Spanaway area campgrounds offer outdoor experiences within an hour of urban centers. Many locations remain accessible year-round with seasonal weather patterns creating different camping conditions between May through September versus fall and winter months. Water restrictions typically apply during summer at most facilities.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: At Riverbend Campground visitors have direct access to river recreation areas. "We stayed there on a Thursday right on the river. Super peaceful, great fire pit location, water at the site entrance, portable restrooms away (but close), and best of all right at the river's edge," noted a recent visitor. Fishing spots along the river provide opportunities for anglers throughout the camping season.
Beach swimming areas: Alder Lake Park features a designated swimming beach with summer lifeguards. "The park is large with a play ground and beach area. My kids enjoyed playing in the sand and watching deer from our campsite," according to a visitor. The swimming area includes roped sections for different water depths and shore access.
Trail hiking networks: Trail systems at Elkamp Eastcreek connect camping areas to natural attractions. "Beautiful weather and close escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Clean facilities as well!" Water paths and walking trails provide connections between campsites and natural features throughout the property. Most trails remain accessible year-round with varying conditions based on seasonal rainfall.
What campers like
Private site spacing: Dash Point State Park Campground receives positive reviews for separation between campsites. "This campground is remarkable in the privacy between each of the camping spots, the bird life, the wild and deep forest vibes, and the walking trails," reports one camper. Sites feature natural vegetation barriers with tree cover at most locations.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high at multiple locations, with Kanaskat-Palmer State Park noted for bathroom cleanliness. "Beautiful, clean campground. Short hike to river spots that are perfect for wading or fishing. 10 minute drive from Deep Lake which is beautiful and great for swimming and paddle boarding," states one review. Bathrooms typically include shower facilities with varying fee structures.
Proximity to town: Many campsites near Spanaway provide quick access to supplies. "I spent a weekend tent camping at Dash Point State Park, and honestly, it was a great time even though I completely failed to plan any meals. Thankfully, civilization is only about 15 minutes away. There's a grocery store, takeout options, and even coffee if you're feeling soft." Most campgrounds maintain 15-30 minute driving distances to retail services.
What you should know
Site reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking through online reservation systems with limited walk-up availability. "We got lucky and snagged the very last spot here on a Saturday in late September. It's a beautiful campground, very peaceful, other campers were quiet and respectful," noted one visitor at Kanaskat-Palmer. Reservations typically open 6-9 months in advance with peak summer weekends filling quickly.
Seasonal facility limitations: Shower access varies by location and season, with some campgrounds reducing services during off-peak months. "The bathrooms were always clean. There's designated dish washing station (though there's no spout right now) and potable water station," mentioned a camper at Elkamp Eastcreek. Water systems at many campgrounds operate with limited capacity during freezing conditions.
Noise considerations: Traffic and transportation noise affects some camping areas. "This is a cute campground, especially if you don't want to be too far from the city. I was impressed by how spread apart the sites were," notes one visitor at Dash Point State Park. Highway sounds remain most noticeable at sites closest to roadways, with interior sites typically offering more buffer from noise.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: South Prairie Creek RV Park offers recreational facilities for children. "We stayed at site number C10 A in our tent with our children. It was a larger site that sits next to the small creek. It was very pleasant and quiet. The bath house isn't too far and was usually well stocked and clean. There is a playground next to a volleyball court and basketball court," reports one family camper. Most playgrounds remain accessible during daylight hours year-round.
Water recreation options: Swimming areas provide structured water access at several locations. "The beach is a short walk from camp, just long enough to make you feel like you earned your sunset view, but not so long that you regret your life choices," noted a Dash Point camper. Designated swimming zones typically operate with reduced hours during shoulder seasons and close during winter months.
Multiple bathrooms: Facility access becomes important with children, as noted in reviews. "It has 6 very clean individual (one person) bathrooms with a shower in each," mentions a Kanaskat-Palmer visitor. Campgrounds typically maintain central bathrooms with additional vault toilets or portable facilities throughout the camping areas, though winter operations may consolidate to fewer facilities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electrical connections differ between parks, with Millersylvania State Park Campground offering specific options. "We had a pull-through site right across from the dumpster, bathrooms, and camp host. We had decent service for Verizon," notes a recent visitor. Most campgrounds provide 30-amp service with limited 50-amp availability.
Dump station access: On-site dump facilities operate with varying hours. "Campsites in the RV loop were spaced out enough with vegetation between them so as to provide some privacy. Our site had a pull-through driveway, 30amp hookup, a fire ring and picnic table," reports a Kanaskat-Palmer camper. Some parks charge additional fees for dump station use by non-camping vehicles.
Levelness considerations: Site grading affects setup requirements at several campgrounds. "We got site 106 which was the furthest one out, it was right along the river. The site has a concrete slab and fit our Jayco 174BH perfectly. This site does is a back in, but the slab is at a 90 degree angle from the drive. So you will have to back your trailer around a corner if you plan to park it on the slab," explains a Riverbend Campground visitor. Advance planning for leveling equipment remains necessary at most locations.
