The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Tacoma, WA

1,379 Reviews

Tacoma, Washington has several camping spots nearby, with state parks being the main draw. Dash Point State Park Campground sits just a short drive away, with good-sized sites and quick access to both hiking trails and beach areas. Penrose Point State Park Campground lets you camp close to the water, making it easy to fish or take a kayak out. You'll likely see wildlife around both parks, so store your food properly to keep animals away. You should book ahead, particularly in summer when these places get busy fast. During dry weather, fire bans might be in effect, so it's smart to check rules before you go. Most camping areas near Tacoma require permits that you can get online or when you arrive at the park. You can stay up to 14 days at most sites, giving you plenty of time to check out the surrounding area. Tacoma's nearby campgrounds work well as a home base for day trips and outdoor activities.

Map showing campgrounds near Tacoma, WashingtonExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Tacoma, Washington (276)

    1. Dash Point State Park Campground

    72 Reviews
    Federal Way, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    "If you are in Tacoma and dont have a chance to get to the East side or the coast, head to Dash Point."

    "The campground for Dash point State Park is across the highway from the actual park, but offers lots of trails and hiking in and around the ocean and forest."

    2. Penrose Point State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $32 / night

    "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."

    3. Saltwater State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Des Moines, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 661-4956

    $60 / night

    "My family stayed here for a night when we went out to Washington a few months ago. It was a nice little place."

    "Pay showers ($1 for 3 minutes) and clean restroom with air dryer, pet friendly, lots of trails to hike and a beautiful beach area with a playground, seasonal/weekend snack shop, outdoor shower by the beach"

    4. Game Farm Wilderness Campground

    15 Reviews
    Auburn, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 931-3043

    $40 / night

    "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."

    5. Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor

    10 Reviews
    Gig Harbor, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 858-8138

    $57 - $104 / night

    "Close by stores, trails, parks, harbor. Tacoma across bridge (10 minutes - $6.25 toll)."

    "Costco, Home Depot, Albertsons and other shopping close by."

    6. Holiday Park Military - Lewis McChord Base

    7 Reviews
    Spanaway, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 982-5488

    "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. Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord

    7 Reviews
    DuPont, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 967-7744

    $12 - $35 / night

    "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."

    8. Camp Murray Beach

    4 Reviews
    DuPont, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 584-5411

    $8 - $32 / night

    "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."

    9. Joemma Beach State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 884-1944

    $12 / night

    "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."

    10. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

    30 Reviews
    Ravensdale, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    "There is good system of trails, tons of picnic tables along the river, and good river access to the Green rivers.

    Campground is well maintained, clean bathrooms and showers available."

    "It's close proximity to our house allows us to hook up the trailer after work and include a Friday night in our camping weekend!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 276 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Tacoma Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Tacoma, WA

428 Photos of 276 Tacoma Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tacoma, WA

1379 Reviews of 276 Tacoma Campgrounds

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Elkamp Eastcreek

    Beautiful grounds, meticulous maintenance

    There aren’t many campgrounds to which I would award six stars out of five, but Elkamp Eastcreek is certainly one of them. Every square inch is meticulously maintained (and that includes the two spacious and sparkling clean restrooms). The campsites are far enough apart that they feel relatively private, and most appear completely level. Trees abound. Dogs are welcome! 

    You couldn’t ask for more courteous and caring hosts than Tom and Brian. They run a classy gift shop with merchandise that includes art, apparel, books, games, gifts and gear.(Plus firewood, ice and propane.) Brian is also the barista at the KampGrounds espresso wagon, and he makes a fabulous mocha. 

    Eatonville is reasonably close, and the Mill Haus Cider Co. is worth the drive. The food is excellent— order the Basque cheesecake if it’s on the menu that day— and the outdoor patio(with a working waterwheel) is stunning. And, of course, you’re only a few miles from the Nisqually Gate of Mt. Rainier National Park, which needs no introduction. If that’s not enough, Tom and Brian will have additional ideas for you. 

    If you don’t happen to have an RV or a tent, you can rent Elkamp’s Airstream by the night. And while I don’t see a link on the website, there’s also a cabin you can rent. 

    What would improve Elkamp? It would be great to have a dump station. Sewer hookups would be even better. But that’s a small inconvenience in exchange for staying at a gorgeous campground just a short drive from the Seattle metro area. 

    We will definitely be back. Probably every year.

  • Frank B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Ike Kinswa

    Quiet

    One of the nicest State campgrounds. Very clean and quiet.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Mounthaven Resort

    Nice 3 night stay

    This is a great small campground for exploringMt Rainier. We stayed here with friends from Colorado and explored the park and did some great hiking outside of the park. It’s a small mostly quiet campground with around 17 sites and 10 cabins. I would stay again if going to explore the mountain. Very clean showers and restroom building. There is ice available for purchase and firewood if no burn ban. Very enjoyable stay.

  • Zachary H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Small Site but Million $ View!

    Solid spot for capable vehicles

    I drive a 2010 tacoma and made it up the mtn road fine, but it was a little janky in spots. Got to camp around 8pm so the “prime” spot was taken and it was hard to turn around at the top since they had a party of three cars parked, but beautiful views of Rainier and there were a few other pull offs on the road with good views.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord

    Easy

    If you have access, use it. $50 for FHU. The laundry is fine. The bathhouse is big and well maintained. There are two separate buildings with these facilities. I observed Commons#2. The park is kid of tight for my tastes. But the sites are big and separated from your neighbors. Very comfortable and woodsy. Great place.

  • L
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Vasa Park Resort

    Vasa Park Resort

    We have enjoyed our 3 week stay at this little water front event and RV campground. This is in the shore of Lake Samammish, giving access to swim, paddle, picnic. The facilities and grounds are kept clean and well maintained. It been fun watching the buffet groups come in and have their celebrations. Everyone is friendly and kind.

  • F O.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Tinkham Campground

    One night

    Road getting into the campground was horrendous their was alot of road noise but the camp sites were big and clean. And at $32.00 a night with no electric was kind of pricey. The camp host was nice.

  • marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Cougar Rock Group Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    Nice quiet campground

    Well maintained national park campground. Reserve on Recreation.gov. Sites have tables, bear boxes and fire pits. Restrooms have flush toilets and sinks for dishes. Ranger is available at the adjacent ranger station for check in or any other questions.

    Its a dry site - as in no water at the campsites. There is a drinking fountain by the bathroom. The dump station was closed for 2025 season and not sure when or if it will re open.

    Its only $20 in 2025.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Mounthaven Resort

    Like a warm blanket

    First, DO NOT GO PAST THE SIGN where it tells you to stop. If you turn right to the office you will need to back out. We did. The trees are so thick and the spots are separated. It’s wonderful. You have to maneuver your trailer into the spots. The bathhouse is fine with two small “bathrooms”. There is one washer and one dryer at $5 per load. Ouch. There is no real store nearby so have what you need before you get here. WIFI works well; cell service not so much (Verizon). It is beautiful in the woods.

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

Where are the best camping locations near Tacoma, Washington?

Tacoma offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Dash Point State Park Campground is just twenty minutes from the city, featuring trails, beach access, and family-friendly amenities. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Belfair State Park Campground on Hood Canal provides opportunities for clamming and oyster harvesting. Other notable options include Penrose Point State Park for a quieter experience, Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor for RV camping with modern amenities, and the campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park for more adventurous campers seeking mountain views and hiking trails.

What waterfront camping options are available near Tacoma?

The Tacoma area offers diverse waterfront camping experiences. Staircase Campground - Olympic National Park provides riverside sites with excellent water access along the right main loop. The Dalles Campground offers beautiful waterfront settings as well. Other waterfront options include Joemma Beach State Park on Puget Sound with beach access, Kanaskat-Palmer State Park along the Green River, and Dosewallips State Park where the river meets Hood Canal. Most waterfront sites are highly sought after, especially during summer months, so early reservations are recommended. These locations provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and enjoying scenic water views.

When is the best season for camping in the Tacoma area?

Late spring through early fall (May through September) offers the most pleasant camping weather in the Tacoma area. Summer months provide the warmest and driest conditions, making it ideal for enjoying outdoor activities. July and August are peak camping months with the most reliable weather, but also the busiest periods when campgrounds like Silver Springs Campground fill quickly. Fay Bainbridge Park is particularly popular in late July. For fewer crowds, consider the shoulder seasons of late May/June or September when temperatures remain comfortable but reservation competition decreases. Winter camping is possible but requires preparation for cold, wet conditions.

How much do campgrounds in Tacoma typically cost?

Campground prices around Tacoma vary based on amenities and location. State parks like Saltwater State Park Campground typically charge $25-40 per night for standard sites. Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor, an RV resort with full hookups, runs higher at approximately $45-70 depending on the season and site type. Military campgrounds like Holiday Park on Lewis McChord Base offer discounted rates for service members. Primitive camping options in national forests are more affordable at $5-20 per night. Most campgrounds charge additional fees for extra vehicles, and many require a Discover Pass ($10 daily/$30 annual) for day use areas. Reservation fees typically range from $5-10 per booking.

Keep Exploring