282 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, situated just minutes from Ravensdale, Washington, anchors the region's camping options with well-maintained campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping. The surrounding area includes several mixed-use campgrounds including Lake Sawyer Resort and Tall Chief Campground, offering various accommodation types from basic tent sites to cabins and yurts. Most established campgrounds in the area provide electrical hookups, drinking water, and sanitation facilities, while maintaining forested settings that create natural buffers between campsites.
Reservations are essential during summer months when campgrounds reach capacity quickly, especially for sites with electrical hookups. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, though visitors should prepare for wet conditions during fall and winter. "Quiet campground with decent privacy between sites. We stayed just one night at site 42, which was on a corner and offered a good amount of privacy and easy access to the clean bathrooms," noted one camper about Kanaskat-Palmer. Train noise affects some campgrounds in the region, particularly at night, and rangers actively patrol developed campgrounds to enforce quiet hours. Most facilities offer sanitary dump stations, but many RV sites provide only electrical hookups without water connections, requiring campers to fill tanks before arrival.
The Green River corridor provides a natural backdrop for many camping experiences in the area, with multiple access points for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The diverse campgrounds near Ravensdale offer excellent options for both weekend getaways and extended camping trips throughout the year. Bathroom facilities at developed campgrounds receive consistently positive reviews, with many featuring individual shower rooms that campers describe as clean and well-maintained. Visitors appreciate the proximity to Seattle while still enjoying a forest setting that feels removed from urban areas. Short hiking trails connect most campgrounds to riverfront areas, though some sections can become overgrown or slippery during wet seasons. While weekend crowds are common during summer, midweek camping offers a quieter experience with greater site availability. A visitor commented about Kanaskat-Palmer: "We found this campground to have good sized campsites with lots of tall trees. There is good system of trails, tons of picnic tables along the river, and good river access."
"There is good system of trails, tons of picnic tables along the river, and good river access to the Green rivers. Campground is well maintained, clean bathrooms and showers available."
"It's close proximity to our house allows us to hook up the trailer after work and include a Friday night in our camping weekend!"
from $23 - $254 / night
Check Availability"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"Having gone mid week, there were very few other campers, and it was lovely walking around the campground and strolling along a short 1 mile long trail to a mossy and wooded swamp."
"Although the Camp Ground and facilities are great at Tinkham, my advice would be to get into your lifted Off-Roader and hit the mountain roads for this camping trip of a lifetime!"
from $32 - $36 / night
Check Availability"This is a big park that is part of Thousand Trails. No sales pitch to join, which was nice. Rangers were super nice. Bathrooms very new and clean. Lots of trees between sites. "
"We love Tall Chief because it is super close to a lot of great spots around the Seattle region. It’s super close (like 7 min drive) from one of my favorite coffee shops, Aroma Coffee Co. Try it!"
"The campground is next to a classy laundromat, and I say classy because it’s probably one of the nicest laundromats in the area that even has a dumpsite for RVs."
"The campground is in 500+ acre Tolt-McDonald Park, far enough away from any busy road so that there is no traffic noise, just the sound of the Tolt River rapids."
"A Quiet oasis tucked into the forest. The new and clean bathrooms and showers were a real treat after a 2100 mile journey from Texas."
"It’s a very nice location, exceptionally clean and safe. In site 11 you can hear the highway when outside of rv but couldn’t inside. Neighbors were very friendly."
"There are several dump stations nearby. Very quiet and low key. It is situated next to a H.S. stadium so the game nights get a little bit loud but really not that bad. Showers are available too."
"Campground has nice paved spots, but they are very close to each other, so don't expect much privacy. It sits behind a smal stadium.
For the restrooms and shower you'll have to walk pretty far."
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Lovely area such beautiful surroundings."
"Very cool spot with new generation trees growing out of old generation stumps, close to river for water, very popular spot so found a lot of trash but loved the sites and hiking trails nearby"
"If you can look past the rundown bathrooms and strict rules about dogs and everything else you’re doing then you can appreciate the beauty of Lake Sawyer every morning."
"Lots of nice campers stored and people who have made this their temporary home away from home. It’s old and right next to the highway. No fire pits and just a little grass but we couldn’t be happier!"
"It’s in the heart of Issaquah and close to every kind of service, shopping and even nature you could want."
TravelerThe campground itself is wide and quaint with decent privacy, a creek, and also has equestrian site options. Pit bathrooms are decently clean. Neighboring ranch land's cows will walk right through your campsite unbothered though, so be aware.
GuideWe used to tent camp in this nicely pine tree wooded CG, for many years, first one in 1987, and more here and there, until it became an annual trip starting about 2012 or so. We now boondocking there with our 27’ Airstream with full water tank and generator. We took our Starlink Mini last year not expecting connection, but by golly, we were in business.
We love being in USFS campgrounds much more so than grassy state parks, or rv parks….as this brings us back to those tenting day simplicity.
Not all first timers might be attracted to this CG, it depends on the site for the most part. Highway 410 passes close by, with lots of motorcycles but we don’t mind that much as the sound of the river makes up for it, and besides, after dark not much traffic.
Whistlin Jacks downriver about 4 miles, has a nice restaurant on the riverside deck, they have fire wood, drink cooler, hand dipped ice cream and gas.
ScoutBeware of the thiefs over there. I was camping just by the main 52 road, and somebody stole my sleeping bag, pillow and a coat. Don’t left ANYTHING in your tent if you leaving
LegendWe stayed here for a short overnight as we made our way up the Olympic Peninsula to Port Townsend. Nice park with a some trails right from the campground. We enjoyed the Maple Valley loop. There are elk at Dosewallips but we didn’t see any. Some road noise from our site (21) and heard a low-flying helicopter in the morning. Shower water pressure was a bit low and the water not hot enough.
ScoutFound a cool site closer to the water when a random tweaker came through our site from his site down the hill with a whole ass machete cutting through some greenery then came back with a buddy while we were down by the river filling our water and rinsing off in our swimsuits STILL WITH THE MACHETE IN HAND and starts hollering to scare us off so they could fish??? If you wanted the spot near the river to fish just use that spot and not come through someone else's and scare them off. Be careful if you come here bc he seemed like he's been here before and likes to frequent this site
TravelerSpots are in rows up a hill and most have stairs to actually framed tent pads for tent set up. Lowest row of spots are right across the 5mph street from the puget sound. Its one of the first primitive campgrounds going into the Olympic national forest. There are many campsites that allow for most every type of rv or trailer like pull through and class a
ScoutGreat location - quiet, peaceful. Camp host is the sweetest!
GuideThis is a beautiful state park with plenty of bathrooms, showers, and water points. There are plenty of full hookup RV spots, non-hookup TV spots, and tenet camping sites. There is a playground for kids, easy access beach area for swimming and paddle boarding, and pathways for pleasant walks.
I stayed on the beach loop at site 142. It was sunny during the day with nice shade in the evening. A blackberry patch right behind me was just beginning to ripen.
Great place for families with a loop for the kids to cruise on their bikes.
ScoutLove this park! The staff is wonderful and the pools are great. Yes, I said pools. Lol. Thunderbird has 3 pools for all age groups (one especially designed for little toddlers) and a hot tub plus other great activities around the park. My kids would live at the playground if they could. Lol. Last time we stayed here it was on the riverside near the boat launch and the sunset was amazing over the river.
Ravensdale camping options benefit from their position in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500-800 feet creating varied terrain for different camping experiences. The region's moderate climate allows for extended camping seasons, with many sites remaining accessible through early fall when night temperatures drop into the 40s. Most campgrounds in the area maintain buffer zones between the Green River and camping areas due to potential seasonal flooding.
Trail exploration: Kanaskat-Palmer State Park offers multiple connecting trails that lead to prime fishing and wading spots along the Green River. "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," notes Ashlie M. The trail system provides varying difficulty levels with some sections requiring caution during wet conditions.
River activities: Tinkham Campground provides direct river access for small watercraft and fishing. "We had a beautiful experience at this campground. At the sound of the river rushing behind us the entire time. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise," shared Brandy D. The campground's location allows campers to hear the constant flow of water from most sites.
Mountain biking: Tolt MacDonald Park connects to local trail systems suitable for various skill levels. The suspension bridge provides access to additional trails on the far side of the Snoqualmie River. "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., highlighting the park's convenient location for supply runs.
Clean bathroom facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature recently updated bathroom facilities with individual shower rooms. At Tall Chief Campground, campers appreciate the attention to detail. "Bathrooms are usually found to be immaculate. The main bathrooms have a great 'spa' feeling to their design and make you feel like you are glamping," reports Brodie D., who frequently stays at the facility.
Privacy between sites: Dash Point State Park Campground receives praise for site spacing despite its proximity to urban areas. "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," explains Brittany D. Sites typically feature natural vegetation buffers that create separation without complete isolation.
Ranger presence: Active ranger patrols provide security at several campgrounds, particularly at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. "The park rangers are no joke... I have never felt unsafe or had any unpleasant experiences here but the park rangers mean business," writes Kelly P., noting the regular monitoring helps maintain quiet hours and prevents issues despite proximity to populated areas.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer months, especially on weekends. For Game Farm Wilderness Campground, advance planning is essential. "Game Farm Wilderness Campground, open year-round, offers a unique opportunity to experience nature within the Auburn city limits," mentions Frurd K., highlighting the limited availability of its 18 sites with utilities.
Power limitations: Several campgrounds provide only 30-amp electrical service, which can create challenges during extreme weather. At Tall Chief Campground, "The majority of the sites are only 30 amp with antiquated posts... we ended up here during a heat wave and an entire section of the park blew after having several days of power issues," reports Derek & Alex W., suggesting campers plan accordingly for potential electrical constraints.
Noise factors: Area campgrounds experience varying noise levels from transportation corridors. "Commercial jets landing at Sea-Tac fly directly above us at a low altitude and are VERY loud and VERY frequent (every 3-5 minutes)," Travis P. explains about Saltwater State Park, while train noise affects other campgrounds to varying degrees throughout the night.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas and family-friendly amenities. "The pool, miniature golf, playground and basketball were great. Laundry facilities came in handy," notes Isabel G. about Tall Chief Campground. Most facilities with playground equipment maintain them within sight of multiple campsites for easier supervision.
Water recreation options: For families with children, seek campgrounds with gentle water access. "Tolt MacDonald Park is big, beautiful, and very family friendly... There are plenty of huge camping spots that include fire pits, picnic tables, and room for your car," explains Dawnielle C., who appreciated the park's accessible water features.
Safety considerations: Campgrounds with active ranger presence provide added security for families. "The park rangers are so nice and helpful it was like stepping back in time. The spaces are very private and spread out. Everything is clean including the bathrooms," reports Jeff O. about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, where rangers maintain regular patrols throughout day and evening hours.
Electrical supply management: Many campgrounds offer limited electrical hookups without corresponding water or sewer connections. "We went here in October and dry camped with our 30' Motorhome... the gravel pull through was so not level the jacks pushed the front tires 6 inches off the ground," shares Cody F. about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, emphasizing the importance of checking site leveling specifications before arrival.
Dump station access: RVers should plan waste management carefully as several area campgrounds lack on-site dump facilities. At Blue Sky RV Park, "Filled up w/ some fresh water at the dump station, which was clean and well maintained," notes Jay F., highlighting the importance of confirming dump station availability and condition before arrival.
Site selection strategy: For larger RVs, advance research on specific site dimensions prevents arrival complications. "In site 11 you can hear the highway when outside of RV but couldn't inside. Neighbors were very friendly. Pad was paved, level and long enough for Super C and toad," reports Mark O. about Blue Sky RV Park, demonstrating the importance of selecting appropriate sites for specific vehicle types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Ravensdale, Washington?
Ravensdale and its surrounding area offer excellent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is one of the best spots near Ravensdale, offering drive-in access with reservable sites, water facilities, and toilets. It's also big-rig friendly for RV campers. For those willing to venture a bit further, Silver Springs Campground is highly recommended by campers for its well-distributed spaces and beautiful riverside location. The sites closest to the river (numbers 2-10) are particularly desirable for the serene water views and natural setting. Both locations provide excellent access to the natural beauty that makes the Ravensdale area a camping destination.
Is camping in Ravensdale available year-round?
Camping availability around Ravensdale varies seasonally. While some campgrounds remain open year-round, many have limited seasons due to weather conditions. Hells Crossing Campground near Mount Rainier National Park is popular during summer months, especially for those seeking to escape cool, wet weather in western Washington. The Dalles Campground offers beautiful spots but accessibility may be affected by seasonal conditions. Winter camping is more limited due to snow and closures in higher elevation areas. For year-round options, check with specific campgrounds about their operating seasons or consider private campgrounds and RV parks like the Enumclaw Expo Center RV Park, which typically offers extended seasonal availability. Always verify current status before planning your trip.
What amenities are available at Ravensdale campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Ravensdale offer a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Tolt MacDonald Park provides facilities in a beautiful floodplain setting and is conveniently located near the town of Duvall where you can find shops and a nice laundromat. For those seeking more developed amenities, Dash Point State Park Campground offers clean facilities in a beautifully laid out setting with friendly volunteer staff. Many campgrounds in the area typically provide basic amenities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while some offer potable water and shower facilities. The specific amenities vary by location, with state parks generally offering more facilities than dispersed camping areas.
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