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Best Tent Camping near Des Moines, WA

1,121 Reviews

Tent campsites near Des Moines, Washington primarily consist of boat-in and hike-in locations, with Blake Island Marine State Park offering some of the most accessible tent camping options in the area. This state park requires boat transportation to reach its tent sites and provides a mixture of waterfront and forested camping experiences. Green Mountain also offers established tent camping areas with picnic tables and fire pits, though these sites are only open on weekends.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suitable for primitive camping. Blake Island's tent sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets and showers, while Green Mountain provides vault toilets and trash collection but no drinking water. Fire regulations vary significantly by location and season, with summer burn bans common throughout the area. According to one visitor, "Very strict rangers which can be good or bad depending on your preference. Quiet hours are at 10pm which is early for some people." Campers should verify current fire restrictions before planning trips, especially during dry summer months.

The tent camping experience near Des Moines offers unique outdoor opportunities despite limited options. Walk-in tent sites at Blake Island provide peaceful settings with excellent views of Seattle across the water. The island features a 2-mile perimeter trail that showcases views from all sides of the island. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "It is a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle with gorgeous views of the city." Most tent campsites in the region require some planning for access, whether by boat or hiking trail. For campers seeking more remote experiences, backcountry tent camping options can be found at locations like Ipsut Creek in Mount Rainier National Park, accessible only by foot after road closures, approximately 60 miles southeast of Des Moines.

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Best Tent Sites Near Des Moines, Washington (86)

    1. Blake Island Marine State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Manchester, WA
    13 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. Macie's Brook

    1 Review
    Lakebay, WA
    22 miles
    +1 (206) 200-9169

    $15 - $45 / night

    3. Green Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Seabeck, WA
    26 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."

    4. White River Dispersed Camping

    23 Reviews
    Greenwater, WA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 825-6585

    "Right outside the entrance to Mt."

    "If you come here you must leave no trace."

    5. Mowich Lake Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    13 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-2211

    "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."

    6. Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    10 Reviews
    Mount Rainier National Park, WA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-2211

    "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!!"

    7. Hollyhock Farm

    1 Review
    Duvall, WA
    27 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 :-)"

    8. ELKS Beach

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

    $90 - $125 / night

    9. Hope Island Marine State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Shelton, WA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 426-9226

    $12 / night

    "Boat-in sites are first-come, first serve so we did not arrive early enough to snatch the few that are right on the water but nonetheless the ones tucked in the forest were still beautiful and only a few"

    "It is located in the Puget Sound just North of Steamboat Island. It has 2 miles of hiking trails and 8 primitive campsites."

    10. Lena Lake Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lilliwaup, WA
    43 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."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Des Moines, WA

60 Photos of 86 Des Moines Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Des Moines, WA

1121 Reviews of 86 Des Moines Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • April C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2022

    Millersylvania State Park Campground

    Choose your Adventure

    This place had it all; open RV camping, secluded van camping, tree canopy car/tent camping, walk-in camping, and themed safari tent camping, and one cute mini airstream. 

    Lake down the road. Water and electrical hookups, dump station with dump water and fresh water. 

    Restrooms and showers are scattered around. Showers are coin based and there is a machine to turn your dollars into coins.

  • Kier S.
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Lots of space & fairly private

    I’ve spent a couple of nights up here this year and I LOVE this campground. It is large, but there is plenty of separation and the sites seem to offer fairly good privacy and have a good amount of space. 

    I camp in a hammock and there are a lot of sites that offer enough well spaced trees to set up hammocks.  There are nice fire rings at each of the sites, nice tables and firewood is available at the camp site.  I didn't know before I went, but dogs are allowed as long as they are on leashes, BUT they aren't allowed on most trails around the mountain.

    The campground is well situated to get you close to Paradise as well as a ton of hikes nearby. 

    There aren’t any showers, but the bathrooms are clean and have flush toilets.

  • Amanda
    Jul. 20, 2021

    Dragon's Gate Gardens

    A reservable paradise- expansive solitude, out of a picture book

    I just completed my third stay at Dragon's Gate, and I've now stayed in each of the different sections (Moon Meadow, Giant Crystal, Jessie's Camp). Each gives a completely different but wonderous experience, either with open views of flower pastures and woods, or a more insular green surrounded by trees. Each reservable space is massive.... 4-5 times the size of most campsites. While you may reasonably run into other campers within each section if you go for a walk, you won't even know anyone is in the other sections, its so private. Sing at the top of your lungs or let your dog roam, they won't run into anyone. 

    Its just SO pretty. Each campsite is really well maintained- the roads and campsites are mowed, carving into the meadows. There are porta potties and access to drinking water and a great deal on both wood and eggs. Wooden picnic tables are in each site, and a well appointed fire ring. The hosts are really lovely as well, and overly accommodating. The entire site is organic, so they do ask that you participate in their policies of no charcoal usage and leave no trace.

    Tenino itself is a cute little historic town, with a surprisingly well appointed supermarket and hardware store, and on Saturdays there's a farmers market. 

    Mostly, I love how my dog can safely roam, and how, even when I am completely by myself camping, I still feel safe.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2021

    Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Close to amazing hiking

    This is a popular, reservable campground at Mt Rainier. There are 5 loops with A loop and R(Road) loops not reservable. There is a fancy electronic iron ranger at the ranger station(something the rangers want you to use even when they are in their booth and clearly able to handle reservations). I had a nifty little bridge connecting my car and the picnic table to the the tent pad. I also had kids running through the trees and the middle of my campsite from the sites behind me. Most sites had good hammocking trees, and it looked like all had picnic tables. There is an amphitheater in the campground that had a nice draw of campers for the evening program. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained, but no showers. E loop was a no generator zone, which means it was fully booked while I was there. There is a good hike to Carter Falls along the Wonderland Trail, which cuts right through the campground. You are fairly close to Paradise which has more hiking trailheads and a visitor center.

  • marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Cougar Rock Group Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Nice quiet campground

    Well maintained national park campground. Reserve on Recreation.gov. Sites have tables, bear boxes and fire pits. Restrooms have flush toilets and sinks for dishes. Ranger is available at the adjacent ranger station for check in or any other questions.

    Its a dry site - as in no water at the campsites. There is a drinking fountain by the bathroom. The dump station was closed for 2025 season and not sure when or if it will re open.

    Its only $20 in 2025.

  • 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.

Guide to Des Moines

Tent camping options near Des Moines, Washington cluster primarily along the Puget Sound shores and nearby islands. Located in King County at an elevation of just 515 feet, the area experiences mild temperatures ranging from 37°F to 75°F throughout the year, with summer offering the driest camping conditions. Rainfall averages 38 inches annually, creating lush camping environments with abundant evergreen forest cover.

What to do

Hiking accessible trails: White River Dispersed Camping connects to various hiking paths at the edge of Mount Rainier National Park. "The second time was with friends and there were other campers out. I love the view and the sound of the river! Each site is pretty small…maybe enough for 2-3 tents," notes one White River Dispersed Camping visitor.

Island exploration: Blake Island Marine State Park offers a 2-mile perimeter trail that circles the entire island. According to a camper, "Hike the perimeter trail for views all around the island. It's a great place to stay in the summer months and relax," making this Blake Island Marine State Park Campground location a distinctive tent camping experience near Des Moines.

Lake activities: Mowich Lake Campground provides clear water access within Mount Rainier National Park. "Really beautiful and kinda eerie crystal clear lake. You are in the middle of nowhere... Great trails right from site," explains a visitor, highlighting water-based recreation options.

What campers like

Wilderness access: Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground attracts campers seeking quiet hiking routes. "Ipsut Creek Campground is an amazing treasure of Mount Rainier Park, accessible only by bicycle or foot after the road to access washed out a few years ago. For those willing to make the easy 5 mile journey to camp, the rewards are great," shares a visitor to Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground.

Private island beaches: Hope Island Marine State Park offers solitude with limited camping spaces. One camper reports, "We kayaked here from Boston Harbor on a beautiful summer week-end. Boat-in sites are first-come, first serve so we did not arrive early enough to snatch the few that are right on the water but nonetheless the ones tucked in the forest were still beautiful and only a few steps from the water," reflecting the appeal of Hope Island Marine State Park Campground.

Affordable accommodations: Green Mountain provides budget-friendly tent sites within 30 miles of Des Moines. A camper notes, "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. Only open on weekends."

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most tent camping options near Des Moines require preparation for primitive conditions. At Mowich Lake, "You will have to carry your gear up you cannot park next to your site, no fires allowed. Bit of a rough ride to get up there but totally worth it... make sure you have everything you need including water because you will be all by yourself and there is nothing out there."

Access restrictions: Many campsites require boat transportation or hiking to reach. At 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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Des Moines, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Des Moines, WA is Blake Island Marine State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Des Moines, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 86 tent camping locations near Des Moines, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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