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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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!"
Tips from RVers
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.
