Emmi O.
Guide
GuideKanaskat-Palmer State Park
Good place to stay overnight
We spent one night here. Short walk to the riverside.
Camping near Steilacoom, WA
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Steilacoom, Washington offers diverse camping opportunities, with state parks and military recreation areas providing the majority of campgrounds in the area. Camping near Steilacoom spans forested campsites with beach access to waterfront sites along Puget Sound, accommodating both tent and RV camping with varying levels of hookups. Dash Point State Park, located 15 miles north in Federal Way, offers forested campsites with beach access, while Penrose Point State Park on the Key Peninsula provides waterfront camping with views of Puget Sound. Military personnel have access to specialized facilities at Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Holiday Park and Camp Murray Beach. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of hookups and amenities. The proximity to both urban areas and natural settings creates a distinctive camping landscape where convenience and natural beauty coexist.
Washington State Parks in the region typically require a Discover Pass for day use, which costs approximately $30 annually. Most campgrounds operate year-round, though some like Joemma Beach State Park maintain seasonal schedules from March through October. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Weather conditions remain mild but wet during winter months, with summer bringing drier, warmer camping conditions. As one camper noted about Dash Point State Park, "The campground itself is tucked into a beautiful, forested area with plenty of trees and privacy between sites. It was quiet at night and bathrooms were clean." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage can vary by carrier and specific location.
Campers consistently highlight the contrast between urban proximity and natural settings as a defining feature of the Steilacoom area. Sites along waterways receive particularly positive reviews, with many visitors appreciating the ability to access beaches and shorelines. A reviewer of Dash Point mentioned, "Civilization is only about 15 minutes away. There's a grocery store, takeout options, and even coffee if you're feeling soft." Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those near highways or major thoroughfares. Privacy between sites varies significantly across campgrounds, with state parks generally offering more separation than private RV parks. Facilities are typically well-maintained, with most state parks providing clean restrooms, showers, and basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
Best Campgrounds near Steilacoom (284)
1. Dash Point State Park Campground
"Firstly, I just have to say what a positive and amazing experience I had at this campground. The volunteers were friendly, kind and absolutely awesome to interact with."
"The campground itself is tucked into a beautiful, forested area with plenty of trees and privacy between sites. Ours had a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table."
from $23 - $80 / night
Check Availability2. Penrose Point State Park Campground
"Pros: group camp is very close to beach front area, GREAT CLAMMING AND OYSTERING!"
"Penrose Point State Park is a great place close to Seattle to go camping in a small or large group. It's tent or camper friendly with plenty of spots for busier seasons."
from $12 - $72 / night
Check Availability3. Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord
"Very friendly next to the lake plenty of things to do walking, biking, hiking, fishing, Military museums, not to far off of I-5. Full hookups laundry shower facilities. Cabins too."
"Unfortunately the restrooms right next to our site were closed so it was a slight walk to the nearest restroom. Restrooms were heated and well taken care of."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability4. Joemma Beach State Park Campground
"We arrived little later around 6 p.m. And being such a nice day there were only few sites left."
"Conveniently located right next to the bathroom with an area for parking two vehicles. I have AT&T and had good service in this spot."
from $12 / night
Check Availability5. Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor
"Close by stores, trails, parks, harbor. Tacoma across bridge (10 minutes - $6.25 toll)."
"Costco, Home Depot, Albertsons and other shopping close by."
from $57 - $104 / night
Check Availability6. Holiday Park Military - Lewis McChord Base
"Excellent location for those with military access to the base - active duty, retired or family. 30/50 amp hookups. Beautiful views of American Lake. Pet friendly."
"It is in the wilderness, on the lake, but it is also fairly close to stores and gas stations. Long term max is 28 days per spot."
7. Riverbend Campground
"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."
"We needed something close to the city, but didn’t want to feel like we were in the city, this fit the bill. People are very friendly and accommodating. The park is really clean."
8. Camp Murray Beach
"Need to reserve your site online with the JBLM MWR or go to the adventure center building nearby on base. Nice access to American Lake and fishing nearby as well."
"This is a great spot on American Lake to camp with many sites on the waterfront. I would highly recommend this location to eligible military ID Card holders."
from $8 - $32 / night
Check Availability9. Millersylvania State Park Campground
"This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking, pathways and even a lake."
"This is a beautiful park located on Deep Lake just outside of Olympia. The park itself is huge offering lots of options for campers. "
from $12 - $140 / night
Check Availability10. Lakebay Getaway
"The location is great, so close to the water, Penrose and other peninsula activities."
"Great location if you want to relax and take long walks at nearby state parks and beaches. Robyn is a spectacular host who was great to communicate with. We will be coming back."
from $50 / night
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Drive Time
- 22 min from Olympia, WA
- 35 min from Bremerton, WA
- 45 min from Seattle, WA
- 1 hr 24 min from Longview, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Steilacoom, WA
377 Photos of 284 Steilacoom Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Steilacoom, WA
1385 Reviews of 284 Steilacoom Campgrounds
- SSam B.
ScoutAlder Lake Campground
Nice not during holiday weekends
Labor Day weekend was nearly packed full, plus visiting friends and family. It was almost too busy. But after everyone left, it was a lot more peaceful and quiet. Many walking paths for walks (people or with a dog). I wish speakers were actually not allowed. Headphones or ear buds is a more considerate way to listen to music while in close proximity to others.
- AAmandaScout
Forest Road 7300 Pull-Off
Someone trashed the site and left used toilet paper everywhere
We left someone left trash everywhere
- LLori R.Guide
Schafer State Park Campground
One of Our Favorite Stays Yet: Riverside Calm at Schafer State Park
One of our favorite stays so far. Schafer State Park has everything you actually want in a campground: flush toilets, hot showers, potable water, and hookups if you need them. The hiking is excellent for how compact the park is—easy, mossy forest loops and river-edge paths that feel much bigger than two miles. The park is split into two worlds: the older West Campground and a newer East side (about three years old). We chose the “old” side for its first-come, first-served sites. They felt private and spacious, with the East Fork Satsop River running right behind us. Kids’ laughter and happy dogs mixed with the sound of the water—this place is very family- and dog-oriented in the best way. We loved it. We were honestly surprised sites were still available over Labor Day weekend. We’ll definitely be back
Alex R.GuideMossyrock Park
I’m not sure how to feel
This park has so much potential. Sites are a decent size with OK spacing, no site has sewer and the line at the dump site gets pretty long on the weekends so plan accordingly. There’s is no true access point to the lake but many walking trails from other campers. No, designated swim area if you are into that sort of stuff. A place where this park shines is the park for kids, it’s well kept (as long as campers pick up after their kids). Bathrooms were a little messy but again, this is mostly due to campers….
This park is pretty big but easy to get around. We stayed at main campground B and it has a lot of sites that are mostly in shade. They have a lot of trees but none messed with backing up or trailer height issues. Overall I don’t think I would book here again unless I needed a last minute spot.
- LLori R.Guide
Falls View Campground
Quiet forest camping at Falls View — spacious Site 12, a steep river hike, and Highway 101 for a soundtrack
Falls View Campground is a small, primitive U.S. Forest Service campground in Olympic National Forest, about 3.5 miles south of Quilcene on Highway 101. We spent two quiet nights here and had the place mostly to ourselves. That emptiness is the tradeoff: no potable water (the campground is under redesign), vault toilets only, no hookups, and first-come, first-served sites. If you want flush toilets and a water spigot, this is not it. If you want tall timber, a river below you, and room to breathe, it works. We stayed in Site 12, one of the newer spots. It was spacious, with good privacy from the next site and easy pull-through options for a van. Picnic table, fire ring, and enough gravel pad to park without a scramble. The campground map notes that Sites 1, 2, 3, and 9 are small and limited to car/truck campers; 12 felt like a different category. Payment is cashless. You can occupy a site, then either scan the QR code with the Recreation.gov app or drive about three miles north to the fee machine at Quilcene Ranger Station (295142 US-101). Official rate is $10 per night for a single site, plus $5 for an extra vehicle. Display the receipt on the site post. The Falls View Canyon Trail starts in the campground and drops to the Big Quilcene River. It is not an easy stroll. What goes down must come up, and the climb is steep — switchbacks, stairs in places, and enough grade to make you notice. The payoff is the river: mossy basalt, clear water, and that classic Olympic Peninsula green. There is also a shorter loop to a viewpoint of the waterfall plunging toward the river. Bring water; there is none at the campground. Highway 101 is close enough that you hear traffic. It did not ruin the stay for us, but light sleepers or people hunting total silence should know that going in. Pets must be leashed. Season is roughly May through September. Bottom line: Cheap, quiet, and pretty if you are self-contained and okay with vault toilets and a steep hike. Site 12 was a winner. Pack your own water and expect the highway
- JJude B.Scout
View Disperesed Camping
Beautiful road side spot on a cliff
Very rough and narrow road that follows a cliff face. 4wd not needed but sedan or mid sized truck would be most practical. Go past the marker just a little bit and there is good sized pullouts with fire rings.
- JJennifer M.
TravelerOlympia Campground
Very quiet and great people!
I stayed there for one night on my way back to Seattle, and it was perfect for what I needed. Very quiet back there. The people were all super nice and accommodating. They had a dump site, restrooms outside and heated restrooms attached to the office area. I really loved that two of the permanent residents would do security at night as well. Being a woman and traveling alone, that made me feel very safe. Highly recommend this place!
Lyle M.ScoutDispersed Camping FS-025
Great quiet spot
Nice spot off the road if you dont need any hookups with Great wake up scenery
Down a little one width track which is quite rugged but managed in a van with no major issue and space to spin round even if a little tight
Private property markers on trees/gates to look out for on the way down
Guide to Steilacoom
Camping near Steilacoom offers access to both freshwater and saltwater environments within short driving distances. Most campgrounds in this region of Pierce County operate on seasonal schedules, with peak season running April through September when rainfall averages under 2 inches per month. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures averaging 35-45°F with occasional freezing conditions from November through February.
What to do
Waterfront exploration: At Penrose Point State Park Campground, visitors can access shorelines and coves. "Views are rolling wooded hills, with some shorelines to explore. It's not the most exceptional park in this area if you're looking for classic PNW experiences, but it is a great camping site if you just want to take your boat out," notes Harry H.
Hiking trails: The forested setting at Millersylvania State Park Campground provides numerous trail options for day hikes. "There are ample trails throughout the park including a lovely trail along the lake, which is not far from the campground," reports Christina F. Another camper mentioned, "Lots of walking trails and a lake. Many families and kids running free."
Fishing opportunities: American Lake at Lewis North Travel Camp provides fishing access for military ID holders. "Great place! Very friendly next to the lake plenty of things to do walking, biking, hiking, fishing," notes TTFischer. The nearby rivers also offer seasonal fishing options with proper licensing.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention site separation at Dash Point State Park Campground. "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," according to Brittany D. Another camper noted, "I was impressed by how spread apart the sites were, I think they could have fit another in between each of them!"
Clean facilities: Facility maintenance receives consistent positive reviews. At Joemma Beach State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the upkeep: "Overall, the sites were nice and well maintained with park staff out daily looking for litter," reports Austin R. Another camper mentioned the "Clean facilities as well!"
Proximity to urban amenities: The contrast between natural settings and nearby services is valued. "Civilization is only about 15 minutes away. There's a grocery store, takeout options, and even coffee if you're feeling soft," says one camper. Another mentions being "Close to I-5" and having "Very nice access to the sound & creek."
What you should know
Military-only facilities: Several campgrounds near Steilacoom restrict access to military personnel. Camp Murray Beach serves military ID holders with specific amenities. "This review is for the JBLM Travel camp that is not listed on this map. This is a great spot on American Lake to camp with many sites on the waterfront. I would highly recommend this location to eligible military ID Card holders," advises Robert K.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer. Millersylvania State Park often fills completely: "After months of trying to get reservations for this popular campground, we finally got one for Thanksgiving weekend!" reports Christina F.
Discovery Pass requirement: Washington State Parks require either a daily ($10) or annual ($30) Discover Pass for vehicle access. "There were signs posted upon entry saying a Discover Pass is required. I wasn't sure if that applied to campers too, but I already had one and didn't want to ruin my weekend trying to interpret Washington State Parks signage," notes one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Shallow swimming areas provide safe recreation for children at several parks. At Millersylvania, "The beach is the main attraction and it is hopping. We went early in the morning and staked a claim and were happy all day. There is a nice shallow area and two large swimming areas as well as a fishing dock. The lake is small and great for letting kids go out in kayaks or other boats," explains Ellen T.
Junior Ranger programs: State parks offer educational activities for children. At Penrose Point State Park Campground, "The grounds, including bathrooms, were well maintained and the kids enjoyed taking part in the junior ranger program. Our family camps often, and Penrose stands out as one of our top experiences," shares Sarah H.
Group camping options: For family reunions or larger gatherings, designated group areas offer more space. "We stayed in the group camp and I can highly recommend it. It had it's own bathrooms. It was set back in the woods with tons of places for tents. The shelter was large and had water and power," notes Ellen T.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Full-service RV sites are limited at state parks but available at private campgrounds. "Full hookups available, showers are older but clean. Need to buy tokens for the shower," notes Kate B. about Dash Point State Park.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide dump stations even when sites lack sewer hookups. "The site had water and electrical, but no sewer connections. They do have a nice dump station," explains Doug about Riverbend Campground.
Site dimensions: RV sites vary significantly in size and angle. At Riverbend Campground, "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. Didn't see other sites like this," explains Doug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping in Steilacoom, WA?
Where can I find camping in Steilacoom, WA?
While Steilacoom itself doesn't have campgrounds within town limits, several excellent options are nearby. Dash Point State Park Campground offers clean, beautifully laid-out campsites about 15 minutes north of Steilacoom with friendly staff and volunteers. For military families, Holiday Park Military - Lewis McChord Base provides convenient camping just minutes from Steilacoom. Other nearby options include Penrose Point State Park and Joemma Beach State Park on the Key Peninsula, both within 45 minutes of Steilacoom and offering waterfront camping experiences.
What parks in Steilacoom offer camping facilities?
What parks in Steilacoom offer camping facilities?
Steilacoom's parks don't offer camping directly within town limits, but several parks in the surrounding area provide excellent camping facilities. Penrose Point State Park Campground is located near Lakebay, offering boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with reservable sites, water, and toilets. Another nearby option is Joemma Beach State Park Campground, which features drive-in and walk-in campsites with water and toilet facilities. Both are within a reasonable drive from Steilacoom and provide beautiful waterfront camping experiences.
What family-friendly activities are available while camping in Steilacoom?
What family-friendly activities are available while camping in Steilacoom?
Families camping near Steilacoom can enjoy numerous kid-friendly activities. At Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park, families will find clean, quiet campsites with plenty of activities in the immediate vicinity, including riverside exploration and hiking trails suitable for children. Dosewallips State Park Campground offers well-maintained grounds with easy access to hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, perfect for family outings. In the Steilacoom area itself, families can enjoy beach activities at Sunnyside Beach Park, visit the Steilacoom Historical Museum, or take the ferry to Anderson Island for additional outdoor adventures.
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