Tent camping near Snohomish, Washington occurs primarily in dense coniferous forests with typical elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet. Seasonal temperature fluctuations are moderate with summer highs averaging 75°F and winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Most tent sites in this region are situated on forest duff or compressed soil and feature natural barriers between sites.
What to do
Creekside exploration: Squire Creek Park & Campground offers direct access to a creek beach area perfect for wading during warmer months. "The park is beautifully forested and a trail takes you to Squire Creek where there's a little beach area," notes a camper.
Day hikes: Wallace Falls State Park Campground provides excellent hiking options right from camp. A reviewer mentions, "The hike to Wallace Falls (lower & upper) is moderate & enjoyable. The 'wooded hike' meanders along the Wallace River, which is said to have salmon & steelhead in August."
Foraging opportunities: Summer and fall visitors can gather wild edibles in certain areas. "If camping in July-August, blackberries abound! I picked enough berries to share with my crew. There is nothing better than perfectly ripe blackberries on a camping trip," reports one Wallace Falls camper.
What campers like
Private campsites: Many tent sites feature natural screening between neighbors. A visitor to Hollyhock Farm states, "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!"
Off-season tranquility: Tent camping during shoulder seasons provides a different experience. A camper at Squire Creek Park & Campground reports, "Had the whole park to our selves. Beautiful old growth forest with a river."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds accommodate groups with children. A reviewer of Paine Field Community Park writes, "We visit this park frequently as it is great for the kids. It's clean and has bathrooms available!"
What you should know
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds despite forest settings. A Squire Creek visitor notes, "We had planned on staying two nights but during the early evening of our first night, they came and locked the bathrooms leaving the entire campground with one, well used portable toilet. When we went to bed that night, the sound of trucks and traffic kept us awake most of the night."
Varying bathroom facilities: Restroom availability differs significantly between locations. At Mountain Loop Hway Dispersed Camp, no facilities exist, requiring proper waste disposal techniques. "Easy enough to access right off the mountain loop highway. Meandering sites along the river with good logs for benches and fire rings made from forest rocks," notes a reviewer.
Water access considerations: Not all tent sites provide drinking water. At Hollyhock Farm, water is available but limited. Campers at dispersed sites must bring their own supply, typically 1-2 gallons per person per day.
Tips for camping with families
Safety barriers: Many tent sites lack physical barriers to water features. When camping at Paine Field Community Park, "A great clean safe place in the city and surrounded by trees and nature," but parents should establish clear boundaries for children.
Easy access options: First-time tent campers with children should choose established sites with amenities. Paca Pride Guest Ranch offers a unique experience as one camper notes, "Camped on a yurt tent pad here and it was awesome. Alpacas and other animals. Mellow and fun!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds feature resident wildlife that interest children. At Paca Pride, alpacas and farm animals provide entertainment without requiring hiking or travel from camp.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility challenges: Some tent-friendly campgrounds have limited RV access. A visitor to Tulalip Casino notes, "Great free camping for up to three nights. Just call security (number is on the sign) to register when you arrive. Very nice friendly security staff."
Alternative parking: When designated tent sites are unavailable, some areas permit creative solutions. A Wallace Falls camper shares, "We arrived and only had hammocks to camp in and the two walk up sites did not provides trees to manage our hammocks. Therefore we parked in the parking lot near a tree and strung our hammocks from the tree to the car."
Limited hookups: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Snohomish lack full RV amenities. "This is just a parking lot for you to park your RV while gaming. There is a spot for the animals to wee and that is about it," explains a Tulalip Casino reviewer.
