281 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Roy, Washington encompasses a mix of state parks and established campgrounds within the forested Puget Sound region. The area sits approximately 15 miles south of Tacoma and provides convenient access to Mount Rainier National Park to the east. Notable options include Alder Lake Park near Eatonville and Millersylvania State Park Campground near Olympia, both offering year-round camping opportunities. Military personnel can access specialized camping at Joint Base Lewis-McChord facilities. The region's typical Pacific Northwest landscape features dense evergreen forests, lakes, and proximity to both urban amenities and mountain wilderness.
Most campgrounds in the Roy area remain open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for cold, wet conditions typical of western Washington. A Washington State Discover Pass ($30 annually) is required for day use at state parks, while overnight camping fees vary by location and amenity level. Summer months (June-September) bring the most reliable weather and heaviest visitation. Cell service is generally available near developed areas but becomes limited in more remote locations. Campfire restrictions are common during late summer dry periods, particularly in August and September.
The camping options around Roy range from full-service RV parks to more rustic tent sites. Dash Point State Park Campground provides a unique urban camping experience with forested sites despite its proximity to Federal Way. As one camper noted, "Once in the campground, you would have no idea that you are surrounded by a sprawling metropolitan area." Millersylvania State Park features historic CCC-built structures and offers glamping options alongside traditional camping. According to reviews, "It's just far enough off I-5 to not have the freeway noise, but close enough to be convenient." For RV travelers, multiple campgrounds offer full hookups, including Riverbend Campground and American Heritage Campground, both providing year-round access with modern amenities.
"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."
from $23 - $80 / night
Check Availability"It's about an hours drive from Paradise, which makes it less ideal than Cougar Rock if that's your destination, but the reservations do not fill up nearly as quickly."
"Walking distance to the day use beach area. Very clean showers. Well maintained sites and fire wood for sale with the camp host. A great spot for exploring near Mt. Rainer."
from $35 - $265 / night
Check Availability"This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking, pathways and even a lake."
"This is a beautiful park located on Deep Lake just outside of Olympia. The park itself is huge offering lots of options for campers. "
from $12 - $137 / night
Check Availability"Super peaceful, great fire pit location, water at the site entrance, portable restrooms away (but close), and best of all right at the river’s edge."
"We needed something close to the city, but didn’t want to feel like we were in the city, this fit the bill. People are very friendly and accommodating. The park is really clean."
"Very friendly next to the lake plenty of things to do walking, biking, hiking, fishing, Military museums, not to far off of I-5. Full hookups laundry shower facilities. Cabins too."
"Unfortunately the restrooms right next to our site were closed so it was a slight walk to the nearest restroom. Restrooms were heated and well taken care of."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It is in the wilderness, on the lake, but it is also fairly close to stores and gas stations. Long term max is 28 days per spot."
"Rainier as it is within minutes of the Nisquilly entrance. The majority of the campsites were amid tall trees. "
"The sites are situated amongst beautiful tall trees, spacious and private. A beautiful creek runs through with a foot bridge with access to a beautiful meadow."
from $25 - $40 / night
Check Availability"We had a little trouble finding this spot because an industrial area moved in around the campground. Signs tell you where it is, but it feels wrong."
"Site #5 is close to main office where you can get wifi if you want, we declined though. Restrooms were good. No issues. Will definitely return again soon!"
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Pros: group camp is very close to beach front area, GREAT CLAMMING AND OYSTERING!"
"Penrose Point State Park is a great place close to Seattle to go camping in a small or large group. It's tent or camper friendly with plenty of spots for busier seasons."
from $12 - $72 / night
Check Availability"The patios are paved but very small and not in a great location for our class A motorhome (better suited for towables with their doors farther back)."
"Great location just a couple of miles from beach. Very clean and friendly staff. Clean pool, laundry, and club house. Nice paved lots with cable and wifi. Nice place."
from $10 - $30 / night
RangerThe hike is short but it can be pretty tough, plus it gets very busy on warm days being one of the few swimmable spots in the park. Campground seemed well kept
RangerThis went from a four star stay to one star in the blink of an eye. There is a shooting range directly behind this campground, and the horse trails lead right past it. On August 8th 2026 around 2PM, someone’s horse was shot while they were riding less than a half a mile away from camp and when they called 911, animal control came but police would NOT come even to investigate. This was reckless use of a firearm, animal endangerment, and honestly should be a felony. There is no way to accidentally be shooting at the trails from the shooting range, you have to DECIDE to do that. Police are absolutely useless, and now I know especially in this area the cops don’t give a damn about anyone’s safety.
You can hear shooting nearby all day and all night despite the posted hours at the range. Although it’s a free stay with a discover pass, I will NOT EVER stay here again and would not recommend this place to anyone with horses.
RangerSite C13 is directly next to bathrooms and trash. It is a pull through site. B loop has no facilities but does have unmarked paths that lead directly through C13’s driveway to get to the bathrooms. I had all manner of campers parading past my car, closer than arms length while I was sleeping inside, all night long and especially in the morning as the campers right behind my site walked directly through the campsite itself and around my car. I’d never stay at this one again without blocking off paths and having a big trailer to fill the space.
RangerThe pullout park spots are very close to the paved road leading to it. No potholes on the dirt road. Secluded/private. Tall rainforest trees provide shade during the day. There are several spots for vans, conversions, and short RVs. No Internet. No water. No vault toilets. No trash. Primitive dispersed site.
RangerThe main pullout was taken. It looks as if the RV has been there for more than 14 days (it is on jack stands). Another reviewer mentioned the potholes. Thats a fact. I drive around in a RWD Chevy Astro van, and I bet that primitive, unguarded road chewed into the rubber between my suspension parts. No Internet. No access to the river, (unless you want to cut all the thick foliage)away like exploiters and trailblazers did in the 1800’s. ) Only one fire pit, the one the RV was at. You can drive up a little further and crash for the night. It is level. This dirt road is one lane. It is heavily non-RV friendly. I didn't even sleep there. I checked it out, then decided to drive to nearby Mount Rainier NP. This place was pretty though. Like a rainforest you see in Olympic NP.
TravelerShowed up on a Thursday not expecting many folks, so we were surprised to see so many for a weekday. If we’d known it was basically a free “campground” not one or Two dispersed sites we wouldn’t have come. Our fault for that. I was surprised with people parking close to us, blocking the view because they parked right behind us, no spacial awareness and a lot less manners than you’d think. Luckily the place was clean, toilets were gross when we showed up Thursday, poo in the urinal and I’ve never ever in my 45 years of camping seen such a full porta potty. Thank goodness they came and emptied them Friday which is the usual Apparently. We met a few Nice people and that was fantastic, but seriously, who pulls a huge rig behind you to block the view? I just can’t get over that. Needless to say we won’t come back.
TravelerI’m a tent camper, and messed up and reserved a RV spot. I paid for another spot more suited for tent camping and moved over. When talking to the campsite manager the following day, she offered to refund the 2nights at the wrong site. We declined the refund just because it goes to keeping the area put together and she was doing a fantastic job keeping everything clean and restocked over the short stay we were there.
Men’s restroom had 2 urinals three stalls and a shower, women’s restroom had three stalls and a shower. One larger stall in both.
TravelerNice area near the lake that seems pretty popular. Arrived on a Thursday to a decent amount of campers here.
There are porta potties here, however they are in desperate need of some cleaning and emptying.
The views were great though.
TravelerIt’s so interesting to read past reviews before getting here and contrasting that with my experience. To be on the water, and be able to watch the tide move in and out every day on the beautiful and peaceful Hood Canal, is an absolute treasure. Yes, highway 101 is loud. There’s no doubt about that. But this small well-maintained RV park of only 16 sites, including full hook ups, is an absolute gem. We stayed here two weeks on site 16 and 11. (Much prefer 16 because it’s on the edge, how the sun is angled this time of the year, we quickly had loads of shade from our RV to sit in, and it’s by a little creek. But side 11 is also nice because there’s more opportunities to chitchat with people as you are in the middle of the campground.) We have met so many incredible people here and exchanged information so we can stay in touch. I will put this on my favorites list and absolutely intend return. In fact, many of the people we met here are people who come year after year after year. The only real downside in my opinion is the fact that there is nowhere that you can hike reachable by foot from the campground. So my husband, dog, and I did our daily walks at the marina parking lot nextdoor, where we would do loops, talk to the fisherman, and eat whatever blackberries ripened overnight. As we are full timers, I was absolutely content to sit outside our rig overlooking the water and work. If you are someone who needs a lot “to do “this may not be the campground for you. But if you are someone who loves to just be by the water and enjoy the tranquility and friendliness of fellow campers, this spot is for you.
Camping options near Roy, Washington include multiple private campgrounds and military facilities offering year-round access within a 25-mile radius. The region sits at elevations between 300-500 feet with moderate rainfall even during summer months. Several campgrounds maintain access to American Lake and regional forests while providing a base for Mount Rainier National Park exploration.
Lake activities at Alder Lake Park: Located 20 miles southeast of Roy near Eatonville, campers can enjoy swimming and boating. "The water is that beautiful blue/green glacier water color. The campground we stayed at did not have designated fire rings, but did have a metal BBQ that we used for the kids to make s'mores on," notes Nicole P.
Forest hiking at Elkamp Eastcreek: This campground provides access to wooded trails and serves as a convenient gateway to Mount Rainier National Park. "Only an hour from Mt. Rainier NP and the town near by has some solid shops. The campsites are pretty private and there's specific spots for your tent that has an extra layer of mulch underneath for cushioning," reports Sarah Claire B.
Stargazing opportunities: Some campgrounds offer exceptional night sky viewing away from urban light pollution. At Sasquatch Farm, one reviewer noted they provide "a beautiful, quiet spot and the hosts are great folks! Perfect base camp to explore Mt Rainier."
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the maintenance standards at regional campgrounds. At Millersylvania State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Clean bathrooms, water, and a (very cold) shower! As someone who usually disperse camps, the amenities were a nice luxury. No bugs this time of year."
Privacy between sites: Despite being established campgrounds, many locations offer good separation between campsites. At Dash Point State Park Campground, Brittany D. observed, "This campground is remarkable in the privacy between each of the camping spots, the bird life, the wild and deep forest vibes, and the walking trails."
Proximity to urban conveniences: The best places to camp near Roy provide quick access to services while maintaining a natural setting. At American Heritage Campground, a camper appreciated that "I really appreciated the ease of getting to the campground off of I-5 and the privacy of the heavily wooded individual sites."
Military-only facilities: Several camping options near Roy require military identification. At Lewis North Travel Camp, a reviewer clarified, "Great place! Very friendly next to the lake plenty of things to do walking, biking, hiking, fishing, Military museums, not to far off of I-5. Full hookups laundry shower facilities. Cabins too. Open to active military, military retirees, DoD and family members with access."
Seasonal water levels: Water-based recreation varies with seasonal dam operations. At Alder Lake Park, a camper reported, "Only damper to this year was the dam in Tacoma was partially drained causing a 'low tide' which exposed the dirt and poor beach area... usually when water is at normal level the beach is all sand and water is clean and clear."
Campfire regulations: Fire restrictions commonly affect camping during late summer. American Heritage Campground provides fire rings, but during restriction periods, campers noted, "There was a burn ban so didn't get to have a campfire but the option was nice."
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide dedicated play areas for children. At Alder Lake Park, Ashley Y. shared, "We stayed here because we wanted to be close to Northwest Trek and Mt. Rainer. The park is large with a play ground and beach area. My kids enjoyed playing in the sand and watching deer from our campsite."
Swimming options: Water features provide recreation for children in warmer months. At Riverbend Campground, a visitor observed, "This was a really nice park. We needed something close to the city, but didn't want to feel like we were in the city, this fit the bill. A short walk within the park and you're at a lovely river."
Wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy animal encounters at regional campgrounds. At American Heritage Campground, Olaf P. mentioned, "The campground is great, in a little forest with plenty of space between the lots and very quiet. Clean facilities and they even have a little farm."
Site accessibility: Many campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles with minimal difficulty. At Riverbend Campground, Johnathan R. shared, "The staff was great in accomodating our last minute reservation and we ended up in a great location convient to all the amenities the campground had to offer."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with water, electric and sewer connections are common in the Roy area. Millersylvania State Park Campground offers varied utility options, with one RVer noting, "We had a pull-through site right across from the dumpster, bathrooms, and camp host. We had decent service for Verizon."
Winter camping considerations: Year-round campgrounds remain open but require preparation. At American Heritage Campground, one camper reported, "Unfortunately due to COVID, the tent area is closed, and due to terrible weather recently part of the campground was flooded."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Roy, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Roy, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 281 campgrounds and RV parks near Roy, WA and 34 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Roy, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Roy, WA is Dash Point State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 77 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Roy, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 free dispersed camping spots near Roy, WA.
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