Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Mercer Island, WA

Fay Bainbridge Park accommodates tent campers, RV travelers, and cabin guests with pets throughout the year. The park maintains a pet-friendly policy across all accommodation types while providing electric hookups, picnic tables, and reservable sites. Lake Pleasant RV Park in Bothell enforces a two-pet maximum with each pet not exceeding 25 pounds, and certain aggressive breeds are restricted. Tall Chief Campground in Fall City permits pets at tent sites, RV spots, cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained at most pet-friendly campgrounds, with Tolt MacDonald Park offering showers and toilets alongside water hookups for campers with animals.

Several campgrounds feature dedicated pet exercise areas and walking paths. Vasa Park Resort allows pets at tent and RV sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups available. The office staff at Lake Pleasant RV Park maintains friendly service while the surrounding grounds include short hiking paths suitable for dog walking. Campgrounds near water bodies provide additional recreation opportunities, though some restrict dogs from beach areas. Issaquah Village RV Park requires pet owners to cross the street to find grass areas for their dogs. Security personnel regularly patrol the Tulalip Casino RV area, which includes a designated pet exercise space for overnight guests traveling with animals.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Mercer Island, Washington (183)

    1. Dash Point State Park Campground

    72 Reviews
    Federal Way, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    "Firstly, I just have to say what a positive and amazing experience I had at this campground. The volunteers were friendly, kind and absolutely awesome to interact with."

    "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."

    2. Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    22 Reviews
    Carnation, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 205-5434

    "The campground is next to a classy laundromat, and I say classy because it’s probably one of the nicest laundromats in the area that even has a dumpsite for RVs."

    "The campground is in 500+ acre Tolt-McDonald Park, far enough away from any busy road so that there is no traffic noise, just the sound of the Tolt River rapids."

    3. Fay Bainbridge Park

    22 Reviews
    Bainbridge Island, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 842-3931

    $7 - $95 / night

    "2, #3, #4 are IMO best after that as they move away from the beach and then curve around in ascending order.

    Some neighbor noise, sites are close, but was not busy."

    "Great spot on the edge of bainbridge. Lots of spots depending on your preferred privacy level."

    4. Tall Chief Campground

    15 Reviews
    Fall City, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Lots of trees in our section separating us but in other sections your really close to each other. It is first come first serve and lucky us we got 50 amp."

    "This is a big park that is part of Thousand Trails.  No sales pitch to join, which was nice.  Rangers were super nice.  Bathrooms very new and clean.  Lots of trees between sites. "

    5. Vasa Park Resort

    6 Reviews
    Bellevue, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 746-3260

    $65 - $125 / night

    "We roasted hotdogs and s‘mores over the camp fire and our dog loved swimming in the lake. It’s a beautiful site and the park is kept incredibly clean."

    "This is in the shore of Lake Samammish, giving access to swim, paddle, picnic. The facilities and grounds are kept clean and well maintained."

    6. Lake Pleasant RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Bothell, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 487-1785

    $62 - $750 / night

    "This is the nicest park with the best rates close to the Seattle area. It’s north of Lake Washington so you can skip bridge traffic and tolls. It has easy access to UW Bothell."

    "Each site has a few trees to give privacy and a fantastic walking trail for dogs. It’s very clean and welcoming."

    7. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

    32 Reviews
    Ravensdale, WA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    "There is good system of trails, tons of picnic tables along the river, and good river access to the Green rivers. Campground is well maintained, clean bathrooms and showers available."

    "It's close proximity to our house allows us to hook up the trailer after work and include a Friday night in our camping weekend!"

    8. Saltwater State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Des Moines, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 661-4956

    $60 / night

    "Pay showers ($1 for 3 minutes) and clean restroom with air dryer, pet friendly, lots of trails to hike and a beautiful beach area with a playground, seasonal/weekend snack shop, outdoor shower by the beach"

    "My family stayed here for a night when we went out to Washington a few months ago. It was a nice little place."

    9. Trailer Inns RV Park (Bellevue)

    4 Reviews
    Bellevue, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 747-9181

    $45 - $70 / night

    "Indoor pool, small playground, dog run and well marked facility. Each space is large enough for camper and your vehicle and comes with a small storage shed."

    10. Issaquah Village RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Issaquah, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (425) 392-9233

    "It’s in the heart of Issaquah and close to every kind of service, shopping and even nature you could want."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Mercer Island, WA

1303 Reviews of 183 Mercer Island Campgrounds


  • Carla S.
    Jul. 31, 2016

    Dash Point State Park Campground

    Dash Point Beach

    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!

  • cheriana G.
    Jun. 22, 2023

    Lake Pleasant RV Park

    Best option near seattle

    There aren’t many rv parks that are close (35ish mins) to Seattle but this is the best option. Office staff is friendly, bathrooms are clean, laundry is cheap ($1 wash), maintenance staff is constantly tending to the grounds, full hook ups, and cute (short) hiking paths surrounding the park. The lake is more of a murky pond and the geese are happy residents here so expect a lot of goose poop at any spot near the water. There’s also no dog park.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Evergreen Coho SKP Park

    For Escapee members only

    Wonderful RV park for long term Escapee-ers or members just passing through. We stopped here for a night, arriving on the weekend with no prior reservations or contact with them. They make it easy for you to self register when they're closed on weekends, just go up to the office and take one of their welcome packets. 

    We stayed in a dry camp site for only $7.50, and paid $5 for the dump (dump is only for members as well). FHU sites are around $33 depending on in-season/off-season, but I don't know how we would have figured out which sites were available. There are so many activities and amenities here for the long termers (I believe it's a 55+ park), I couldn't even list them all. 

    Showers and laundry were clean and efficient. There's a dog park and a dog walking path (there are signs everywhere about not letting your dog pee or poo on their nice plants). Cell service was good and they have good wifi as well. This would definitely be a spot we'd stop at again when we're in the area next.

  • M
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Issaquah Village RV Park

    Parking lot feels

    This camp ground is not ideal if you have dogs. There is not much grass, in fact you have to go outside the park and across the street to hear compliant pet owner. We also found the electric box to be a little wonky. They office staff did have an adapter which help. It was very quiet and clean just not the most attractive campground.

  • Christine L.
    Apr. 13, 2020

    Holiday Park Military - Lewis McChord Base

    NW Adventure Center

    Excellent location for those with military access to the base - active duty, retired or family. 30/50 amp hookups. Beautiful views of American Lake. Pet friendly.

  • molly N.
    Sep. 16, 2022

    Camp Lakeview

    Great spot

    This campground has super friendly staff, decent bathrooms and showers, laundry facility, access to a lake, fishing is welcome, swimming allowed, great playground for kids, allows pets, has a small store in the office with some essentials if you forget something. It is about a 1 Hour drive to the entrance of Mount Rainier National Park.

  • Tatiana G.
    Apr. 14, 2019

    Jim Creek Wilderness Recreation Area

    Spacious sites, great price, lots of activities

    The prices for everything is amazing! The campsites are spacious and run along the creek! There are tent pads that make the ground not so hard under your tent. A table, grill and campfire ring at every site. The cabins are very nice! And are spacious as well. Have a porch swing, campfire ring, table and grill outside. Most cabins have an electric heater and a heat stove inside. The heat stove heats up the entire cabin very well!! They provide trash cans and bags and a broom to help keep the dirt cleaned up!

    The bathrooms are very nice and clean. And they have firewood for sale on site. There is an attendant that will be there after work hours for people who are arriving late to get you checked in and answer questions you have. There are a couple of hiking trails, twin lakes, boats, canoes, and bikes to rent on site. There is also an enclosed dog park on site. There are tent sites, cabins, rv sites and even little apartments to rent for your stay. Great place and only 25 miles from town!

  • Annabelle V.
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Seal Rock Campground

    Seal Rock campground

    Seal Rock campground is on the Hood canal side of the Olympic peninsula in Washington state. It's actually the second time we camped there, this time on July 3rd and 4th. We expected it to be overcrowded and it was not the case, though a bit more on the 4th. Very nice campground with direct access to a small beach and a gorgeous view. Shellfish can be harvested on the beach. Pets are not allowed on the beach but there are plenty of trails where they can be taken. There is a charming little boardwalk interpretive trail along the water. All campsites are in wooded areas, including those on the lower loop along the water. There are flush toilets and water and a camp host. Fee is 18 dollars for a tent site.

  • A
    Oct. 28, 2018

    Harbour Pointe RV Park

    Very Clean!

    We did a daily rental and it was great! Close to the lighthouse park. It is pet friendly and has great picnic spots.


Guide to Mercer Island

Camping options near Mercer Island sit within the Puget Sound region at elevations ranging from sea level to 500 feet. The area experiences mild temperatures with seasonal rainfall patterns, typically 40-60°F in spring and fall, and 70-85°F during summer months. Rainfall averages 3-5 inches monthly during winter and early spring, creating lush forest conditions at many campgrounds.

What to do

Hiking along river trails: At Tolt MacDonald Park, trails wrap around the Snoqualmie River with multiple access points. "There are also short forest trails for an easy hike or post-takeout digestion walk," notes Saraj B. about nearby Dash Point State Park.

Water recreation opportunities: The Green River at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park provides calm spots for fishing and wading. "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," shares Ashlie M. The park's river section requires skill for kayakers.

Miniature golf and swimming: Family activities extend beyond hiking. "The pool, miniature golf, playground and basketball were great," writes Isabel G. about Tall Chief Campground, where recreational amenities remain open during extended camping seasons.

Wildlife viewing: Lake Pleasant offers quieter wildlife observation. "The grounds are quiet... truly silent... save for the many geese that call the lake in the center of the property their home," explains kristin S., noting the walking paths around the property's ponds.

What campers like

Private camping spaces: Despite proximity to urban areas, some campgrounds offer secluded sites. At Tall Chief Campground, "Most sites are pretty big too. We can easily fit our trailer, tow vehicle, and extra vehicle and still have space!" according to Brodie D.

Convenient access to services: Campgrounds position campers near essential services. "The park is across the street from a Safeway which was very convenient. Also very close to some excellent restaurants in Bothell," notes kristin S. about Lake Pleasant RV Park.

Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms rank high among camper priorities. Julie M. found that at Kanaskat Palmer, "Bathrooms are super nice - each is private with a shower." Similarly, at Vasa Park Resort, "The bathroom, laundromat, etc are sparkling clean," according to Ralph D.

Beach access: Water features enhance camping experiences. "Great campground right on the beach. Clean facilities," says Brook M. about Fay Bainbridge Park, which offers direct shoreline access.

What you should know

Noise considerations: Proximity to urban areas means some noise disturbances. At Issaquah Village RV Park, "you'll be camping 200' from I-90. But we found our ear plugs did a good job of quieting that noise enough for us to get a good sleep," shares Jerry B.

Park ranger presence: Some campgrounds maintain strict oversight. "This campground is heavily patrolled by the park rangers. I usually have contact with them in my campsite at least twice a day," explains Kelly P. about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, noting this keeps the campground "safe and pleasant."

Pet area limitations: Not all pet-friendly campgrounds have on-site pet areas. At Issaquah Village RV Park, "you have to go outside the park and across the street to hear compliant pet owner," according to Melanie A., requiring additional planning for pet exercise.

Cell service variability: Reception varies significantly between and within campgrounds. At Tall Chief Campground, "I would say arrive early so you can drive by all the sites while checking to make sure you have good reception if you need it... I'm getting 120+ mbs download on AT&T in my site right now, but several sites down from me, it can dwindle down to 5mbs!" advises Brodie D.

Tips for camping with families

Look for dedicated play areas: When selecting pet-friendly camping near Mercer Island, Washington, prioritize campgrounds with children's facilities. "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites," shares Tanya B. about Fay Bainbridge Park.

Consider location proximity: Select campgrounds based on planned activities. "This is a perfect place for dropping your mobile hotel room and explore Seattle and the surrounding areas," explains Mareesha B. about Trailer Inns RV Park, noting the 10-15 minute drive to downtown Seattle.

Check swimming options: Water features provide entertainment for children. "The day use area is very nice, and right on the water; the campsites are located away from the water and look just ok," notes Lee D. about Saltwater State Park, indicating families may need to walk between camping and swimming areas.

Book early for summer stays: Limited availability affects peak season camping. "We got lucky and snagged the very last spot here on a Saturday in late September," shares Laura M. about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, suggesting advance planning, especially with pets.

Tips from RVers

Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups only. At Lake Pleasant RV Park, "They have water, propane, and a dump. They also have great long-term rates," reports Love W., information particularly relevant for extended stays with pets.

Site levelness varies: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger vehicles. "The gravel pull through was so not level the jacks pushed the front tires 6 inches off the ground," notes Cody F. about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park when dry camping with a 30' motorhome.

Power considerations: Electrical capacity differs between campgrounds. "Normally 30 amp posts are sufficient but we ended up here during a heat wave and an entire section of the park blew after having several days of power issues," reports Derek & Alex W. about Tall Chief Campground, suggesting checking amperage needs for climate control when traveling with pets.

Storage options: Some campgrounds accommodate travel interruptions. John M. notes that Lake Pleasant RV Park has "a small storage lot that can accommodate short storage. I camped, stored my camper while I went on a cruise, camped and then headed out," which helps when coordinating pet care during multi-destination trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mercer Island, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mercer Island, WA is Dash Point State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 72 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mercer Island, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 183 dog-friendly camping locations near Mercer Island, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.