Best Tent Camping near Seattle, WA

Seattle tent camping ranges from the Staircase area of Olympic National Park to various spots throughout Olympic National Forest. Most tent sites sit among thick trees that give you good privacy and keep the sun off during hot days. The ground at these sites is generally flat and root-free, making tent setup pretty easy, and you won't have to walk far to find bathrooms at most places. If you have a kayak or canoe, you can paddle to some great beach camping spots not far from the city. The roads to these camping areas are usually in good shape, but it's smart to check conditions if you're heading out after heavy rain. Bears and smaller critters are common in these woods, so hang your food or use bear canisters. Try to book ahead of time - campsites around Seattle fill up fast in summer and on weekends, even in spring and fall.

Best Tent Sites Near Seattle, Washington (67)

    1. Blake Island Marine State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Manchester, WA
    9 miles
    Website

    $12 - $45 / night

    "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."

    2. Paine Field Community Park

    3 Reviews
    Mukilteo, WA
    19 miles
    Website

    "A great clean safe place in the city and surrounded by trees and nature"

    3. Woodlands at Lake Stickney

    2 Reviews
    Mill Creek, WA
    19 miles
    +1 (425) 280-0317

    $60 - $68 / night

    "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!"

    "They took a lot of care in making sure we were comfortable while also giving us our privacy and space."

    4. Hollyhock Farm

    1 Review
    Duvall, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 453-5535

    $35 - $65 / night

    "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 :-)"

    5. Green Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Seabeck, WA
    21 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. ELKS Beach

    Be the first to review!
    Sammamish, WA
    12 miles
    +1 (206) 790-3740

    $90 - $125 / night

    7. Big Country

    1 Review
    Clinton, WA
    24 miles
    Website

    $50 / night

    "We're so happy to have this beautiful property on our platform. This site is secluded yet close to the Possession Sound Preserve. Book your stay today and leave them a review!"

    8. Courter Country Farm

    Be the first to review!
    Silverdale, WA
    15 miles

    $50 - $60 / night

    9. Lena Lake Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    $5 / night

    "The campsites offers fire rings and has plenty of amazing views of the lake. Don’t forget to pack everything out and leave no trace."

    "This is a hike-in campground down a 3.5 mile trail. It sees heavy use from locals on the weekend. There was plenty of room during the week when I was there."

    10. Tulalip Casino

    4 Reviews
    Marysville, WA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 716-7162

    "No hook ups and no water available. Clean area and pet exercise area. Security drives by regular."

    "Great place to walk your dog. Many great places to eat and of course the casino."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Seattle, WA

1062 Reviews of 67 Seattle Campgrounds


  • Douglas S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2019

    Red Bridge Campground

    Awesome campground in the beautiful Mount Baker National Forest

    The Red Bridge campground is on the very scenic Mountain loop Rd in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It's a very beautiful drive. Nestled in some great trees, there are 13 sites with shade, right along the river. The camp host was very nice and sold firewood on site. There are no hook ups, and no water spigots so be sure to plan accordingly. There are bear proof trash cans and vault toilets available. Each site has a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring. This campground provides ample hiking, fishing and I saw people kayaking plus its not far to a hike to some glacier caves! Also check out the old red trestle bridge just outside of the campground. At $15 a night you have to see this place. 
    I highly recommend Red Bridge campground.

  • Jason H.
    Mar. 24, 2021

    Lena Lake Campground

    Great spot

    A nice 3.5 miles ish hike from the parking area to campground. The campsites offers fire rings and has plenty of amazing views of the lake. Don’t forget to pack everything out and leave no trace.

  • Tj J.
    Sep. 21, 2017

    Malaney Creek Farm

    Great Private Camping Getaway

    arrived at the farm and were greeted by the owners. they got on their quads and led us down a private road through a super nice cedar gated entry and showed us our spot. they gave us a quick run down of the place and let us be. our spot was the Trillium site which has a few hundred foot hike from where you park your car and the portable toilet. the site was pretty cool and very secluded. it had a fire ring with some sawn cedar benches, a pile of firewood and a giant old spool for a table. we threw our marmot up and took a closer look. there is a camp box with info, instant coffee, guides to area sight seeing and food along with a log book to write about your stay. there were also some cool led lighting which was great at night. fire ban was on but they put a big candle on the grate of the fire pit so we had something. we kicked around on the trails which look like they are used by horses and motorcycles but not heavily. some interesting plants in the area. they were working on a new trail that is supposed to eventually lead out to the lake but it wasnt complete yet. however it was covered with wood chips and had a hand cut cedar bridge built on it. you gotta see it. sounds like they are constantly evolving the farm looked like a lot of things in the works. definitely will come back for more time here. night time got spooky with coyotes howling in the distance but the morning there were so many birds chirping and singing you couldnt hear yourself think! oh we found a corn hole game in an open area that they have several picnic tables staged at.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2016

    Lena Lake Campground

    Lena Lake campground

    This is a hike-in campground down a 3.5 mile trail. It sees heavy use from locals on the weekend. There was plenty of room during the week when I was there. Lena Lake is quiet and serene and the perfect place to sit on a log and journal. Other people walked around the edge of the lake but care must be taken as it's a bit rugged. Follow the leave no trace principles and this place will be one to return to again for yourself and others.

  • A
    Jun. 10, 2019

    Denny Creek Campground

    A nice short drive from Seattle!

    Great campsite for a weekend away from Seattle. Some spots can be tight for RV but we managed to fit our 23ft no prob. Some sites have electrical hook ups.

    No water hooks but at the entrance there looks to be a water faucet you can pull the RV to in order to fill up.

    No dump site.

    Only con is I90 traffic noise.

  • Julia S.
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Blake Island Marine State Park Campground

    Gorgeous Park

    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.

    Getting here by boat is about an hour from Seattle and there are volunteers that help at the dock. In summer there is generally a burn ban and if you don’t have a shaded spot, the heat can be pretty punishing but the temps go way down at night and you’ll have a great breeze off of the water.

    All in all it’s worth the effort!!

  • Amy & Stu B.
    Oct. 3, 2022

    Dosewallips State Park Campground

    Gorgeous location

    This campground is right next to a state park. It’s also very close to a river and lots of woods. We stayed here to see Olympic national park, (I wouldn’t recommend this location to travel to Olympic every day, it was very far.)

    The amenities were nice, bathrooms with warm water (one shower per bathroom.)

    No laundry, no Wi-Fi and both Verizon and AT&T worked with about one bar.

    The sites were level spacious and had a fire ring and picnic table at each. We chose the full hookup option. Firewood could be purchased through the camp host.

    The best part about this day was the surrounding area. 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.

  • Cary C.
    Apr. 24, 2022

    Tulalip Casino

    Quiet and clean

    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.

  • Zoë D.
    Oct. 2, 2021

    Middle Fork Campground

    River !

    Dispersed camping along the road to Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead. Nice river access, some of the spots are a bit exposed but some are further back from the road, buggy but fun!

    No facilities so make sure to leave no trace :)


Guide to Seattle

Seattle offers a fantastic array of options for tent camping, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the stunning Pacific Northwest scenery.

Tips for tent camping near Seattle

  • Blake Island Marine State Park: Accessible only by boat, this campground provides a serene escape with strict quiet hours, ensuring a peaceful night under the stars.
  • Woodlands at Lake Stickney: This private site offers a friendly atmosphere with attentive owners who prioritize your comfort while maintaining your privacy.
  • Hollyhock Farm: Nestled in a beautiful forest, this secluded spot is perfect for those seeking tranquility and a chance to connect with nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Camano Island State Park Campground: Enjoy hiking trails and beach access, making it a great spot for families and outdoor adventurers alike.
  • Green Mountain: This area features multiple trails for hiking, horseback riding, and even motorcycle access, catering to a variety of outdoor activities.
  • Kinney Point State Park Campground: Ideal for paddle-in camping, this site offers a unique experience for kayakers and those looking to explore the waters.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Paine Field Community Park: A clean and safe environment surrounded by trees, perfect for families with kids and pets.
  • Duvalla: This private campground provides essential amenities like drinking water and toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Elkhorn Campground: Located in Olympic National Forest, this site offers basic necessities and is a gateway to some of the best hiking in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there tent-only campgrounds near Seattle?

Yes, several tent-only camping areas exist near Seattle. Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground in Mount Rainier National Park is accessible only by bicycle or foot (5 miles) after road damage, making it perfect for tent campers seeking solitude. Deer Park Campground in Olympic National Park is located at the end of a narrow gravel road unsuitable for trailers, offering level tent sites with spectacular 360-degree views. The campground has vault toilets but no water supply. Several backcountry areas throughout the region offer primitive tent camping experiences without vehicle access. These sites typically provide a more peaceful experience away from RVs and larger camping setups, though you'll need to pack in all supplies and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

Where are the best tent camping spots near Seattle?

Seattle offers excellent tent camping options within a few hours' drive. Lena Lake Campground features scenic sites with fire rings alongside a serene lake, accessible via a 3.5-mile hike. For those seeking coastal experiences, Blake Island Marine State Park Campground provides a unique island retreat about an hour by boat from Seattle with beautiful camping areas. Olympic National Park offers several outstanding options, including hike-in wilderness experiences with stunning mountain views. For those wanting easier access, several state parks around Puget Sound provide well-maintained tent sites with basic amenities. Many campgrounds in the region fill quickly during summer weekends, so advance planning or weekday visits are recommended.

What is the cost of tent camping near Seattle?

Tent camping costs near Seattle vary widely depending on the type of campground. National Park sites like Enchanted Valley in Olympic National Park typically require entrance fees plus camping permits ranging from $8-25 per night. State Parks such as Hope Island Marine State Park generally charge $20-35 per night plus a Discover Pass for vehicle access. Some private options like Malaney Creek Farm may charge $25-50 per night but often include more amenities. For budget options, some locations like casino parking areas may offer free overnight stays, though with minimal facilities. Most campgrounds accept credit cards, but backcountry sites typically require advance permits through recreation.gov or other reservation systems.

When is the best season for tent camping around Seattle?

The prime tent camping season around Seattle runs from late May through September when temperatures are mild and precipitation is lowest. July and August offer the warmest, driest conditions but also the largest crowds. Elkhorn Campground is popular during summer months, though visitors note the region's weather can be unpredictable. Dungeness Forks Campground experiences significant rainfall, particularly in autumn and winter months, making summer visits preferable. Early fall (September-early October) provides a sweet spot with fewer crowds and still-pleasant weather. Many higher elevation campgrounds have shorter seasons, often closing by mid-October due to snow. Spring camping (April-May) can be beautiful with wildflowers but prepare for more rain and cooler nights.