Middle Fork Campground offers year-round non-reservable camping sites just over an hour from Seattle. The newly paved access road makes this forest retreat accessible even for last-minute trips when other campgrounds fill up. Located along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River at 938 feet elevation, the campground sits among towering Douglas fir, cedar, and Western hemlock trees that create natural privacy between sites.
What to do
Riverside exploration: At Middle Fork Campground, visitors can pick berries right from their campsites during summer months. "We enjoyed our stay at the middle fork camp ground... There were so many berries around the camp and we could literally sit in camp and pick blue berries," notes Dan P., who appreciated the campground's proximity to hiking trails.
Winter activities: Lake Easton State Park Campground maintains camping availability throughout winter months when many other sites close. "Nice for camping in the snow," reports Jennifer M., making it ideal for cold-weather adventurers who want heated accommodations during winter expeditions.
Water sports: Paddle boarding and swimming opportunities abound at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park during summer months. "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., highlighting the multiple water access points available to campers.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently praise the natural spacing at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park for providing seclusion without isolation. "The spaces are very private and spread out. Everything is clean including the bathrooms," reports Jeff O., who appreciated the quiet setting despite the park's popularity.
Family-friendly facilities: Parents value the clean bathroom facilities at many North Bend area campgrounds. "Bathrooms in that loop were pretty nice... heated and very clean," notes Jay F. about his experience at Kanaskat-Palmer, a feature especially important for families with young children.
Convenient locations: Tolt MacDonald Park offers camping with urban amenities nearby. "It's located right smack in the middle of carnation so on a nice sunny day you could walk out of the park to get pizza, ice cream or even mexican food," explains Mercedes D., making it practical for those who forget supplies or want restaurant options.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Interstate highway noise affects several campgrounds in the region. "Lake Easton State Park... nothing like hearing I5 when you are out sleeping in nature," Beth E. mentions, while other reviewers note airport noise at sites closer to Seattle.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Fay Bainbridge Park, campers should book well ahead, especially for summer weekends. "The tent spots are clustered together in 2 areas with a shared covered pavilion," notes Sable, highlighting the limited availability.
Shower facilities: Shower availability varies widely between locations. "Showers are free" at Lake Easton State Park according to Laura M., while some campgrounds charge tokens (typically 50 cents for 3 minutes) and others may have seasonal closures.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Saltwater State Park Campground offers a convenient beach-adjacent playground. "The day use area on the water is really nice," Brooke H. reports, though she cautions that the campground itself has limited sites requiring advance reservations.
Yurt camping alternatives: Families seeking yurt camping near North Bend, Washington appreciate the year-round availability at Tolt MacDonald Park. "Spent a night in the yurt. Everything worked," shares Chris A., highlighting this comfortable option for families wanting shelter beyond traditional tent camping.
Swimming options: Shallow water access matters for families with young children. "We've been here a few times only because it has such a nice beach for little kids to swim and play in the sand," Beth E. says about Lake Easton, making it an ideal choice for families with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: RV campers should note that Tall Chief Campground offers electrical hookups but lacks sewer connections. "No sewer connections which can be a bummer, but the nice bathrooms make up for it," explains Brodie D., who suggests planning accordingly for gray/black water management.
Cell service variability: Coverage varies dramatically between and within campgrounds. "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!" warns Brodie D. about Tall Chief Campground, recommending RVers who need connectivity check signal strength at specific sites before settling in.
Level sites: Many North Bend area RV sites require minimal leveling. "The only campground we've been to where we didn't need to level the trailer," reports Russ H. about Tolt MacDonald Park, a welcome feature for RVers tired of wrestling with uneven camping spots.
