Best Campgrounds near Lakewood, WA

We have stayed a few times at Silver Springs and its one of our all time favorite . Recently stayed at site 13 and almost no one else was nearby.

Most of the sites are larger than average and mostly separated from the other sites.

There are two main loops (both close to the highway) and one dead-end loop on the southern side really close to the river.

The close access to several hiking trailheads, the White River itself, Goat Falls trailhead (almost no parking there), Crystal Mtn Ski Resort (open in the summer for Gondola rides to the top of the ridge with amazing 360 degree views and a restaurant (check for last seating times)), Sunrise Mt. Rainier entrance, and the rest of Chinook Pass, and close drives to Enumclaw, makes this a fantastic no service campground (public bathrooms with sinks on each loop). 

There is a slightly hidden trail through the middle of the northern loop that we accidentally discovered this trip - it has a large group campfire / picnic area that would is not for camping but for day/evening use for a larger group with several picnic tables and cooking spots with a nice short and beautiful walk along the small creek inside the camp loop.

A great spot to hang out or use as a jump to the ocean beaches.  Located along the Satsop River, Schafer State Park's new East Campground offers up a well designed and quiet alternative to the older West Campground, which is already well covered by reviewers.  Addressing specifically the East, this newly opened camp shouts "Somebody finally gets it!".   WSP took a probably forlorn area of riparian land and built a camping loop that is private, quiet, suitable for both tents and RV's.  Good ADA sites.  New yet typical WSP restrooms.  Schafer as a whole might rate higher if this newer loop had any grass and the older loop more privacy.

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.