Best Tent Camping near Kenmore, WA
Tent campsites near Kenmore, Washington range from established sites to boat-accessible primitive areas. The Woodlands at Lake Stickney offers secluded tent sites with toilet facilities and fires permitted, while Paine Field Community Park provides a more basic setting with picnic tables but no drinking water or campfires. Blake Island Marine State Park presents a unique boat-in camping experience for tent campers seeking island solitude.
Most walk-in tent sites in the area require campers to pack in their own water and supplies. Woodlands at Lake Stickney provides trash collection and toilet facilities, but many primitive tent setups around Kenmore lack basic amenities. Fire regulations vary significantly, with some areas like Paine Field prohibiting fires entirely, while others permit them seasonally. Tent campers should check current fire restrictions before arrival, especially during summer months when fire bans are common. Most sites provide flat, cleared ground suitable for pitching tents, though surface conditions vary from compacted dirt to forest duff.
The tent camping experience varies considerably across locations. Sites at Blake Island Marine State Park offer complete separation from vehicle traffic and urban noise, accessible only by boat. According to one visitor, "It is a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle with gorgeous views of the city." Closer to Kenmore, walk-in tent sites at Woodlands at Lake Stickney provide a more accessible experience while still maintaining privacy. The tent-only sites typically offer more seclusion than mixed-use campgrounds, with natural buffers between camping spaces. During summer weekends, established tent campgrounds fill quickly, making advance reservations essential for sites that accept them.
