RV sites near Tacoma, Washington typically offer varied terrain with elevations ranging from sea level to 500 feet, creating drainage challenges during the region's 40+ inches of annual rainfall. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round despite seasonal precipitation, with many facilities implementing gravel pads to mitigate muddy conditions. Camping options within a 50-mile radius of Tacoma provide diverse settings from urban-adjacent to more secluded forest locations.
What to do
Waterfront access: Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor provides convenient access to nearby water recreation. "Waterfront is right down the street. Costco, Home Depot, Albertsons and other shopping close by," notes camper Jacob P., highlighting the balance between natural settings and conveniences.
Trail exploration: The Burke Gilman trail provides hiking opportunities directly accessible from Issaquah Village RV Park. One camper mentions, "It's in the heart of Issaquah and close to every kind of service, shopping and even nature you could want," making it a practical base camp for outdoor activities.
Miniature golf: Family activities abound at Tall Chief Campground where amenities include on-site recreation. A visitor points out, "The pool, miniature golf, playground and basketball were great," providing multiple entertainment options without leaving the grounds.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the well-maintained restrooms at Tall Chief Campground. "Bathrooms are usually found to be immaculate. The main bathrooms have a great 'spa' feeling to their design and make you feel like you are glamping," one reviewer shared, noting the unexpected luxury.
Helpful staff: Many Tacoma-area RV parks maintain attentive service teams. At Cove RV Park & Country Store, guests specifically mentioned personal attention: "Mike and the ladies in the office just great people, very helpful and friendly," and another noted, "Great location for hiking or boating in the Hood Canal area, a great store, and fantastic and friendly management."
Site spacing: Several campgrounds offer roomier sites than typically expected. Richard D. observed at Tall Chief Campground: "Great camp site for all sizes. Mostly no sewer. But if you enjoy a little distance between sites without sacrificing camp size line up here."
What you should know
Cell reception variability: At Tall Chief Campground, mobile connectivity depends heavily on exact site location. "Another thing that can be annoying is trying to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees... I'm getting 120+ mbs download on AT&T in my site right now, but several sites down from me, it can dwindle down to 5mbs!"
Power limitations: Some RV parks near Tacoma have electrical infrastructure challenges. At Enumclaw Expo Center RV Park, one camper described their setup as "Water and Electric (50 amp) only. There are several dump stations nearby," noting the need to plan for alternative waste disposal.
Age restrictions: Some facilities limit RV access based on vehicle age. A visitor to Enumclaw Expo Center RV Park noted, "It looks really nice but they don't allow drop-ins or vehicles older than 20 yrs," indicating their policy against RVs manufactured before 2003.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Angle Lake RV Park offers water recreation options particularly suited for children. The facility features "Beautiful lake" access according to Jennifer H., making it an attractive option for families seeking water activities.
Playground availability: When traveling with children, note that not all parks offer play equipment. At Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor, a camper pointed out the park is "Pet friendly, but not many attractions for children (no playground, no pool)," requiring parents to plan alternative activities.
Urban exploration opportunities: Families interested in combining camping with city attractions benefit from strategically located parks. One Angle Lake RV Park visitor explained it's "Close to the airport if you need to leave your RV for a bit and fly out," highlighting its potential as a base for broader regional exploration.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: RV campers should prepare for terrain variations at certain parks. Marque W. notes that Enumclaw Expo Center RV Park sits "at the base of Mt. Rainier" and offers a "Nice older park" with specific hookup configurations that require planning.
Extension cord requirements: Some RV parks near Tacoma have unusual utility placements. At South Prairie Creek RV Park, hookups can be challenging, with one camper describing "all connections are in the back so imagine hooking up at a parking lot at the concrete stoppers. Sewer and electric, make sure you got enough tubes and extensions."
Long-term options: For extended stays near Tacoma, Washington Land Yacht Harbor offers competitive weekly rates. A regular visitor called it "my go to place" and noted, "This is a great and affordable place to stay while in town. Staff is friendly. RV sites offer full hookups. WiFi is not the best but does work."
