Glamping options near University Place provide year-round access to Puget Sound and mountain views. Most sites are within a 45-minute drive radius, with peak season running May through September when temperatures typically range from 70-85°F. Winter camping requires preparation for persistent rain and temperatures that rarely drop below freezing.
What to do
Beachcombing on Hood Canal: At Belfair State Park Campground, visitors can wade in shallow, warmer waters along the Hood Canal shoreline. "The beach was great, water is rather warm for in the sound, it's also pretty shallow which is great for the kids to play in," notes Leah H., highlighting the family-friendly water access.
Wildlife viewing: Dosewallips State Park Campground offers regular elk sightings within the campground itself. According to James and Susan K., "Hiking trails and river access are accessible through the campground and Day Use area," making wildlife observation convenient for all ages.
Mountain access: While staying in the University Place area, campers can reach Mount Rainier National Park within 90 minutes. A camper at Elkamp Eastcreek mentions, "It would be a great base for exploring the south side of Mt. Rainier as it is within minutes of the Nisquilly entrance."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Reviewers frequently mention bathroom quality at glamping sites. Shannon H. says about Elkamp Eastcreek, "Elkamp was very clean with the nicest campground bathrooms we have ever experienced," though notes that "the shower is coin-operated so bring quarters."
Riverside sites: Riverbend Campground offers premium waterfront locations. J explains, "We stayed there on a Thursday right on the river. Super peaceful, great fire pit location, water at the site entrance, portable restrooms away (but close), and best of all right at the river's edge."
Forest settings: Many campgrounds feature old-growth forest surroundings. A camper at Millersylvania State Park Campground described it as a "Nice state forest with old growth. Lots of walking trails and a lake. Many families and kids running free."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping options remain available but with limited services. Christina F. noted at Millersylvania State Park: "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."
Water levels fluctuate: Lake levels can change dramatically based on dam operations. At Alder Lake Park, one camper observed "the dam in Tacoma was partially drained causing a 'low tide' which exposed the dirt and poor beach area... usually when water is at normal level the beach is all sand and water is clean and clear."
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites near University Place require advance booking, particularly waterfront locations. Scott S. advises about Belfair State Park, "The beach loop fills up quickly - get your reservations in as early as possible if you want to camp there."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple glamping facilities offer dedicated children's play areas. At Camp Lakeview, Julia B. reports, "There is a playground next to a volleyball court and basketball court. A small beach with a large dock was available for use during the day as well as a boat launch and fishing dock."
Swimming options: Lakes provide safer swimming than Puget Sound beaches for young children. A visitor to Millersylvania State Park mentioned, "The beach is the main attraction and it is hopping. We went early in the morning and staked a claim and were happy all day. There is a nice shallow area and two large swimming areas."
Site selection matters: Choose campsites strategically based on privacy and bathroom proximity. At Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, Julie M. shares, "Each site seems to have a trail connecting to the outer trail that runs along the river. Big entertainment for three boys who explored the woods and played on the rocks and in the eddy pools."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup information: Several glamping spots offer partial hookups only. Curtis B. observed at Camp Lakeview, "Quiet and beautiful, the dump site is out of commission but was told I could empty tanks at one of the full hookup sites, roads coming in are narrow."
Pull-through site availability: Some parks feature easier access sites. Doug mentioned about Riverbend Campground, "This site does is a back in, but the slab is at a 90 degree angle from the drive. So you will have to back your trailer around a corner if you plan to park it on the slab. Didn't see other sites like this."
Water access varies: Not all sites provide direct water hookups. Jay F. noted about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, "Filled up w/ some fresh water at the dump station, which was clean and well maintained... Our site had a pull-through driveway, 30amp hookup, a fire ring and picnic table."
