Jason H.
Guide
GuideLena Lake Campground
Great spot
A nice 3.5 miles ish hike from the parking area to campground. The campsites offers fire rings and has plenty of amazing views of the lake. Don’t forget to pack everything out and leave no trace.
Tent Camping near Union, WA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Several dispersed tent camping options exist in the Olympic National Forest near Union, Washington, with free sites available along Forest Service roads. NF-2419 Dispersed Site offers primitive tent camping with fire rings and several pull-offs along a gravel road. Lena Lake Campground provides backcountry tent sites accessible via a 3.5-mile hiking trail, while FS-2292 Dispersed camping offers secluded ridge-line tent sites with panoramic views.
Most dispersed tent sites lack basic amenities. No drinking water is available at NF-2419 or FS-2292 dispersed areas, requiring campers to pack in all water needs. Fire rings exist at many locations, but fire bans may be in effect seasonally. Vault toilets are only available at Lena Lake and a few established campgrounds. Road conditions vary significantly, with some forest roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. Cell service is limited or non-existent in most areas, particularly at the more remote dispersed sites like FS-2292.
The tent camping experience varies by location. Lena Lake Campground offers scenic lakeside tent sites but can become crowded on summer weekends. For more seclusion, the FS-2292 dispersed area provides ridge-line camping with exceptional views and minimal crowds. NF-2419 sites are conveniently accessible but experience varied traffic patterns. A recent review noted that NF-2419 "is a very busy road at all hours. 2 or 3 cars drive by all day and all through the night." For those seeking true isolation, a camper at FS-2292 shared, "Every time I camp here I don't run into anyone. You're camping on the Ridgeline so it can be a bit windy." Walk-in tent sites at Hope Island Marine State Park offer a boat-access alternative with more amenities, including vault toilets and picnic tables.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Union (85)
1. NF-2419 Dispersed Site
"Had a blast coming up the mountain with the family , found a few great spots that we pinned for later that are unmarked with fire rings. Not many other campers' sites are well dispersed ."
"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."
2. Aldrich Lake
3. Lena Lake Campground
"The campsites offers fire rings and has plenty of amazing views of the lake. Don’t forget to pack everything out and leave no trace."
"This is a hike-in campground down a 3.5 mile trail. It sees heavy use from locals on the weekend. There was plenty of room during the week when I was there."
from $5 / night
Check Availability4. Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping
"We camped near Vance Creek trailhead to do the Olympic Bridges bike ride the next morning. Since this is a national forest, dispersed camping is allowed."
5. Malaney Creek Farm
"gated entry and showed us our spot. they gave us a quick run down of the place and let us be. our spot was the Trillium site which has a few hundred foot hike from where you park your car and the portable toilet"
from $29 - $185 / night
6. Hope Island Marine State Park Campground
"Boat-in sites are first-come, first serve so we did not arrive early enough to snatch the few that are right on the water but nonetheless the ones tucked in the forest were still beautiful and only a few"
"It is located in the Puget Sound just North of Steamboat Island. It has 2 miles of hiking trails and 8 primitive campsites."
from $12 / night
Check Availability7. FS-2292 Dispersed
"Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don’t run into anyone. You’re camping on the Ridgeline so it can be a bit windy."
"Pretty quiet and only saw 6 vehicles drive by. Lots of bugs."
8. Graves Creek Campground — Olympic National Park
"First, the creek is clear and provides a peaceful white noise for falling asleep. I was in campsite #1 which is next to the creek, with easy-ish access."
"This campground is one our favorites close by spots."
9. Macie's Brook
from $15 - $45 / night
Check Availability10. Upper Lena Lake — Olympic National Park
"This was my first backpacking trip. It was brootal but way beyond worth the exhaustion. Watch out for bees! Be prepared to climb! Provides bear wire to hang your food at night."
"We went in mid June and hit snow about 1 mike past Lena Lake. We continued another mile crossing several downed trees and snow patches before deciding to turn back."
Drive Time
- 33 min from Bremerton, WA
- 34 min from Olympia, WA
- 1 hr 29 min from Seattle, WA
- 2 hrs 23 min from Mount Vernon, WA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Union, WA
45 Photos of 85 Union Campgrounds
Tj J.
Malaney Creek Farm
Sam S.
Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping
Trevor M.
NF-2419 Dispersed Site
Cari L.
Macie's Brook
Paula G.
Upper Lena Lake — Olympic National Park
Joshua L.
Camp Pleasant — Olympic National Park
Joseph
Elkhorn Campground
Ryan L.
Enchanted Valley — Olympic National Park
The Dyrt
Dosewallips Campground (walk-in Only) — Olympic National Park
Lauren E.
O'Neil Creek Campground — Olympic National Park
Jr And Jade S.
Graves Creek Campground — Olympic National Park
Denise C.
Courter Country Farm
Tent Camping Reviews near Union, WA
895 Reviews of 85 Union Campgrounds
Tj J.
ScoutMalaney Creek Farm
Great Private Camping Getaway
arrived at the farm and were greeted by the owners. they got on their quads and led us down a private road through a super nice cedar gated entry and showed us our spot. they gave us a quick run down of the place and let us be. our spot was the Trillium site which has a few hundred foot hike from where you park your car and the portable toilet. the site was pretty cool and very secluded. it had a fire ring with some sawn cedar benches, a pile of firewood and a giant old spool for a table. we threw our marmot up and took a closer look. there is a camp box with info, instant coffee, guides to area sight seeing and food along with a log book to write about your stay. there were also some cool led lighting which was great at night. fire ban was on but they put a big candle on the grate of the fire pit so we had something. we kicked around on the trails which look like they are used by horses and motorcycles but not heavily. some interesting plants in the area. they were working on a new trail that is supposed to eventually lead out to the lake but it wasnt complete yet. however it was covered with wood chips and had a hand cut cedar bridge built on it. you gotta see it. sounds like they are constantly evolving the farm looked like a lot of things in the works. definitely will come back for more time here. night time got spooky with coyotes howling in the distance but the morning there were so many birds chirping and singing you couldnt hear yourself think! oh we found a corn hole game in an open area that they have several picnic tables staged at.
Art S.
LegendLena Lake Campground
Lena Lake campground
This is a hike-in campground down a 3.5 mile trail. It sees heavy use from locals on the weekend. There was plenty of room during the week when I was there. Lena Lake is quiet and serene and the perfect place to sit on a log and journal. Other people walked around the edge of the lake but care must be taken as it's a bit rugged. Follow the leave no trace principles and this place will be one to return to again for yourself and others.
- April C.Guide
Millersylvania State Park Campground
Choose your Adventure
This place had it all; open RV camping, secluded van camping, tree canopy car/tent camping, walk-in camping, and themed safari tent camping, and one cute mini airstream.
Lake down the road. Water and electrical hookups, dump station with dump water and fresh water.
Restrooms and showers are scattered around. Showers are coin based and there is a machine to turn your dollars into coins.
- Amanda
TravelerDragon's Gate Gardens
A reservable paradise- expansive solitude, out of a picture book
I just completed my third stay at Dragon's Gate, and I've now stayed in each of the different sections (Moon Meadow, Giant Crystal, Jessie's Camp). Each gives a completely different but wonderous experience, either with open views of flower pastures and woods, or a more insular green surrounded by trees. Each reservable space is massive.... 4-5 times the size of most campsites. While you may reasonably run into other campers within each section if you go for a walk, you won't even know anyone is in the other sections, its so private. Sing at the top of your lungs or let your dog roam, they won't run into anyone.
Its just SO pretty. Each campsite is really well maintained- the roads and campsites are mowed, carving into the meadows. There are porta potties and access to drinking water and a great deal on both wood and eggs. Wooden picnic tables are in each site, and a well appointed fire ring. The hosts are really lovely as well, and overly accommodating. The entire site is organic, so they do ask that you participate in their policies of no charcoal usage and leave no trace.
Tenino itself is a cute little historic town, with a surprisingly well appointed supermarket and hardware store, and on Saturdays there's a farmers market.
Mostly, I love how my dog can safely roam, and how, even when I am completely by myself camping, I still feel safe.
Amy & Stu B.LegendDosewallips State Park Campground
Gorgeous location
This campground is right next to a state park. It’s also very close to a river and lots of woods. We stayed here to see Olympic national park, (I wouldn’t recommend this location to travel to Olympic every day, it was very far.)
The amenities were nice, bathrooms with warm water (one shower per bathroom.)
No laundry, no Wi-Fi and both Verizon and AT&T worked with about one bar.
The sites were level spacious and had a fire ring and picnic table at each. We chose the full hookup option. Firewood could be purchased through the camp host.
The best part about this day was the surrounding area. Every night, my husband and I would walk to the wildlife viewing platform to see lots of birds, or walk down by the river and see lots of elk and bald eagles.
Jess G.LegendMiddle Waddell Campground
LEDlenser MH2 Headlamp at Middle Waddell Campground
Campground
Fairly large campground, free as long as you have a discover pass! Close to town yet still secluded in the woods. Tons of trails for hiking, horses and dirt bikes! Plenty of sites for trailers and tents. Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and water hook ups. The camp host even had free bottled water for guest if needed. There was a creek near by with people panning for gold which was interesting!
Product Review
Being a ranger I get to test some products from time to time! Today's product is the LEDlenser MH2 Headlamp!
This headlamp is very impressive! Certainly the brightest light I have ever explored with. It comes in a very nice package with a charging cord, two different colored lens attachments, a carrying pouch and a battery. My only complaint is that the headlamp itself doesn't fit very well in the carrying pouch but I made it work! It was also a little heavy and I had to adjust the strap to fit my head more often then I would have preferred. The brightness of the light made up for the flaws completely!
- ddebraTraveler
Coho Campground
Great rural campground
Coho campground is a forested campground overlooking a large alpine lake. Lots of old growth forest, birds and squirrels live in the campground. The sites are large with a paved drive that can accommodate several vehicles and trailers. Large picnic tables and a fire pit on each site with an area for tents. No electric, water or sewer on the site. There are several flush toilets that are well kept. Bathrooms have an electrical outlet if you need to charge something. Faucets with drinking water. No showers. No cell service and starlink doesn’t work due to trees. Nearest gas station and stores about 35 minutes away. There is a boat ramp and a nice lake for kayaking. Several trails around the lake and campground.
Thomas B.LegendBelfair State Park Campground
On the shores of Hood Canal
This campground is located on the northern side of Hood Canal and offers some great views of the water. About half the sites are in the woods, although they are all pretty close together. Some of the larger sites, including the RV sites, are right next to the beach, and you can set up chairs and have a beautiful view. These sites have little, if any, vegetation to provide privacy. A mid-week visit in early May found lots of sites open. The grounds and bathrooms are clean and well-maintained. There is a lot of open lawn, especially in the day use area, which would be great in the busy summer months. You need a Discover Pass for day use. These are required at pretty much all county and state campgrounds in Washington State. Right now they cost $30 per year. There is one Washington Water Trails site available for people arriving by human-powered boats (kayaks). It's first-come, first-served, with a picnic table and fire ring.
Guide to Union
Tent camping near Union, Washington offers multiple forest service road options with varying elevations from 800 to 2,500 feet. The Olympic National Forest dispersed sites typically remain accessible from late April through October, though higher elevation spots can experience snow as late as June. Summer temperatures range from 55°F at night to 75°F during day, with coastal fog common in morning hours.
What to do
Wildlife watching at dawn/dusk: Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping sites provide excellent viewing opportunities. "We camped near Vance Creek trailhead to do the Olympic Bridges bike ride the next morning. Since this is a national forest, dispersed camping is allowed," notes one camper who spotted wildlife during early hours.
Fishing at nearby streams: NF-2419 Dispersed Site offers access to small streams. "Had a blast coming up the mountain with the family, found a few great spots that we pinned for later that are unmarked with fire rings," reports Trevor M., who enjoyed fishing with his family.
Hiking to viewpoints: FS-2292 Dispersed offers ridge access to panoramic views. "East of the campsite there is a walking trail that takes you to an overlook, perfect for watching the sunrise," shares Danielle S., highlighting the value of early morning hikes.
Swimming in alpine lakes: Upper Lena Lake requires significant effort but rewards swimmers with clear waters. "This was my first backpacking trip. It was brootal but way beyond worth the exhaustion," writes Jess G. about the challenging hike to reach the swimming spot.
What campers like
Solitude and space: Campers consistently report low traffic at certain dispersed sites. "Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don't run into anyone," reports a camper about FS-2292, noting the isolation factor even during peak season.
Cell service in select areas: NF-2419 Dispersed Site sometimes offers unexpected connectivity. "Nice spots, but most are right near the road so it's busy. Most spots are only good for an overnight. But it was beautiful and I had 4g on my Tmobile," notes goose10091203.
Wildlife encounters: Forest camping provides natural interactions with local fauna. Trevor M. shares, "Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories," describing a special moment at NF-2419.
Riverside camping options: Several sites provide water access for cooling off. "I pitched a tent which was nice and found a spot right by the river," reports brandon W. about NF-2419, highlighting the appeal of streamside tent camping near Union.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many forest service roads require appropriate vehicles. "The road was a little rough but my SUV made it fine," reports Nicholas G. about accessing FS-2292, where high clearance is beneficial.
Limited water sources: Lena Lake Campground requires planning for water needs. "Great hiking trails. The road and campground can experience washouts certain times of the year. Very clean, natural, mossy green campground," notes Jenna W., though no mention of water availability.
Traffic patterns differ by location: Some forest roads see more vehicle activity than expected. "This is a gravel road through the National Forest with a bunch of pull-offs where you can camp. It was nothing special but very quiet and peaceful other than one or two cars that passed by," reports Suzie K. about Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping.
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Check current regulations before planning campfires. "Great view. Pretty quiet and only saw 6 vehicles drive by. Lots of bugs," mentions Lisa G. about FS-2292, but campers must verify fire allowances before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites for amenities: Hope Island Marine State Park Campground offers more family-friendly facilities. "A lovely boat-in campground on Hope Island Marine State Park. Several vault toilets throughout the campground, picnic tables on the water, beaches, hiking trails," reports Emma A.
Wildlife education opportunities: Forest camping provides natural teaching moments. Trevor M. found NF-2419 perfect for wildlife lessons: "Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories. Definitely recommend going."
Consider accessibility needs: Factor in hiking distances when planning with children. "A gorgeous 3.5 mile hike through a forest, plenty of places to rest or to pull over and take pictures," notes Camiren R. about the trail to Lena Lake, emphasizing rest opportunities important for young hikers.
Plan for weather changes: Mountain areas experience rapid temperature shifts. "No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view," shares Nicholas G. about camping at FS-2292, highlighting unexpected weather even in summer.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations on forest roads: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller rigs only. "My 2011 Ford Flex made it up no problem," notes Trevor M. about NF-2419, suggesting small to mid-sized vehicles can access these areas while larger RVs cannot.
Limited turnaround space: Graves Creek Campground requires planning for vehicle positioning. "No trailers and RVs are allowed out here due to the narrow gravel roads and small spaces. Its a bit away from the lake but nice," explains Jr And Jade S., highlighting important access restrictions.
Pack in all supplies: No services exist at dispersed sites. "Bring in water and plenty of fire wood. Happy camping!" advises Trevor M. about NF-2419, emphasizing the need for complete self-sufficiency when tent camping in this region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Union, WA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Union, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Union, WA is NF-2419 Dispersed Site with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Union, WA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Union, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 85 tent camping locations near Union, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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