Camping near Seattle WA ranges from urban parks to forested retreats, many less than an hour's drive from downtown. The region receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall annually, with driest conditions from late June through September. Year-round camping is available at several locations, though winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop to the 30s overnight.
What to do
Water activities at Blake Island Marine State Park: Accessible only by boat, the island offers excellent kayaking and beach exploration opportunities. "The beach is a short walk from camp, just long enough to make you feel like you earned your sunset view, but not so long that you regret your life choices," reports Saraj B.
Hiking at Tolt MacDonald Park: Located in Carnation, this park features multiple trails along the Snoqualmie River. "There are hiking trails and access to the water, and plenty of trees to hang your hammock in," notes Dawnielle C. The park's suspension bridge connects to more remote camping areas and additional trails.
Wildlife viewing at Dosewallips State Park: Though farther from Seattle, this park offers exceptional wildlife encounters. "Every night, my husband and I would walk to the wildlife viewing platform to see lots of birds, or walk down by the river and see lots of elk and bald eagles," shares Amy & Stu B.
What campers like
Privacy between sites at Dash Point: Unlike some busy campgrounds, Dash Point offers good separation between campsites. "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," writes Brittany D. about Dash Point State Park Campground.
Waterfront views at Fay Bainbridge: Located on Bainbridge Island, this park offers exceptional water views. "This park has the most tremendous views of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker on a clear day and stunning sunrises," reports Marci M. about Fay Bainbridge Park.
Historical features at Manchester State Park: This former military installation provides unique camping experiences. "This was first used as a military base for the US Navy to guard the Bremerton ship yards during the Spanish American war and WW2. There are many remnants of the fort located in the park," explains Tom N. at Manchester State Park Campground.
What you should know
Flight path considerations: Some campgrounds near Seattle are affected by airport noise. At Saltwater State Park, "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)," warns Travis P.
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. "You must make reservations online on the website a few weeks before you plan to come," advises Robert G.
Hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Tall Chief Campground, "No sites have sewer hookups. This is fairly understandable though as it appeared that a service needs to pump the septic tank by the dump station for the entire park," explains Derek & Alex W.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to children. "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites," says Tanya B. about Fay Bainbridge Park.
Year-round activities: The Seattle area offers camping options regardless of season. "We stayed here to see Olympic national park... Every night, my husband and I would walk to the wildlife viewing platform to see lots of birds, or walk down by the river and see lots of elk and bald eagles," shares Amy & Stu B.
Urban proximity benefits: When camping with kids, having access to conveniences helps. At Lake Pleasant RV Park, "It was only about 30 minutes to downtown, but almost felt like you were out in the country. We did not use the bathrooms, but enjoyed the walking trails, playground for the kids, and watching the resident ducks in the pond," notes Nikki R.
Tips from RVers
Electrical considerations: During hot weather, power capacity matters. At Tolt MacDonald Park, "RV sites are all pull through its fairly quiet. Nice setting lots of outdoor and indoor activities with in a short drive... The only campground we've been to where we didn't need to level the trailer," says Russ H.
Dump station access: Plan for waste management when booking sites without sewer hookups. "There is a charge dump station at the ministorage at the turn off," notes Russ H. about facilities near Tolt MacDonald.
Cell reception variations: Coverage can vary significantly, even within the same campground. At Tall Chief, "Another thing that can be annoying is trying to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees. They definitely have a few, but I would say arrive early so you can drive by all the sites while checking to make sure you have good reception if you need it," advises Brodie D.
