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Places to Camp near Des Moines, WA

1,177 Reviews

Iowa isn’t always considered when you think of states to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or just a place to spend the night, Des Moines, Iowa has plenty of options.

The best camping near Des Moines is going to be near the Saylorville Lake Project. While any lakefront spot is great, the Bob Shetler Recreation area is popular for tents and RVs. If you’re willing to make a bit of a drive, you’ll find the Red Rock Wildlife Management Area near Hartford, IA. While WMA camping depends on the state, you’re welcome to spend up to 14 consecutive days at your campground when you’re at Red Rock. Kick your feet up and enjoy a lakefront campsite when you’re there.

Best Camping Sites Near Des Moines, WA (252)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Dash Point State Park Campground

    1.

    Dash Point State Park Campground

    63 Reviews
    103 Photos
    370 Saves
    Federal Way, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 / night

  2. Camper-submitted photo from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

    2.

    Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

    25 Reviews
    44 Photos
    401 Saves
    Ravensdale, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 / night

  3. Camper-submitted photo from Dosewallips State Park Campground

    3.

    Dosewallips State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    132 Photos
    255 Saves
    Brinnon, Washington

    Dosewallips State Park, only 60 miles north of Olympia, is the eastern gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. The region is made up of forests, mountains, rivers, beaches and deltas – and surrounded by sound and sea. This freshwater/saltwater park makes a perfect day or weekend trip. It can also serve as a base from which to explore the historic forts and charming small towns to the north, or the first night on a grand road trip around the peninsula.

    The park's moss-carpeted forest and glacial river slope down to a shell-strewn delta on Hood Canal, a delight for clam-diggers, anglers, boaters, birders and beach explorers. The park features riverside campsites, cabins and five-person platform tents.

    Guests may share space with the local elk herds that wander through camp. (Stay back 100 feet, and never offer food.) Bald eagles have been seen on the beach and great blue herons flock to the river.

    The evening may find you grilling up a shellfish dinner and retiring to your cabin or tent, where you'll fall asleep to the sound of the river, enchanted by this lush, green corner of the country.

    PARK FEATURES Dosewallips State Park is a 1,064-acre, year-round camping park with 5 miles of shoreline on Hood Canal and the Dosewallips River. All camp areas are grassy and located in scenic, rustic settings.

    All campsites are on the reservation system. The campground has 37 tent spaces, 58 utility sites, twelve cabins, one dump station, four restrooms (one ADA), and two showers (one ADA). Maximum site length is 40 feet (limited availability). During winter months (November 15 through March 1), the campground is winterized and only sites 21-29 have water. Winter water supply is still available.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $50 / night

  4. Camper-submitted photo from Tinkham Campground

    4.

    Tinkham Campground

    43 Reviews
    66 Photos
    257 Saves
    Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Overview

    Tinkham Campground is located along the South Fork Snoqualmie River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It offers some of the most stunning scenery in Washington's North Cascades, as well as easy access to an abundance of recreational activities.

    Recreation

    The surrounding area is a prime location for hiking, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall. In winter, visitors can take advantage of skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. A handful of hiking trails lie within a short driving distance, making Tinkham an ideal setting for both individual and family camping excursions. The 0.5-mile Tinkham Discovery Trail is an easy, family-friendly nature path. It weaves through fallen, moss-covered trees to a small pond. Children love investigating the insects, wildflowers and fungi along the trail.

    Facilities

    Tinkham Campground offers single-family sites, a few of which are accessible. Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water. No electrical hookups are available.

    Natural Features

    The campground sits alongside the river, in a towering canopy of Douglas fir, cedar and western hemlock, providing abundant shade. Rugged peaks, scenic rivers and abundant wildlife define the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and surrounding designated wilderness areas. On a clear day visitors can see Mt. Baker, which rises to an elevation of 10,781 feet. The active volcano is perpetually snow-capped. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Wildlife in the area ranges from mountain goats in the higher elevations to coyotes and pine martens in the forests. Migratory birds and native fish find ample habitat in the varied ecosystems as well.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242.

    Nearby Attractions

    Mount Rainier National Park is about an hour away. This beautiful park offers fantastic glimpses of glaciers, subalpine ecology and volcanic landscapes. Hiking and scenic driving are the area's most popular activities.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $30 - $32 / night

  5. Camper-submitted photo from Manchester State Park Campground

    5.

    Manchester State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    31 Photos
    208 Saves
    Manchester, Washington

    Manchester State Park is a year-round camping park with stunning views of the Puget Sound and an interesting military history, including the historic Torpedo Warehouse.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
  6. Camper-submitted photo from Penrose Point State Park Campground

    6.

    Penrose Point State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    38 Photos
    302 Saves
    Lakebay, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $32 / night

  7. Camper-submitted photo from Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    7.

    Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    22 Reviews
    80 Photos
    217 Saves
    Carnation, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
  8. Camper-submitted photo from Fay Bainbridge  Park

    8.

    Fay Bainbridge Park

    16 Reviews
    65 Photos
    268 Saves
    Bainbridge Island, Washington

    Fay Bainbridge Park is a 17-acre marine camping park with 1,420 feet of saltwater shoreline on the northeast corner of Bainbridge Island. The park offers sweeping views of Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains and features sandy beaches. On clear days, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker are visible from a sandy beach.

    Due to seasonal high water conditions, restrooms may be closed intermittently throughout the winter. We apologize for any inconvenience. The campground has 14 tent sites at $20.00 per night with a central water location and a portable toilet. We also offer 26 RV sites with water and electricity, with ADA accessible site 17, at $40.00 per night and three cabins at $95.00. There are two restroom facilities, one with showers. Please note that there is no longer a dump station available.

    Notice for Hiker/Biker Campers: Hiker/Biker campsites have moved from the north end of the campground to the south end, adjacent to the kayaker site. The north end of the campground is now for day use only.

    Due to seasonal high water conditions, restrooms may be closed intermittently throughout the winter. We apologize for any inconvenience.

    All RV sites have water and electricity and some will accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet in length. These sites are 11, 12, 13 and 14, these spaces are at a premium and very limited.

    Most campsites can be reserved. Sites and cabins can be reserved online ten days or more in advance of arrival date. Any sites not reserved will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations cannot be made for the Accessible site, or the Hiker/Biker/Kayaker sites. The three Hiker/Biker sites are available for one night only.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $7 - $95 / night

  9. Camper-submitted photo from Saltwater State Park Campground

    9.

    Saltwater State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    19 Photos
    56 Saves
    Des Moines, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $60 / night

  10. 10.

    Tall Chief Campground

    14 Reviews
    51 Photos
    142 Saves
    Fall City, Washington

    Tall Chief RV Resort is located in Fall City, just 25 miles from Seattle and 10 minutes from beautiful Snoqualmie Falls! Book your stay and take part in all that Seattle has to offer including Pike Place Market, local wineries, sporting, cultural events and world-class shopping! Many of Washington State's premier attractions and natural wonders are less than one hour's drive from this RV campground in Seattle! RV campground in Seattle, just minutes from downtown Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Tall Chief RV & Camping Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience. *These activities are open Memorial Day thru Labor Day. Please Bring Your Own Equipment: Guests are welcome to use onsite amenities using their own equipment. Park will not be checking out recreation equipment until further notice.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

Popular Camping Styles near Des Moines

Pet-friendly camping near Des Moines

Recent Reviews In Des Moines

1177 Reviews of 252 Des Moines Campgrounds