Best Campgrounds near Lake Tapps, WA

I spent a weekend tent camping at Dash Point State Park, and honestly, it was a great time even though I completely failed to plan any meals. Thankfully, civilization is only about 15 minutes away. There’s a grocery store, takeout options, and even coffee if you're feeling soft(I was). 

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. Not exactly glamping, but comfortable. It was quiet at night and bathrooms were clean, which is all you can really ask for. 

There were signs posted upon entry saying a Discover Pass is required. I wasn’t sure if that applied to campers too, but I already had one and didn’t want to ruin my weekend trying to interpret Washington State Parks signage. If you don’t have a pass, might be worth looking into before you go; I got mine at a nearby REI. The beach is a short walk from camp, just long enough to make you feel like you earned your sunset view, but not so long that you regret your life choices. It’s more of a rocky, muddy beach than a sandy one, but it’s still great for exploring, skipping rocks, or pretending you're in a moody PNW indie film (yes, I'm talking Twilight). There are also some nice forest trails for an easy hike or post-takeout digestion walk. 

Why only 4 stars? It's tucked into the city so it's busy. You might hear a bit of road noise, depending on your site. But it’s a small price to pay for a low-effort, high-reward camping weekend.

Found this spot listed on Dyrt, and it did not disappoint. Went mid-June, and there was still snow on the ground and I woke up to low 30 temps and a winter mix falling from the sky. The water was crystal clear, and the site was right on the water with a little boat push off or if you wanted to walk in and swim. I went during the week and left out Saturday morning and passed about 7 trucks heading up to the site. It looks like it would be a very popular place on the weekends. It will require a 4x4, especially after rains, as it's a climb the entire way up over some decent rock gardens. If going up right after the winter bring a chain saw with you as the parks department cleared some previously, I still had to cut 2 more trees that had fallen across the road. All and all it was a beautiful site but be prepared since its a small site it may be full and the hill climb might be for nothing.

We arrived and the helpful staff was great. Told me about all the fishing spots and that was great. But when we got to the camp ground the lawn was overgrown and the put out also. The playground is fine but I'd say the playground was not sufficient for our kid that is autistic. The paperwork said we would be fined for moving the fire pit, when almost all the other patrons did this, so hopefully no fine there. The grounds are next to a farm, that brings a bad pig poop smell. I don't mind farms, but that is all u smell is poop. Pool wasn't cleaned so it was swim at ur own risk. Finally, the ppl here aren't temporary living, they have permeant campers. Fees for wifi are weird when it's free at the lounge.

Often our first or last trip of the year, due to its proximity to the greater Seattle area.  Most of the folks we meet are from western Washington.  Small sites with little privacy but very well kept for a heavily used park.  That is the waterfront loop, the tent loop is also quite nice and a bit more private but we have not stayed there.  My chief complaint is that there are no restrooms on the waterfront loop, the two closest being fully public and free to use.

Otherwise, if you can score a waterfront site, this campground earns the loyalty of everyone we meet there.