Camping options near Sultan, Washington include both private campgrounds and RV parks throughout the Skykomish River valley. Located at 200 feet elevation in the western Cascade foothills, the area experiences mild summers with occasional rain and cold, wet winters where snow is possible but not guaranteed. Many campgrounds in the Sultan area offer tree-covered sites that provide shade during summer camping season.
What to do
River fishing access: Thousand Trails Thunderbird in Monroe sits beside the river where camping anglers can easily fish. "Along the river you see fly fishing it's amazing," notes one camper at Thousand Trails Thunderbird.
Hiking trails: Tall Chief Campground provides a convenient base for exploring hiking trails in the Snoqualmie Valley. A visitor explains, "We love Tall Chief because it is super close to a lot of great spots around the Seattle region" and mentions being "close (like 7 min drive) from one of my favorite coffee shops, Aroma Coffee Co."
Day trips to Seattle: Lake Pleasant RV Park in Bothell serves as a practical hub for Seattle exploration. "We stayed at this park on a trip to Seattle. It was only about 30 minutes to downtown, but almost felt like you were out in the country," explains one camper who enjoyed the park's walking trails.
What campers like
Spacious sites: RV sites near Sultan, Washington often feature generous spacing compared to urban parks. "Mostly no sewer. But if you enjoy a little distance between sites without sacrificing camp size line up here," recommends a camper about Thousand Trails Thunderbird.
Clean facilities: Many visitors appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers at Blue Sky RV Park near Issaquah. "The new and clean bathrooms and showers were a real treat after a 2100 mile journey from Texas," shares one reviewer who called the park a "hidden oasis."
Natural surroundings: The forested settings around Sultan campgrounds create a genuine outdoor experience. A Tall Chief camper notes, "It feels like you are deep in the PNW rainforest but you're close to amenities and shopping," highlighting the balance between nature and convenience at Tall Chief Campground.
What you should know
Long-term vs. short-term stays: Several parks have a mix of temporary and semi-permanent residents. "This campground is not ideal if you have dogs. There is not much grass... It was very quiet and clean just not the most attractive campground," reports a visitor at Issaquah Village RV Park.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. At Issaquah Village RV Park, campers note you'll be "camping 200' from I-90" but found "ear plugs did a good job of quieting that noise enough for us to get a good sleep."
Cell service variability: Digital connectivity fluctuates throughout the area. One Tall Chief visitor advises, "Another thing that can be annoying is trying to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees... arrive early so you can drive by all the sites while checking to make sure you have good reception if you need it."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several parks offer recreational facilities for children. "We had a great time, even stayed an extra night! The pool, miniature golf, playground and basketball were great," reports a family staying at Tall Chief Campground.
Easy grocery access: Lake Pleasant RV Park offers convenient shopping nearby. "The park is across the street from a Safeway which was very convenient," notes a camper, making meal planning simpler for families.
Outdoor wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy watching local wildlife at area campgrounds. At Lake Pleasant RV Park, a visitor mentioned they "enjoyed the walking trails, playground for the kids, and watching the resident ducks in the pond," making for engaging nature experiences.
Tips from RVers
Power connections: Check electrical service details when booking RV sites near Sultan. At Cascades RV Resort, a newer facility near Gold Bar, visitors appreciate the "big shower spaces for free" and note its convenient location "about 1 hour from Seattle."
Sewer hookups: Not all parks offer full hookups at individual sites. At Tall Chief, an RVer advises, "No sewer connections which can be a bummer, but the nice bathrooms make up for it" and suggests bringing a portable waste tank: "Bring your dump tote! easy easy easy dump station."
Parking logistics: Some parks have specific setup requirements. An RVer at Blue Sky RV Park found their "pad was paved, level and long enough for Super C and toad," indicating adequate space for large motorhomes with towed vehicles.