Best Camping near Tacoma, WA
Camping near Tacoma, Washington
Camping near Tacoma, Washington, offers a diverse range of experiences, from serene forest settings to beachfront views. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot with plenty of activities or a quiet retreat to connect with nature, the campgrounds around Tacoma have something for everyone. With options for tent camping, RVs, and even glamping, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your camper.
The campgrounds near Tacoma are well-loved for their beautiful scenery, convenient amenities, and proximity to both nature and urban areas. However, it's important to know what to expect before you go. From the bustling Saltwater State Park Campground to the tranquil Penrose Point State Park Campground, each campground has its unique charm and quirks.
What to do
Camping near Tacoma offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water, there's something for everyone.
At Dash Point State Park Campground, you can enjoy several miles of hiking trails and a large beach area. "Love coming here to hike with the dogs and kids. Several miles of hiking trails and chances to see wildlife or catch frogs," says Jesse C. in their review.
For those who enjoy water activities, Penrose Point State Park Campground offers tide pooling on the sand bar and kayaking opportunities. Megan G. mentions in her review, "About 1 mile away is a small lake for fishing where we caught a bunch of little trout (catch and release) with the kids and kayaked around while ospreys dove."
If you're into history, Manchester State Park Campground has historical military buildings to explore. Holly notes in her review, "There are historical military buildings throughout and a beautiful open-air event building overlooking the water."
What campers like
Campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities and beautiful natural settings of the campgrounds near Tacoma. Many sites offer amenities like electric hookups, clean restrooms, and easy access to hiking trails and beaches.
At Belfair State Park Campground, campers enjoy the clean sites and friendly staff. Justin mentions in his review, "Friendly staff, clean sites and facilities, coin-operated showers."
The spacious and well-separated sites at Manchester State Park Campground are a hit with campers. Brennon shares in his review, "The site was clean and well separated from other sites. Beautiful scenery and interesting historic sites."
Campers also appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere at Penrose Point State Park Campground. Megan G. notes in her review, "Our kids were only one of many groups of roving kids so it's a very family-friendly setting."
What you should know
While camping near Tacoma offers many benefits, there are a few things you should be aware of to ensure a pleasant experience. Some campgrounds can be noisy, and certain areas may have issues with theft or rowdy campers.
At Saltwater State Park Campground, campers have noted the noise from nearby air traffic and the lack of privacy between sites. Mark M. mentions in his review, "Planes fly by constantly but if you have noisy neighbors it's kind of nice haha."
Some campers have reported issues with noise and safety at Penrose Point State Park Campground. Lady L. shares in her review, "People don't come here to camp, they come here to party and there is a big difference. Loud partying all night long!"
It's also important to note that some campgrounds, like Saltwater State Park Campground, have been identified as high theft areas. Mark M. mentions in his review, "It's kinda unsettling though seeing signs that it's a high theft area."
Tips for camping with families
Camping with families near Tacoma can be a rewarding experience, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Many campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities and spacious sites.
At Dash Point State Park Campground, families can enjoy hiking trails and a large beach area. Jesse C. mentions in their review, "Great place for families who want to come see the ocean, be close to civilization and feel like you're lost in the woods at the same time."
Penrose Point State Park Campground is another great option for families, with activities like tide pooling and kayaking. Megan G. shares in her review, "A small amphitheater was fun for the kids to put on a show."
For a more relaxed family camping experience, consider Belfair State Park Campground. Becky R. notes in her review, "Camping here was so much fun for my family. The kids spent most days playing in the river or at the beach."
Tips from RVers
RVers will find plenty of options for camping near Tacoma, with many campgrounds offering amenities like electric hookups and sanitary dumps. However, it's important to know what to expect at each site.
At Dash Point State Park Campground, RVers appreciate the convenient amenities. Joe M. mentions in his review, "I appreciate there is electric, sewer, and water. I use this as an overnight point to fill my RV before going off-grid."
Manchester State Park Campground offers well-separated sites and beautiful scenery. Brennon shares in his review, "The site was clean and well separated from other sites. Beautiful scenery and interesting historic sites."
For those looking for a more urban camping experience, Saltwater State Park Campground is a convenient option. Travis P. notes in his review, "Great cell coverage for my T-Mobile plan. ***Commercial jets landing at Sea-Tac fly directly above us at a low altitude and are VERY loud and VERY frequent."
Camping near Tacoma, Washington, offers a variety of experiences for all types of campers. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot, a quiet retreat, or a convenient stopover for your RV, you'll find the perfect campground to suit your needs.
