75 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites around Renton, Washington range from state park grounds to remote backcountry locations in Mount Rainier National Park. Blake Island Marine State Park offers boat-in tent camping with designated sites, while White River Dispersed Camping provides more primitive options for those seeking a less structured experience. Most tent campsites require advance planning, as the Pacific Northwest's variable weather and seasonal conditions can impact site availability and comfort.
Primitive tent camping areas typically feature minimal amenities, with many sites offering only basic fire rings and flat spots for tents. At White River Dispersed Camping, tent sites are positioned along the river with multiple access points from the road, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching some of the more secluded spots. Most walk-in tent locations lack potable water, requiring campers to either bring their own supply or filter from nearby streams. Vault toilets are available at campgrounds like Mowich Lake in Mount Rainier National Park, but dispersed camping areas generally require visitors to pack out all waste and follow leave-no-trace principles.
Tent camping near Renton offers varying levels of seclusion depending on location and season. Backcountry tent sites at Ipsut Creek provide access to extensive trail networks and serve as starting points for longer backpacking routes. Areas closer to Mount Rainier tend to fill quickly during summer months, particularly on weekends, while dispersed camping locations often provide more solitude. Tree cover at most sites offers natural shade and hammock options, though site selection can be critical for comfort. According to one visitor at White River Dispersed Camping, "Plenty of sites along the river with multiple ingress/egress options from the road. Right outside the entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park and the access road to Crystal Mountain."
"Really fantastic location. 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."
"Hike the perimeter trail for views all around the island. It's a great place to stay in the summer months and relax."
from $12 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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! Highly highly reccomended :-)"
from $35 - $65 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $90 - $125 / night
Check Availability"Right outside the entrance to Mt."
"If you come here you must leave no trace."
"The tent sites at Hearth Street Properties offer secluded spots near the water, with conveniences like restaurants nearby. Check them out and share some pics from your trip on the Dyrt!"
"However, I've been to the public Access area and have to say that it's very peaceful and has a restroom which is nice. I'm a local."
from $60 - $68 / night
"A great clean safe place in the city and surrounded by trees and nature"
"The road slowly meanders uphill alongside the Carbon River for 5 miles, giving campers majestic views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks."
"One incredible part about being here is the proximity to Mt. Rainier National Park. We did so many amazing hikes, it was unreal. The weather was perfect so Rainier was out and shinning bright!!"
"The lake is absolutely beautiful and there are so many different trails branching off of it."
"The sites were your standard, with a picnic table, fire ring, and plenty of trees for shade and cover. There are lots of things to do in the area."
"Beautiful beach front and trails within walking distance. My campsite was a bit closer to my neighbors than I cared for but there are some sites more enclosed. Overall it was a good experience."
from $15 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Nice clean camping area with easy access to multiple trails and logging roads. Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles. Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area."
TravelerNice campground, well maintained and rangers often patrol the campsite loops. Bathrooms are nice but dated, but quite expensive campground. Paying in-person was $49 for an RV spot with utilities, but booking online was $69 for the same site. Can be busy on the weekend.
ScoutThis place is so nice. We felt welcomed as soon as we walked to the check-in desk. Dave and Victoria are so kind. This place is so nice and neat and clean. They have a pool and a hot tub which is a plus and a sauna. It was very nice to be able to chatter with them and joke back-and-forth like they were old friends. You can’t go wrong staying here. The only thing is I hate to tell anyone how nice it is cause then I might not be able to get in.
ScoutMy review is from my own experience but there are numerous other reviews that express my same sentiments. I was there 7 years and only had infractions during one month. (all from the same ranger) and one speeding infraction.
Port Susan Camping Resort has been a bad experience for me and presently turned to bitter. I sold my lot but the check got lost in the mail. I asked the sales agent to replace the check and I have waited approximately 35 days! I finally asked the board to intervene. This is bad business. This is a sample of the treatment or abuse I was given at Port Susan from the sales office. Replacing a check is easy and the money is not even drawn on Port Susan, it comes from the buyer. What would happen if I were paid but the buyer could not access the lot or wasn't given a gate pass or if the sales had to wait for their commission for 35 days after the sale? I was treated so unfairly! They showed me lots for sale with BLACK MOLD.I would think I am being targeted once again but there are many complaints that have been filed about poor management, unfair fines and being targeted if you speak up. The only recourse you have is to go to Tribal court since Port Susan Camping resort is Tribal owned. If you ask me this is a conflict of interest? Bottom line, absolute power leads to absolute corruption. Port Susan is like living under communist rule: The board took a vote to install 50 amp service, the members voted against it because most trailers use 30 amp. The 50 amp was installed any way and members have to pay for it. I spoke up on Campers Chat, but PSCC has the right to determine what will be allowed to be viewed. Freedom of Speech, NOT sat Port Susan. Members have to be careful who they speak to, if they speak against unfair fines to one of"them" they will be targeted. I have been targeted by one ranger who gave me 1200.00 worth of fines in one month. There used to be one ranger who patrolled lots 24 hours a day now there are 2 or 3. You are under constant survelience and fined for violations. Port Susan changes the rules constantly. One example, the road going downhill to the laundra mat and mailbox changed the speed limit to 5 miles per hour. Try going down a hill at 5 miles per hour. I was fined 200.00 at 5:00 am. This was thrown out because no one could do this but later going down hill to the front gate is a radar controlled system. I accidentally was going 17 mph in a 15 mph and was fined 400.00 for going over the speed limit for a 2nd infraction! no where in this country has fines like this but PSCC has unlimited power and no jusidiction. If you take it Tribal Court,( they lease the land to Port Susan you can be held liable to pay the attorney fees against Port Susan. There is less than 30 years on the lease so your membership is a poor investment. Not to mention that they have water pipe problems and boil water warnings posted periodically. If they decide to change all the water pipes the members will pay. I had rats get into my trucks. One was towed to Toyota and they found a rat. The rats got into the cab. I replaced this truck with a brand new Honda and during an oil change was notified that rat tracks were found all over my distributor cover and it was only at my site for 2 weeks!!! Many members tell the truth once they leave and abuse and mistreatment is the norm. THIS IS A FEAR BASED COMMUNITY Good luck with your purchase
ScoutFirst off you get what you pay for it's cheap but you're packed like sardines in a gravel lot that looks trashy as hell I didn't go in the restrooms because they don't have stuff there till after 6:00 p.m. so I was terrified by how disgusting they might be on top of it the owner is quite possibly the rudest most inconsiderate and unempathetic human I've ever encountered he gaslit the hell out of me he insulted my intelligence he lied about our conversations that place is so shady there's no checking or check out time written on their forms they will just make up a time that seems appropriate and then if you don't respond and how they like they'll tell you that you have to leave I thought it was just me but after moving to a beautiful Campground I talked to two out of their individuals that told me that they basically told him to F off and they would find somewhere else really horrible business practices and his sister is just as rude as he is trashy place with Shady practices and Shady people running it. Also if you're one that noise bothers you you will hate this because it's right on the highway and you can hear everything from every spot in the park. Especially if you're looking for nightly you can go down the street to the one they recommended and pay $18 less a night for way more beautiful place
GuideStayed Sept 28 to 30th 2026. Nice park, hot showers, clean bathrooms, enjoyed our stay
RangerIt was MAGICAL- mushrooms, fall leaves, and moss everywhere. Keep in mind that there’s no signal, Starlink nor cell.. we also were freezing at night (35 degrees) in early October and the spots were tricky for our bigger rig. But if you have a smaller rig there’s tons of places off of road 73 for dispersed camping. Bumpy road to get there but keep on driving and you’ll find places with even firepits.
LegendThe dispersed sites are on the narrow, gravel section. There are a few on the paved area but most have been blocked off. Even on the gravel section most are pull-offs or quite close to the road. They are dispersed sites so no amenities. Most are close or have access to the Sauk River. The road and TH’s were very busy but cleared out as evening settled in.
LegendRoad closures due to a bridge out closed off probably the better sites up top but we did find a great spot off the road with a view. Enjoyed a nice evening under the stars and a campfire.
ScoutIt IS a pretty, private, moderately priced rv park. Too bad -- there is a note announcing their permanent closure 10/31/2026. Enjoy it while you can!
Tent camping near Renton, Washington ranges from walk-in sites situated along alpine lakes to boat-accessible island campgrounds. Most dispersed areas sit at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet, resulting in temperature drops of 15-20°F at night even in summer months. The camping season typically runs from late May through October, with some lower-elevation sites remaining accessible year-round depending on snowpack conditions.
Trail access from camp: At Mowich Lake Campground, campers can start hikes directly from their sites. "We did the Tolmie Peak trail and the trailhead is straight off the campground which is super nice," notes Megan H., adding that even in August "it definitely gets cold up there even in mid August so pack warm!"
Waterfront activities: Blake Island Marine State Park Campground offers unique boat-in camping with beach access. "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., who visited to relive childhood memories. The island requires boat transportation, making it less crowded than mainland sites.
Horseback riding options: Green Mountain provides equestrian-friendly camping not far from Renton. "Trails are open to hiking horseback riding and motorcycles. Camp ground has multiple horse stalls in a common area," explains Ivy K. This makes the area unique for those traveling with horses, offering both riding trails and dedicated facilities.
Crystal-clear lakes: Mowich Lake Campground features remarkable water clarity that impresses visitors. Laura F. describes it as a "Really beautiful and kinda eerie crystal clear lake. You are in the middle of nowhere." The campground has ten first-come, first-served sites arranged in a circle with bear boxes and picnic tables at each site.
River soundscapes: At White River Dispersed Camping, the constant sound of flowing water creates natural white noise. Mary B. notes, "The campsites are absolutely beautiful—tucked among the trees with stunning views and the soothing, constant sound of the roaring White River nearby. The river noise also does a great job of masking any sounds from the nearby road."
Secluded forest sites: Hollyhock Farm offers more intimate camping near Renton with minimal light pollution. Rio B. shares their experience: "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!" With only four sites total, this location provides a quieter alternative to larger campgrounds.
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At White River Dispersed Camping, Reagan S. advises, "Road gets a bit worse as you drive further, but it was manageable." Another camper, P.J., elaborates: "The road can be a bit thin, so I would be careful with extra large vehicles. It is also a bit of a challenging road, so low clearance vehicles wouldn't be treated well."
Early arrival recommended: Popular tent camping sites fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. Megan H. reports arriving at Mowich Lake "at like 3pm on a Tuesday and got one of the last 2 spots, it definitely fills up fast even during the week."
Fire regulations: Fire bans are common at higher elevations. Kasey notes about Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground, "No fires allowed. Bit of a rough ride to get up there but totally worth it." Kevin T. adds, "Sadly you cannot build a fire here so it does get really cold at night time because there are glaciers in the park."
Kid-friendly parks: Paine Field Community Park receives consistent positive feedback for family outings. "We visit this park frequently as it is great for the kids. It's clean and has bathrooms available!" shares Aimee M. Wayne B. adds it's "A great clean safe place in the city and surrounded by trees and nature."
Day trip planning: When camping with kids near Rainier, consider daily excursions. Drew W. recommends: "This is one of my wife and I's favorite place to come in the summer. We try to come at least once a year. We love it because it's clean, close to home, and also close to Rainier National Park." Families can use campgrounds as a base for shorter day hikes.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can surprise unprepared families. One camper at Mowich Lake notes, "Even in July there is snow and temperatures reached as low as 40F." Pack extra layers for children, even during summer camping trips, as alpine areas can experience significant overnight cooling.
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Renton don't accommodate larger RVs or provide hookups. Woodlands at Lake Stickney offers a compromise with electric hookups and thirty-amp service while maintaining a natural setting. Don L. appreciated that "owners took a lot of care in making sure we were comfortable while also giving us our privacy and space."
Parking limitations: At walk-in sites, vehicle parking is often separate from tent areas. Jessie T. notes about Mowich Lake, "cars have to be parked away from the campsite." This arrangement requires planning for unloading and setting up camp, especially with heavier gear.
Supply access: Most remote camping areas lack stores or services. Laura F. advises, "Get gas before you go up, the town has signs saying last chance for gas and make sure you have everything you need including water because you will be all by yourself and there is nothing out there."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Renton, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Renton, WA is Blake Island Marine State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Renton, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 75 tent camping locations near Renton, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
