Tent campsites near Mountlake Terrace offer a mix of private residential properties and established parks within a short drive of the city. Woodlands at Lake Stickney provides secluded tent camping locations with 4 walk-in sites, while Paine Field Community Park offers a more public option with picnic tables and nearby bathrooms. Both locations are within 5 miles of Mountlake Terrace and provide tent-specific camping experiences in otherwise urban settings.
Facilities vary significantly between tent campgrounds in the area. Woodlands at Lake Stickney includes amenities such as electric hookups, toilets, and trash service, with fires permitted and firewood available on site. Most tent sites in the region have minimal services, though several provide access to toilets. In contrast, Paine Field Community Park prohibits fires and offers fewer amenities, making it more suitable for day use or primitive overnight stays. The majority of tent sites near Mountlake Terrace require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when availability becomes limited.
The natural setting provides a surprising escape from urban surroundings. Tree cover creates shaded campsites at most locations, particularly at Woodlands at Lake Stickney where the forest setting offers privacy between sites. Tent campers report quiet evenings despite proximity to residential areas. Areas further from city centers provide better stargazing opportunities and wildlife viewing potential. Campers seeking more seclusion might consider Hollyhock Farm, located about 15 miles east of Mountlake Terrace with four secluded tent sites in a forested setting. A visitor commented, "The sites were secluded from one another within a beautiful forest, the toilet was clean and fairly close to the sites."
"The tent sites at Hearth Street Properties offer secluded spots near the water, with conveniences like restaurants nearby. Check them out and share some pics from your trip on the Dyrt!"
"However, I've been to the public Access area and have to say that it's very peaceful and has a restroom which is nice. I'm a local."
from $60 - $68 / night
"A great clean safe place in the city and surrounded by trees and nature"
"We're so happy to have this beautiful property on our platform. This site is secluded yet close to the Possession Sound Preserve. Book your stay today and leave them a review!"
from $50 / night
"Really fantastic location. Very strict rangers which can be good or bad depending on your preference. Quiet hours are at 10pm which is early for some people so be aware."
"Hike the perimeter trail for views all around the island. It's a great place to stay in the summer months and relax."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $12 - $70 / night
"The sites were secluded from one another within a beautiful forest, the toilet was clean and fairly close to the sites, parking was easy and the host was a total gem! Highly highly reccomended :-)"
from $35 - $65 / night
"No running water but vault toilets. No reservations. Rack for kayaks above high tide. Nice alternative to the Oak Bay sites at Pt. Hadlock to the west. Open all year."
from $12 / night
from $90 - $125 / night
from $90 - $100 / night
"Camped on a yurt tent pad here and it was awesome. Alpacas and other animals. Mellow and fun!"
Available this weekend
from $35 - $149 / night
"Nice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles. Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area."
TravelerNice campground, well maintained and rangers often patrol the campsite loops. Bathrooms are nice but dated, but quite expensive campground. Paying in-person was $49 for an RV spot with utilities, but booking online was $69 for the same site. Can be busy on the weekend.
ScoutThis place is so nice. We felt welcomed as soon as we walked to the check-in desk. Dave and Victoria are so kind. This place is so nice and neat and clean. They have a pool and a hot tub which is a plus and a sauna. It was very nice to be able to chatter with them and joke back-and-forth like they were old friends. You can’t go wrong staying here. The only thing is I hate to tell anyone how nice it is cause then I might not be able to get in.
ScoutMy review is from my own experience but there are numerous other reviews that express my same sentiments. I was there 7 years and only had infractions during one month. (all from the same ranger) and one speeding infraction.
Port Susan Camping Resort has been a bad experience for me and presently turned to bitter. I sold my lot but the check got lost in the mail. I asked the sales agent to replace the check and I have waited approximately 35 days! I finally asked the board to intervene. This is bad business. This is a sample of the treatment or abuse I was given at Port Susan from the sales office. Replacing a check is easy and the money is not even drawn on Port Susan, it comes from the buyer. What would happen if I were paid but the buyer could not access the lot or wasn't given a gate pass or if the sales had to wait for their commission for 35 days after the sale? I was treated so unfairly! They showed me lots for sale with BLACK MOLD.I would think I am being targeted once again but there are many complaints that have been filed about poor management, unfair fines and being targeted if you speak up. The only recourse you have is to go to Tribal court since Port Susan Camping resort is Tribal owned. If you ask me this is a conflict of interest? Bottom line, absolute power leads to absolute corruption. Port Susan is like living under communist rule: The board took a vote to install 50 amp service, the members voted against it because most trailers use 30 amp. The 50 amp was installed any way and members have to pay for it. I spoke up on Campers Chat, but PSCC has the right to determine what will be allowed to be viewed. Freedom of Speech, NOT sat Port Susan. Members have to be careful who they speak to, if they speak against unfair fines to one of"them" they will be targeted. I have been targeted by one ranger who gave me 1200.00 worth of fines in one month. There used to be one ranger who patrolled lots 24 hours a day now there are 2 or 3. You are under constant survelience and fined for violations. Port Susan changes the rules constantly. One example, the road going downhill to the laundra mat and mailbox changed the speed limit to 5 miles per hour. Try going down a hill at 5 miles per hour. I was fined 200.00 at 5:00 am. This was thrown out because no one could do this but later going down hill to the front gate is a radar controlled system. I accidentally was going 17 mph in a 15 mph and was fined 400.00 for going over the speed limit for a 2nd infraction! no where in this country has fines like this but PSCC has unlimited power and no jusidiction. If you take it Tribal Court,( they lease the land to Port Susan you can be held liable to pay the attorney fees against Port Susan. There is less than 30 years on the lease so your membership is a poor investment. Not to mention that they have water pipe problems and boil water warnings posted periodically. If they decide to change all the water pipes the members will pay. I had rats get into my trucks. One was towed to Toyota and they found a rat. The rats got into the cab. I replaced this truck with a brand new Honda and during an oil change was notified that rat tracks were found all over my distributor cover and it was only at my site for 2 weeks!!! Many members tell the truth once they leave and abuse and mistreatment is the norm. THIS IS A FEAR BASED COMMUNITY Good luck with your purchase
GuideStayed Sept 28 to 30th 2026. Nice park, hot showers, clean bathrooms, enjoyed our stay
LegendThe dispersed sites are on the narrow, gravel section. There are a few on the paved area but most have been blocked off. Even on the gravel section most are pull-offs or quite close to the road. They are dispersed sites so no amenities. Most are close or have access to the Sauk River. The road and TH’s were very busy but cleared out as evening settled in.
LegendRoad closures due to a bridge out closed off probably the better sites up top but we did find a great spot off the road with a view. Enjoyed a nice evening under the stars and a campfire.
ScoutIt IS a pretty, private, moderately priced rv park. Too bad -- there is a note announcing their permanent closure 10/31/2026. Enjoy it while you can!
ScoutJust a car park. Do not go to the front of the casino as there are over hanging branches that that can scratch your RV.
ScoutI wanted to like this campground, but I wouldn’t stay here again for more than maybe one night.
There are signs EVERYWHERE warning about theft, which immediately tells you something about the area. I didn’t have anything stolen, but I was extremely careful about what I left out.
The biggest problem is that you’re basically on your own after hours. There is no campground host, no posted after-hours ranger number, and no non-emergency number at the campground or through the park’s phone system. The staff hours also seem very limited and inconsistent. I arrived around 6:30 PM and nobody was there, and staff didn’t seem to return until around 9–10 AM.
The bathrooms were dirty, out of toilet paper, and the showers were cold. One morning there was a large unleashed dog in the women’s bathroom that growled at me while its owner was showering. I believe she may have been homeless and using the facilities. Again, there was nobody around to contact about it.
Another night, people were extremely loud until almost midnight. Same problem: no host, no ranger and no non-emergency number. Unless something is serious enough for 911, you’re left to deal with it yourself.
There are also a lot of homeless people and visible drug addicts/drug activity around Federal Way. I had been warned about the area before coming here, and I understand why.
The park itself is pretty and might be fine for a quick overnight stay, but for multiple nights, I wouldn’t recommend it. Between the theft warnings, lack of after-hours staff, weird staffing hours, and no way to report non-emergency problems, I never really felt comfortable settling into my campsite.
Tent camping near Mountlake Terrace offers outdoor experiences within a 30-minute drive of this suburban community. The area sits at low elevations between 300-500 feet, creating mild camping conditions year-round with typical Pacific Northwest rainfall patterns. Camping options range from boat-access only islands to casino parking lots with unique overnight permissions.
Explore historical military installations: Fort Ebey State Park Campground offers access to preserved WWII bunkers and gun emplacements. "There are old (but well maintained) battery and concrete gun emplacements from WW2 when the Fort was used to defend the West coast," notes Margaret S. The park contains "great hiking and biking trails through forest, ocean views and beach access, and it's also fun to explore the old WWII facilities. Bring flashlights," advises Don.
Visit nearby beaches: Most camping spots near Mountlake Terrace provide beach access within a short drive or walk. At Blake Island Marine State Park Campground, "Hike the perimeter trail for views all around the island. It's a great place to stay in the summer months and relax," suggests Christi R. The island requires boat transportation, creating a unique experience.
Walking trails: Campsites frequently connect to local trail networks. Hollyhock Farm offers secluded forest camping with nearby walking paths. One visitor noted the "sites were secluded from one another within a beautiful forest," making it ideal for nature walks. Lake Pondilla at Fort Ebey features "interpretive signage naming the native moss and lichen" along its trails.
Seclusion despite urban proximity: Many campers appreciate finding private sites near the city. At Woodlands at Lake Stickney, Don L. shared, "It was my first time camping on a private residential property. I've grown so used to sites like KOA that it was strange to have friendly owners serving us rather than paid staff." The combination of privacy and attentive owners creates a unique experience.
Water access: Camping spots providing beach or lake access receive consistently high ratings. Kinney Point State Park offers a boat-in experience where Thomas B. notes they provide a "Rack for kayaks above high tide. Nice alternative to the Oak Bay sites at Pt. Hadlock to the west."
Clean facilities: Maintained bathroom facilities matter significantly to campers. At Paine Field Community Park, Aimee M. mentions "It's clean and has bathrooms available!" while Wayne B. describes it as "A great clean safe place in the city and surrounded by trees and nature."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season (May-September). Fort Ebey State Park requires reservations through the Washington State Parks system, typically $25-35 per night depending on site type.
Limited services at some locations: Services vary widely between campgrounds. At Tulalip Casino, Cary C. notes, "No hook ups and no water available. Clean area and pet exercise area. Security drives by regular." Nicole A. adds this is "just a parking lot for you to park your RV while gaming. There is a spot for the animals to wee and that is about it."
Access limitations: Several camping options require boat transportation. Kinney Point State Park is "a great boat-in-only site. No running water but vault toilets. No reservations," according to Thomas B. Similarly, Blake Island requires water transportation, approximately "an hour from Seattle" according to Julia S.
Parks with kid-friendly amenities: Some locations specifically cater to families with children. Paine Field Community Park gets high marks as "great for kids" according to Aimee M., with Wayne B. adding it's "great great place for dogs and kids in the city."
Weather considerations: Even in summer, temperatures can fluctuate significantly. At Blake Island Marine State Park, Julia S. warns, "In summer there is generally a burn ban and if you don't have a shaded spot, the heat can be pretty punishing but the temps go way down at night and you'll have a great breeze off of the water."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local animals. At Fort Ebey, Don mentions, "We've camped here a few times, and we've seen wildlife each time, mostly deer. It's a good place to make memories!"
Overnight casino parking: The Tulalip Casino provides free overnight RV parking. Adam Y. explains, "Great free camping for up to three nights. Just call security (number is on the sign) to register when you arrive. Very nice friendly security staff."
Site selection at state parks: RV campers should carefully choose sites at established parks. At Fort Ebey, Chad K. notes, "The first thing you notice about this campground is that the sites are tightly packed. There is not a lot of privacy. With that being said, this is a fantastic campground. The sites are bigger than expected, they are level and could accommodate 2 medium size tents."
Limited hookup availability: Many campgrounds near Mountlake Terrace lack full hookups for RVs. Several campers note that water and power connections are limited, so come prepared with filled tanks and charged batteries when choosing non-designated RV parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mountlake Terrace, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mountlake Terrace, WA is Woodlands at Lake Stickney with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 60 tent camping locations near Mountlake Terrace, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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