Tent camping near Lake Forest Park, Washington offers access to Puget Sound shorelines, forested settings, and marine environments within a 35-mile radius. The region experiences a moderate coastal climate with summer temperatures averaging 70-75°F and winter lows in the mid-30s. Lake Forest Park sits at just 66 feet of elevation, providing easy access to camping options without substantial mountain terrain.
What to do
Explore historic military structures: Fort Ebey State Park Campground provides access to preserved WWII gun emplacements. "There are old (but well maintained) battery and concrete gun emplacements from WW2 when the Fort was used to defend the West coast," notes camper Margaret S.
Walk forest and shoreline trails: The best tent camping near Lake Forest Park includes access to diverse trails at Fort Ebey State Park Campground. "There are great hiking and mountain biking trails through forest, ocean views and beach access, and it's also fun to explore the old WWII facilities. Bring flashlights," advises Don.
Visit nearby beach preserves: Camping at Big Country puts you within walking distance of coastal areas. "This site is secluded yet close to the Possession Sound Preserve," mentions Ashley F., providing tent campers access to shoreline environments without driving.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Tent camping options near Lake Forest Park include properties with privacy. At Hollyhock Farm, "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!" reports Rio B.
Easy beach access: Waterfront camping provides direct access to Puget Sound. "This is a great boat-in-only site. No running water but vault toilets. No reservations. Rack for kayaks above high tide," notes Thomas B. about Kinney Point State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Tent sites often provide nature encounters. "We've camped here a few times, and we've seen wildlife each time, mostly deer. It's a good place to make memories!" shares Don about their Fort Ebey experience.
What you should know
Limited facilities at some locations: Many tent sites have minimal amenities. At Tulalip Casino, "No hook ups and no water available. Clean area and pet exercise area. Security drives by regular," explains Cary C.
Reservation requirements vary: Some tent camping spots near Lake Forest Park require advance planning while others don't. "This is just a parking lot for you to park your RV while gaming. There is a spot for the animals to wee and that is about it," mentions Nicole A. about Tulalip Casino.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts the camping experience significantly. "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," cautions Julia S.
Tips for camping with families
Look for clean facilities: Parents appreciate campgrounds with maintained restrooms. At Paine Field Community Park, "We visit this park frequently as it is great for the kids. It's clean and has bathrooms available!" shares Aimee M.
Choose sites with activities: Keep children engaged with diverse recreation options. "Fort Ebey is a great place to pull up your car/ trailer or RV. The campground is easy to find from the highway and the facilities are very clean and there's a number of showers and bathrooms around the campground," notes Zach A.
Consider sites with natural barriers: Woodlands at Lake Stickney provides family-friendly camping with considerate owners. "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. They took a lot of care in making sure we were comfortable while also giving us our privacy and space," shares Don L.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations at boat-in sites: RV campers have fewer options among tent camping near Lake Forest Park as some locations require water access. "Beautiful park, great hiking! Only accessible by boat," reminds Sydney A. about Blake Island Marine State Park Campground.
Site size considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "The campsites are generally large and well separated by foliage, even in winter," notes Don about Fort Ebey, making it suitable for modest-sized RVs.
Hookup availability: RV campers seeking services should verify availability before arrival. "Spendy, but has hook ups and all," reports Paige P. about Fort Ebey State Park Campground, one of the limited options with electrical connections near Lake Forest Park.
