Tent campers near Redmond, Washington can choose from a mix of public and private campgrounds within 30 miles of the city. The region sits at the edge of the Cascade foothills where elevation ranges from 500 to 1,000 feet, creating varied microclimates across camping areas. Most campsites remain open from April through October, with several properties offering year-round availability despite the Pacific Northwest's rainy season.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Wallace Falls State Park Campground offers tent sites with trails leading directly to spectacular waterfalls. A camper noted, "The hike to Wallace Falls (lower & upper) is moderate & enjoyable. The 'wooded hike' meanders along the Wallace River, which is said to have salmon & steelhead in August."
Blackberry picking: Seasonal foraging enhances the camping experience at Wallace Falls State Park Campground. "If camping in July-August, blackberries abound! I picked enough berries to share with my crew. There is nothing better than perfectly ripe blackberries on a camping trip," shares one visitor.
Beach exploration: Tent sites at Big Country provide access to shoreline walks. "This site is secluded yet close to the Possession Sound Preserve," notes a camper, making it ideal for those wanting to combine forest and marine environments during their stay.
What campers like
Secluded forest settings: Tent campsites at Hollyhock Farm provide private spaces within wooded areas. According to a recent visitor, "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!"
Island camping: For more adventurous tent campers, Blake Island Marine State Park Campground offers a unique experience. "It is a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle with gorgeous views of the city. Hike the perimeter trail for views all around the island," recommends one camper.
Clean facilities: Family-friendly amenities make Paine Field Community Park popular with local campers. A regular visitor mentions, "We visit this park frequently as it is great for the kids. It's clean and has bathrooms available!"
What you should know
Transportation limitations: Some tent camping locations require special transportation arrangements. Blake Island Marine State Park requires boat access as noted by a camper: "You do need a boat or a ticket on the Argosy to get here, but it's so worth it!"
Strict quiet hours: Rangers enforce regulations at certain campgrounds. "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," reports a tent camper at Blake Island.
Temperature fluctuations: Prepare for significant day-to-night temperature changes. A camper at Woodlands at Lake Stickney shares, "Despite the moss on the roof shingles of the outbuildings, this was best camping site near Seattle I've ever been to."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Paca Pride Guest Ranch offers unique wildlife experiences beyond traditional tent camping. "Camped on a yurt tent pad here and it was awesome. Alpacas and other animals. Mellow and fun!" reports one family visitor.
Urban-adjacent nature: Families appreciate camping options that combine wilderness with city proximity. A visitor to Paine Field Community Park says, "A great clean safe place in the city and surrounded by trees and nature," making it convenient for shorter trips with children.
Alternative shelter options: When traditional tent setups fail, improvisation helps. One camper at Wallace Falls shares, "We arrived and only had hammocks to camp in and the two walk up sites did not provide trees to manage our hammocks. Therefore we parked in the parking lot near a tree and strung our hammocks from the tree to the car. It worked great!"
Tips from RVers
Free overnight parking: RV campers can find cost-effective options at casino properties. A visitor to Tulalip Casino advises, "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."
Limited amenities: RV campers should prepare for basic accommodations at certain locations. "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," notes one RVer about Tulalip Casino.
Regular security patrols: Safety measures enhance the camping experience at certain locations. As one camper at Tulalip Casino observes, "Nice place to have a free spot for the night. Not sure the max number of nights. I forgot to ask. No hook ups and no water available. Clean area and pet exercise area. Security drives by regular."
