Best Tent Camping near Mountlake Terrace, WA
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."
