Camping Near Tacoma, WA
Are you in need of a campground near Tacoma, WA? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Tacoma. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Camping Sites Near Tacoma, WA (263)
1. Dash Point State Park Campground
Federal Way, Washington65 Reviews•131 Photos•429 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$20 / night
2. Penrose Point State Park Campground
Lakebay, Washington19 Reviews•55 Photos•337 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
$32 / night
3. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
Ravensdale, Washington27 Reviews•46 Photos•462 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$20 / night
4. Dosewallips State Park Campground
Brinnon, Washington44 Reviews•135 Photos•303 SavesDosewallips State Park, only 60 miles north of Olympia, is the eastern gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. The region is made up of forests, mountains, rivers, beaches and deltas – and surrounded by sound and sea. This freshwater/saltwater park makes a perfect day or weekend trip. It can also serve as a base from which to explore the historic forts and charming small towns to the north, or the first night on a grand road trip around the peninsula.
The park's moss-carpeted forest and glacial river slope down to a shell-strewn delta on Hood Canal, a delight for clam-diggers, anglers, boaters, birders and beach explorers. The park features riverside campsites, cabins and five-person platform tents.
Guests may share space with the local elk herds that wander through camp. (Stay back 100 feet, and never offer food.) Bald eagles have been seen on the beach and great blue herons flock to the river.
The evening may find you grilling up a shellfish dinner and retiring to your cabin or tent, where you'll fall asleep to the sound of the river, enchanted by this lush, green corner of the country.
PARK FEATURES Dosewallips State Park is a 1,064-acre, year-round camping park with 5 miles of shoreline on Hood Canal and the Dosewallips River. All camp areas are grassy and located in scenic, rustic settings.
All campsites are on the reservation system. The campground has 37 tent spaces, 58 utility sites, twelve cabins, one dump station, four restrooms (one ADA), and two showers (one ADA). Maximum site length is 40 feet (limited availability). During winter months (November 15 through March 1), the campground is winterized and only sites 21-29 have water. Winter water supply is still available.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$12 - $50 / night
5. Game Farm Wilderness Campground
Auburn, Washington12 Reviews•3 Photos•31 SavesOpen year round, this campground gives campers access to a wilderness area within the Auburn City limits. Bordered on one side by the Stuck River, the park has a wooded, meadow and riverside area. The camping area is designed to accommodate recreation vehicles, trailers and tents. With 18 individual campsites (PDF), there are also water and electricity hookups (30 amps), picnic tables, and a fire pit. There is a shared picnic shelter and an RV dump site for park users. The day camp area is ideal for scouting, church or other group activities.
Reservations start the first working day in January and can be made by calling 253-931-3043 or can be made in person by visiting the Auburn Community & Event Center, 910 9th Street SE during regular office hours. Reservations are accepted in person, mail, fax or phone and must be accompanied with full payment. Cash, Check, Visa or MasterCard are accepted forms of payment.
water not available December 1-February 28
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
$40 / night
6. Millersylvania State Park Campground
Tenino, Washington31 Reviews•88 Photos•272 SavesMillersylvania State Park offers fun for everyone. Spend a summer day splashing in Deep Lake. Gather with friends in an historic kitchen shelter.
Conveniently located between Olympia and Centralia, this large, well-visited park beckons to adults and children alike.
Many of the park structures, including the kitchen shelters, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, making the park a great place to see and admire the hallmark artisanship of that era.
With two swimming beaches, miles of forested hiking and biking trails, watercraft launches, non-motorized watercraft rentals (kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats) and abundant fishing, Millersylvania will keep you busy for a satisfying weekend or an extended outdoor vacation.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$12 - $45 / night
7. Belfair State Park Campground
Belfair, Washington17 Reviews•81 Photos•159 SavesPuget Sound is made of wetlands, pebble beaches, tidal flats, and salmon runs. You will find those features and more at Belfair State Park.
Located on Hood Canal between Shelton and Bremerton, the park's gentle breezes offer ideal conditions for kite-flying, windsurfing and kicking back on a warm summer day. Anglers can choose from fresh and saltwater fishing, and kayakers can push off onto the Cascadia Marine Trail and explore the Puget Sound waterways.
Belfair State Park is a 94-acre, year-round camping park on 3,720 feet of saltwater shoreline at the southern end of Hood Canal in western Washington.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$12 - $50 / night
8. Elkamp Eastcreek
Mineral, Washington35 Reviews•111 Photos•268 SavesElkamp Eastcreek allows visitors a chance to connect with nature and experience the great outdoors. Located near the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, this campground provides easy access to a wide range of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, river rafting, kayaking and wildlife watching. The campsites are nestled among the trees and offer plenty of privacy, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat whether that be in a tent or more luxurious cabin. Elkamp Eastcreek also features modern amenities, including clean restrooms, showers and laundry facilities.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$25 - $40 / night
9. Manchester State Park Campground
Manchester, Washington16 Reviews•29 Photos•229 SavesManchester State Park is a year-round camping park with stunning views of the Puget Sound and an interesting military history, including the historic Torpedo Warehouse.
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
$50 / night
10. Saltwater State Park Campground
Des Moines, Washington12 Reviews•19 Photos•72 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$60 / night
Pet-friendly camping near Tacoma
Dash Point State Park Campground
429 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
$20 / night
Penrose Point State Park Campground
337 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
$32 / night
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
462 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
$20 / night
Dosewallips State Park Campground
303 Saves
Dosewallips State Park, only 60 miles north of Olympia, is the eastern gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. The region is made up of forests, mountains, rivers, beaches and deltas – and surrounded by sound and sea. This freshwater/saltwater park makes a perfect day or weekend trip. It can also serve as a base from which to explore the historic forts and charming small towns to the north, or the first night on a grand road trip around the peninsula.
The park's moss-carpeted forest and glacial river slope down to a shell-strewn delta on Hood Canal, a delight for clam-diggers, anglers, boaters, birders and beach explorers. The park features riverside campsites, cabins and five-person platform tents.
Guests may share space with the local elk herds that wander through camp. (Stay back 100 feet, and never offer food.) Bald eagles have been seen on the beach and great blue herons flock to the river.
The evening may find you grilling up a shellfish dinner and retiring to your cabin or tent, where you'll fall asleep to the sound of the river, enchanted by this lush, green corner of the country.
PARK FEATURES Dosewallips State Park is a 1,064-acre, year-round camping park with 5 miles of shoreline on Hood Canal and the Dosewallips River. All camp areas are grassy and located in scenic, rustic settings.
All campsites are on the reservation system. The campground has 37 tent spaces, 58 utility sites, twelve cabins, one dump station, four restrooms (one ADA), and two showers (one ADA). Maximum site length is 40 feet (limited availability). During winter months (November 15 through March 1), the campground is winterized and only sites 21-29 have water. Winter water supply is still available.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
$12 - $50 / night
Game Farm Wilderness Campground
31 Saves
Open year round, this campground gives campers access to a wilderness area within the Auburn City limits. Bordered on one side by the Stuck River, the park has a wooded, meadow and riverside area. The camping area is designed to accommodate recreation vehicles, trailers and tents. With 18 individual campsites (PDF), there are also water and electricity hookups (30 amps), picnic tables, and a fire pit. There is a shared picnic shelter and an RV dump site for park users. The day camp area is ideal for scouting, church or other group activities.
Reservations start the first working day in January and can be made by calling 253-931-3043 or can be made in person by visiting the Auburn Community & Event Center, 910 9th Street SE during regular office hours. Reservations are accepted in person, mail, fax or phone and must be accompanied with full payment. Cash, Check, Visa or MasterCard are accepted forms of payment.
water not available December 1-February 28
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
$40 / night
Millersylvania State Park Campground
272 Saves
Millersylvania State Park offers fun for everyone. Spend a summer day splashing in Deep Lake. Gather with friends in an historic kitchen shelter.
Conveniently located between Olympia and Centralia, this large, well-visited park beckons to adults and children alike.
Many of the park structures, including the kitchen shelters, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, making the park a great place to see and admire the hallmark artisanship of that era.
With two swimming beaches, miles of forested hiking and biking trails, watercraft launches, non-motorized watercraft rentals (kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats) and abundant fishing, Millersylvania will keep you busy for a satisfying weekend or an extended outdoor vacation.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
$12 - $45 / night
Recent Reviews in Tacoma
1277 Reviews of 263 Tacoma Campgrounds
- JJustin L.
Guide
Scenic Beach State Park Campground
Pretty Great
This was wonderful in terms of a car campground. The sites are all secluded and tucked into the woods. The beach access, though, small offers standard gorgeous PNW views. And the day area was nice to explore. Few other campers but I barely saw them. Enjoyed my stay.
- JJustin L.Guide
Twanoh State Park Campground
No Privacy
The campsites are all cramped together right next to the roadway. There’s no vegetation so you can see just about every site/camper from any site you choose. The beach access across the road is nice - you do have to cross the road. And a pleasant trail meanders through the forest. Can’t imagine coming here during peak season.
- E
Eric P.
Ranger
Manchester State Park Campground
Great camping spot
We decided to check this camp ground out after our friends had stayed there. Nice wooded campground with access to the water. Plenty of opportunities for day hikes and not far from port orchard Washington. Some sites have hookups and others are dry camping. Most spots are level. The shower house restrooms are very clean . Firewood is available for purchase.
- JJustin L.Guide
Penrose Point State Park Campground
Pretty Nice
I thought it was quaint. Only one other camper, which is always nice. I don’t think I’d camp here peak season due to the potential congestion. Trails were pleasant as were the shoreside views of the Sound.
- JJustin L.Guide
Dash Point State Park Campground
Only If You’re Desperate
Went over night on 12/9. There were only a few other campers, which is always nice. Can’t imagine camping here in peak season. Rangers circled frequently. Walk to the beach has housing complexes in view.
Nicholas G.Guide
FS-2292 Dispersed
There was a ton of dispersed sites on this FR
The road was a little rough but my suv made it fine. No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view.
- Christina F.Guide
Millersylvania State Park Campground
Chilly Thanksgiving
After months of trying to get reservations for this popular campground, we finally got one for Thanksgiving weekend! The park is on their winter schedule so only sites 1-7 and 226-248 were open. It made for a nice, quiet weekend even though the open sites were 80% full. We had a pull-through site right across from the dumpster, bathrooms, and camp host. We had decent service for Verizon. There are ample trails throughout the park including a lovely trail along the lake, which is not far from the campground. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because our site had a huge mud puddle from the road going to the power and water hook-up. The thin layer of mud on the pavement made things quite slick as I was trying to get leveling blocks down.
Amber G.
Traveler
Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419
Amazing
Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night. It’s December so of course it’s a bit cold at night and I’d recommend at least AWD to get up here. Will be back.
Jenny D.Traveler
Sasquatch Farm
Weekend Getaway
We were warmly greeted by Fank and Amy. They took us around the farm and showed us the animals. We have a 38-foot trailer and had plenty of room to back in. At the end of the day, soaking in the hot tub was the best! Thank you, Frank and Amy, for being excellent hosts! We will be back!
- TTricia O.Traveler
Middle Fork Campground
Quick Escape
Glad they reopened this campground - it’s a nice quick escape from the city with plenty of accessible / semi accessible trails nearby. Sites are pretty basic, but have a bear locker.
Minecraft A.
Scout
Game Farm Wilderness Campground
Game Farm Wilderness Campground
Game Farm Wilderness Campground is like a real-life Minecraft experience. Just like building and exploring in Minecraft for PC, you can craft your perfect outdoor adventure here, surrounded by nature, and enjoy endless fun and exploration. For More Info: https://www.minecraftapks.com/minecraft-for-pc/
Abrianna M.Traveler
Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
Average campground
Close to lots of hikes and views. A little bit of road noise but not much. Very busy but that’s to be expected at mt rainier. Clean bathrooms and easy check in.
- GGarrett B.Guide
Ranger Creek Airstrip Dispersed
Great spot, plenty of room for Big Rigs
This is my favorite dispersed site so far. Plenty of room for larger rigs, very close to a river and lots of woods to explore nearby. Close enough to Mt. Rainier NP and nearby towns for supplies. Vault toilets if needed, and the airstrip was only used twice in the 4 nights we stayed, i think (heard one mid-day, and saw another late morning).
There is a single-lane bridge when turning in that could be tricky for a motorhome that is towing, but not enough traffic to cause us any issues getting in. For larger rigs - take the second left (at a Y-intersection, and then keep to the left and you won't have any trouble getting in. Going to the right at the Y takes you to an area that big rigs might have trouble finding spots or turning around, but still doable.
- Abrianna M.Traveler
South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
Beautiful but creepy
Nice area by a creek, very peaceful and quiet during the day, a ton of people around and lots of passerby’s. As soon as it got dark, someone decided to sneak around my campsite with a flashlight and stand outside my tent for some time. Packed up quick and zoomed out of there, very uncomfortable and would not recommend for solo campers.
- bbrandon W.Guide
NF-2419 Dispersed Site
Nice free boondocking between Port Angeles and Forks
Not a bad find that doesn't require any permit of any kind which was great! Would stay here again I pitched a tent which was nice and found a spot right by the river.
Samuel H.Guide
Fall Creek Campground
Neat Spot
You are supposed to have a Washington State Discovery pass to stay here, also they want you to fill out self registration once you arrive, fyi there are no pens onsite to do so.
This was a nice spot to stay the night, clean, nice picnic tables and fire pits, one pit toilet.
Laura M.
Legend
Silver Springs Sno Park
Good for an Overnight
Large gravel parking area just outside the border of Mt Ranier NP that’s right off the highway, easy to access in our RV, just have to go slow over the potholes. Zero cell reception for ATT and the Verizon phone was very weak/ practically unusable.
There was an abandoned (ticketed) falling apart trailer, and another trailer camping there. The stay limit here is 14 days, though to me this is more a place if you need a place for the night, rather than a destination.
It’s on the way to Crystal Springs Resort area, which we did not check out.
Brandon K.Guide
Fay Bainbridge Park
Puget Sound visit
Good place for families that looks to be kept really clean. The spaces are packed in fairly tight with no dividing barriers of trees. Campsite 10 looks to be the best as it has a little canopy tree and is in the corner without obstruction for a view of the Puget Sound. Water and electric hookup, picnic table, fire pit at each site with additional bathroom with a shower for the grounds. There is a ship playground for the kids and beach volleyball court. It is nestled back through an area of homes that back up to sites 1-8.
Frank B.Traveler
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
Quiet Park
Really liked the park. Everything was good about it. The only thing for me was that we have a rv, and there is electrical hookups but no water hookups.
- TTitti R.Scout
Schafer State Park Campground
Great little place by the river
Just about 10 miles north of highway 12 near Elma. Got a great site right by the river. Nice toilets & showers (in old building so was pleasantly surprised!) wifi by information center, cell coverage limited (1 bar t-mobile with Weboost)
James B.Ranger
Meadow Landing on Forest Road 7200
Beautiful morning view of Mount Rainier
Our daughter told us about this place. You have to climb up a narrow gravel road to get here. A drive leads out to a flat area with a fire pit It was raining when we pulled in, so views were limited. In the clear morning, we got a beautiful view of Mount Rainier. We got decent Starlink signal with a bar of Verizon. Spot would be perfect except prior campers left toilet paper around a bush.
Natalie B.Traveler
Middle Waddell Campground
Nice spot
Discover pass required. Host on site. Paved pads. Some pull thru.
- Nikki R.Guide
Lake Pleasant RV Park
Sweet spot just out of the city
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.
We did not use the bathrooms, but enjoyed the walking trails, playground for the kids, and watching the resident ducks in the pond.
Daniel W.GuideSouth Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
Tinkham camping
Very cool spot with new generation trees growing out of old generation stumps, close to river for water, very popular spot so found a lot of trash but loved the sites and hiking trails nearby
Zarek A.Guide
Elkamp Eastcreek
Best. Spot. Ever.
Went here for a social event and had a blast. Big sites with lovely paths between, wonderful shop with firewood available at any hour (just square up when the place is actually open), clean plumbed bathrooms and a coin operated shower at $0.50/minute. There’s a beautiful meadow, a creek, huge trees. The owners are incredibly friendly and the place is very dog friendly.
- KKris M.Scout
Thousand Trails Chehalis
Awesome stay
Extended our stay because there was so much to do for the kiddos. Staff here are amazing and fellow campers a delight.
Josh S.Traveler
White River Dispersed Camping
Could be beautiful
We intended to stay a week, left after 4 days. Could be a beautiful place if not for people.
Pros:
Open space, plenty of room Beautiful View Near the parkCons:
Crowded, even mid week we had close neighbors
Party spot, loud people with loud music
Dirty, we picked up an entire garbage bag of trash just in the spot we were at. Much more in the rest of the area.
Road noise, you're literally right off the road
River is nice, but it's a glacial run off so it's definitely not a swimming area (dirty)
Road in is super rough
Again, overall it could be a nice place. We stayed Wednesday through Saturday after labor day. So not "peak" season and the place was absolutely trashed. Feces, TP, beer cans and bottles, food trash, even car parts litter the area. We did a clean up but barely made a dent.
The first night was quiet and then some locals came and you could tell it was a party area. Loud music, dogs off leash, close neighbors.
We ended up leaving Saturday because it just wasn't enjoyable.
Guide to Tacoma
Camping near Tacoma, WA, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds, like Dash Point State Park Campground, have trails where you can hike and spot wildlife. One visitor mentioned, "Several miles of hiking trails and chances to see wildlife or catch frogs."
- Beach Access: Campgrounds such as Dosewallips State Park Campground provide access to beautiful beaches. A reviewer noted, "The beach itself is fairly large with plenty of space to stretch out."
- Fishing and Kayaking: At Penrose Point State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One camper shared, "We caught a bunch of little trout (catch and release) with the kids and kayaked around."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Alder Lake Park said, "The bathrooms are very nice. They charge a nominal fee for the showers but they have great water pressure and hot water."
- Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. A family at Belfair State Park Campground shared, "They got us into an emergency spot... they even checked on us each day to make sure everything was going well."
- Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A reviewer at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park mentioned, "The campground is nice and clean... the sites afford good privacy between sites."
What you should know:
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at Potlatch State Park Campground noted, "The sites are dramatically close, so there is little to no privacy if it was busy."
- Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at Millersylvania State Park Campground advised, "Probably need to reserve far in advance."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Fay Bainbridge Park mentioned, "The campground was loud... the toilet for the campground was out of order."
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and open spaces. A family at Dosewallips State Park Campground said, "There are lots of families -- meaning, kids running around and riding bikes."
- Safety First: Choose sites that are away from busy roads. A camper at Millersylvania State Park Campground warned about a site that was "downwind of the dump station and dumpsters."
- Pack for Rain: The weather can be unpredictable, so bring rain gear. A visitor at Alder Lake Park noted, "It rained a couple of nights but being surrounded by huge trees made it really cozy."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park mentioned, "The campground is in two loops: one with electric hookups and one without."
- Use Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Potlatch State Park Campground appreciated having "water, power AND its own sewer hook up."
- Plan for Limited Cell Service: Some areas may have poor reception. A camper at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park noted, "Surprisingly we had zero cell coverage."
Camping near Tacoma, WA, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Tacoma, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Tacoma, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 263 campgrounds and RV parks near Tacoma, WA and 27 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Tacoma, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tacoma, WA is Dash Point State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 65 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tacoma, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 free dispersed camping spots near Tacoma, WA.
What parks are near Tacoma, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Tacoma, WA that allow camping, notably Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Forest.