Glamping in Mercer Island, Washington offers campers access to the 13-mile-long freshwater island located in Lake Washington, with moderate year-round temperatures averaging 40-80°F depending on season. Many nearby glamping sites provide water access to either Lake Washington or Lake Sammamish, with summer water temperatures reaching up to 70°F in protected coves. Sites within 30 minutes of Mercer Island maintain consistent cellular coverage for most major providers.
What to do
Water recreation at Dosewallips: Located on Hood Canal, this park provides river and saltwater access about 90 minutes from Mercer Island via ferry. "Plenty of activities to do; clamming, shrimping, hiking, hunting for oysters, and there's even places to rent kayaks. No shortage of bald eagles here either," notes Shariah T.
Beach exploration at Dash Point: This Federal Way park offers Sound access with tide pools and swimming areas. "Really cute camp spot and play area! Pet friendly and dog park! Went here on our trip to Tacoma north of the city. Very nice beach and area! There's also a light house to check out while you are here," writes Carla S.
Trail hiking at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park: Access the Green River via walking trails about 40 minutes east of Mercer Island. A visitor shared, "Beautiful, clean campground. Short hike to river spots that are perfect for wading or fishing. 10 minute drive from Deep Lake which is beautiful and great for swimming and paddle boarding."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Fay Bainbridge Park on Bainbridge Island offers beach access with Mount Rainier views. "This park has the most tremendous views of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker on a clear day and stunning sunrises! Lots of friendly hiker and biker neighbors and very family friendly," reports Marci M.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Many luxurious glamping sites prioritize bathroom cleanliness. At Kitsap Memorial State Park, "Hot showers and bathrooms are clean," according to Christine R., while the park remains "quiet" with "little beach for kids to explore."
Proximity to urban amenities: Luxury glamping sites balance nature with nearby services. At Blue Sky RV Park in Issaquah, one camper described it as a "Hidden Oasis" and added: "This is a great RV resort. The picture on the app is not at all what this place looks like. A Quiet oasis tucked into the forest."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites near Mercer Island require advance booking, especially during summer. At Tolt MacDonald Park, a camper noted: "They offer the typical primitive campsites with fire pits and picnic tables, as well as yurts and shipping container conversions for those who want more of a 'GLAMping' outdoor experience."
Site privacy varies: Some locations offer more seclusion than others. At Kanaskat-Palmer, "Sites are large with lots of trees. It feels like you are deep in the PNW rainforest but you're close to amenities and shopping," according to Adele W.
Noise considerations: Depending on location, some sites experience ambient noise. At Saltwater State Park, a reviewer warned: "Commercial jets landing at Sea-Tac fly directly above us at a low altitude and are VERY loud and VERY frequent (every 3-5 minutes)."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and recreation areas: Vasa Park Resort offers multiple family-friendly amenities. "Cute campground very close to Seattle and Bellevue right on the lake. Beautiful beach area, basketball courts, playground, and volleyball right at the site," explains Erin A.
Consider cabins for easier family trips: Many glamping sites offer cabins with beds and electricity. At Tolt MacDonald, a visitor shared: "Spent a night in the yurt. Everything worked." Another added: "The campground, park and trails are very well maintained and they even provide you with garden carts to help you get your stuff across the bridge."
Select locations with wildlife viewing: Kids often enjoy animal sightings. At Tall Chief Campground, campers appreciate the forest setting: "Large private sites. It feels like you are deep in the PNW rainforest but you're close to amenities and shopping."
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Some sites may require equipment for leveling. At Tall Chief Campground, a camper advised: "Great camp site for all sizes. Mostly no sewer. But if you enjoy a little distance between sites without sacrificing camp size line up here."
Hookup availability: Most luxury glamping sites offer partial hookups. At Kitsap Memorial, "RV sites 1, 2, 4, 9, and 11 will be easier to back in to. The other full hook up sites are 90° approaches," according to one RVer, who also noted "water pressure is low, averaging just over 20psi."
Dump station access: Plan for waste management, especially for extended stays. At Dash Point, a camper mentioned: "Full hookups available, showers are older but clean. Need to buy tokens for the shower. Lots of trails and beach access."
