: Not all sites at the same campground offer equal experiences. At Kitsap Memorial State Park Campground, "The sites with hookups are REALLY close together though. This was our first time in a hookup spot so we were a bit surprised how close we were to our neighbors, but this could be typical, we're not sure."
Off-season advantages: Winter and shoulder seasons often provide more availability and quieter experiences. "We went from Sunday to Tuesday to avoid the crowd and actually get a decent campsite which we did," reports a camper at Dosewallips, demonstrating the value of timing visits to avoid peak usage periods.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance planning, especially for cabin options. At state parks, expect to pay approximately $30-45 per night for standard sites, with cabins typically ranging from $60-90 depending on location and amenities.
Playground access: Fay Bainbridge Park provides specific amenities for younger campers. "Great place for families that looks to be kept really clean... There is a ship playground for the kids and beach volleyball court," reports one visitor who found the park particularly suited for family activities.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water access specifically designed for children. "The pool, miniature golf, playground and basketball were great," notes a visitor to Tall Chief Campground, highlighting the range of activities beyond standard camping.
Site selection: For families with small children, selecting sites away from high traffic areas improves the experience. "The tent spots are clustered together in 2 areas with a shared covered pavilion," explains one visitor about Fay Bainbridge Park, noting the communal design of certain camping areas.
Hookup variability: At Lake Pleasant RV Park, full hookups remain standard, while at other sites like Tall Chief, options may be more limited. "Full hookups weren't always available. Sites are spacious but not always private," notes a long-term visitor to Tall Chief Campground.
Leveling needs: Some campgrounds provide more naturally level sites than others. "The only campground we've been to where we didn't need to level the trailer. RV sites are all pull through," reports a visitor to Tolt MacDonald Park, highlighting an often-overlooked convenience for RV campers.
Laundry access: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "Laundry facilities came in handy," notes a visitor to Tall Chief, while another visitor to Lake Pleasant RV Park specifically mentioned "laundry is cheap ($1 wash)," providing practical information for extended stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lake Forest Park, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Forest Park, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 288 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Forest Park, WA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lake Forest Park, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Forest Park, WA is Lake Pleasant RV Park with a 4.3-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Forest Park, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Forest Park, WA.
What parks are near Lake Forest Park, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Lake Forest Park, WA that allow camping, notably Keystone Harbor and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
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