Best Tent Camping near Seattle, WA
Seattle offers a diverse selection of tent camping options ranging from boat-accessible marine state parks to secluded forest sites. Blake Island Marine State Park Campground provides tent sites accessible only by boat, with views of the Seattle skyline across Puget Sound. Other notable tent-specific options include Woodlands at Lake Stickney, which offers walk-in tent sites, and Green Mountain, which provides free primitive camping with toilets and picnic tables.
Most tent sites near Seattle feature basic amenities, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Established sites typically include picnic tables and fire rings, though seasonal fire bans are common during summer months. Walk-in tent sites at Hollyhock Farm provide secluded forest camping with toilet facilities and drinking water available. Blake Island enforces strict quiet hours beginning at 10 pm, with rangers regularly patrolling the grounds. Most primitive tent sites require campers to pack out all trash, and several locations like Lena Lake Campground have vault toilets but no running water.
The Seattle area's tent camping experience changes dramatically with the seasons. During summer months, coastal and island tent sites offer cooling breezes, while forest campgrounds provide essential shade. Several locations provide excellent access to hiking trails, with Lena Lake serving as a popular base for backpacking trips. One visitor mentioned that "it is a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle with gorgeous views of the city." At Green Mountain, tent campers can access multiple trails and logging roads from their campsites. Tent sites at Big Country and Woodlands at Lake Stickney offer more secluded experiences, with one camper noting that "the sites were secluded from one another within a beautiful forest" at Hollyhock Farm.
