Top Tent Camping near University Place, WA

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near University Place? Find the best information on tent camping near University Place, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. From remote to easy-to-reach, these University Place campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near University Place, WA (84)

    Camper-submitted photo from Macie's Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Macie's Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Macie's Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Macie's Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Macie's Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Macie's Brook

    1. Macie's Brook

    1 Review
    26 Photos
    6 Saves

    A Beautiful quarter acre residence on Carr Inlet.. backed by Penrose pointe State Park...

    There are three spacious campsites below this beautiful quarter acre property in which to camp.

    Macie's Brook has tenting only.. as you will park your vehicle at the top of the property and hike a short distance down to the tent sites.

    This minimal amenity camp experience... Will prepare you for a little survival off grid..

    These campsites are 100 ft above the beach line on high Bank waterfront property.

    There is one trail currently down to the beach ask the owner for details..

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $15 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Mowich Lake Campground - Mount Rainier National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mowich Lake Campground - Mount Rainier National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mowich Lake Campground - Mount Rainier National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mowich Lake Campground - Mount Rainier National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mowich Lake Campground - Mount Rainier National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Mowich Lake Campground - Mount Rainier National Park

    2. Mowich Lake Campground - Mount Rainier National Park

    13 Reviews
    39 Photos
    98 Saves

    The campground at Mowich Lake is the smallest of the four camping areas within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park. The road is unpaved after the first three miles and may be rough. Also, this is a walk-in campground only and fires are not allowed. With all that said, however, it just may be the most pristine and beautiful place to pitch a tent you’ll ever come across, with one of the most magnificent views of the mountain that you’ll find anywhere.

    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hope Island State Park

    3. Hope Island State Park

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    96 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Showers

    $12 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Blake Island State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Blake Island State Park

    4. Blake Island State Park

    3 Reviews
    2 Photos
    86 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $12 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground

    5. Ipsut Creek Backcountry Campground

    10 Reviews
    15 Photos
    93 Saves

    Tents only. Backcountry camping permits are available from the Carbon River Ranger Station (360) 829-9639.

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Lena Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lena Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lena Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lena Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lena Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lena Lake Campground

    6. Lena Lake Campground

    10 Reviews
    30 Photos
    140 Saves

    This heavily used walk-in campground is accessed by hiking 3.5 miles on Lena Lake Trail #810. This backcountry primitive camping area is located along the west-shore of Lena Lake a large 55 acre lake in the Hamma Hamma drainage at 1,800 feet elevation. There are two pit toilets available on the west and north shores. Camp in designated sites located on either side of the lake. This area is heavily impacted by high visitor use! Campers must be familiar with Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, camp within developed sites, and respect other visitors. From the campground there is access to The Brothers Wilderness via The Brothers Trail #821 which ends at The Brothers Base Camp. Wilderness regulations apply within The Brothers Wilderness. View a Lena Lake Campground vicinity map (.pdf)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol

    $5 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Malaney Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Malaney Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Malaney Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Malaney Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Malaney Creek Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from Malaney Creek Farm

    7. Malaney Creek Farm

    1 Review
    7 Photos
    29 Saves

    A family owned conservation farm that is open for trail use, camping, horse boarding and more!​ MCF is only available for primitive camping. Conservation is the primary goal at the farm so there will be no hook ups, no roads, no water. Pack it in and pack it out. No open fires are allowed so bring your backpackers stove and enjoy nature. Mountain biking and hiking to your campsite is encouraged! Click on an image below to find out more!​​

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from The Healing Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from The Healing Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from The Healing Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from The Healing Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from The Healing Farm
    Camper-submitted photo from The Healing Farm

    8. The Healing Farm

    1 Review
    50 Photos
    39 Saves

    10 acres of natural forest on a working farm

    Learn more about this land:

    Come enjoy your stay with farm animals!

    Pitch your tent wherever you would like in the forest.

    We let you choose anywhere you feel is right so make sure to walk around right when you get here to feel out your special spot!

    We have chickens, turkeys, goats, livestock guardian dogs, alpacas, rabbits, barn cats, ponies, a llama, and two pigs! So much fun and entertainment!

    If you want to give the animals treats just ask us if its okay first and we should be able to give you some treats to give them or you can bring your own. All the animals are super friendly and love all the campers!

    Enjoy some quiet time in nature and with all the animals. You can walk into the goat pens, pig pen and hang out with the chickens and turkeys at anytime, just remember to shut the gates after! Be aware of hot wire fences.

    We encourage to just sit and hang out with the animals and be in the present moment. Animals are very healing.

    Whether you are looking to find some quiet time under the trees in nature, hang out with farm animals, socialize with other campers, relax around a fire, this space is suited for many kinds of healing.

    We are about an hour from Mount Rainier National Park, only an hour and a half from Seattle and the Olympia Farmers Market is only 30 minutes away!

    We are happy to share our space with others!

    -Jason and Kat

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available

    $60 / night

    • No image available

      9. Deschutes River Ranch (Day Use Only)

      1 Review
      7 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Campground

      10. Rocky Point Campground

      4 Reviews
      9 Photos
      52 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
    Showing results 1-10 of 84 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews In University Place

    988 Reviews of 84 University Place Campgrounds


    • Abrianna M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
      Oct. 5, 2024

      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.

    • bThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-2419 Dispersed Site
      Oct. 5, 2024

      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.
      Camper-submitted photo from Fall Creek Campground
      Oct. 3, 2024

      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.

    • Brandon K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Fay Bainbridge  Park
      Sep. 30, 2024

      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.

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Schafer State Park
      Sep. 27, 2024

      Schafer State Park

      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Landing on Forest Road 7200
      Sep. 26, 2024

      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.

    • Zarek A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Elkamp Eastcreek
      Sep. 14, 2024

      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.

    • Jonathan H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Game Farm Wilderness Campground
      Sep. 7, 2024

      Game Farm Wilderness Campground

      Arrived just a few min too late...

      This looked like a pretty good campground. I could see open tenting spots from the road, even! But I was unable to get in early in the evening with nowhere else to go. Too strict!

    • Sue O.
      Camper-submitted photo from Travel Inn Resort
      Sep. 5, 2024

      Travel Inn Resort

      Guide

      Travel Inn RV Resort offers a welcoming and convenient option for travelers seeking a comfortable stay. Located in a serene environment, this resort provides essential amenities such as full hookups, clean restrooms, and recreational facilities. Whether you're looking for a short getaway or an extended stay, Travel Inn RV Resort ensures a pleasant experience with its friendly staff and well-maintained grounds. For those planning a trip and needing to sort out documentation like an NBI clearance, it's essential to schedule an NBI online appointment for renewal for clearance in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. By doing so, travelers can focus on enjoying their stay at the resort, knowing their paperwork is in order.

    • Kevin W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Riffe Lake Campground
      Sep. 5, 2024

      Riffe Lake Campground

      Riffe Lake RV/Tent Camping

      They have several back-in spots, some with partial hookups and some with full hookups. Most of the spots are well-shaded from the trees. A specific area is designated for tents only, and some cabins can also be rented. It was a 5-minute walk downhill to reach the lake, which had a very long and nice boat ramp deep enough to accommodate just about any boat. Regarding cell service, I got 3 bars of LTE with my iPhone. Overall, it was a nice, quiet, shady place to visit, and I will definitely be back.

    • B
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
      Sep. 3, 2024

      NF-52 Dispersed Camping

      Beautiful views but semi busy road

      Got here around sunset. Looks like some good camping spots to walk into. Beautiful view of Rainier. There was a little bit of traffic but nothing crazy. Would stay here again.

    • BMRTV
      Camper-submitted photo from Carbon River
      Sep. 1, 2024

      Carbon River

      Tons of places to camp, can be a party spo5

      I came on a Friday so i could get up early to go hiking. I put up my hammock around 7pm, nobody's else there. Around 9-11pm a few people including a 5th wheel arrived and spent a bunch of time moving that around. They ran their generator, lights and music until 2:30am. My bad for coming on a Friday. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise and spent time on the bridge taking photos before riding up the gravel road up to the Summit Lake hike.

      Lots of spots along the road which I'll utilize next time to avoid the party :)

    • Holbrook P.
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 31, 2024

      NF-52 Dispersed Camping

      Amazing Spot Outside of Rainier

      We found an awesome walk in spot a little bit earlier on on the forest road before these actual coordinates. While we didn't have the comfota of our car parked right next to us, we had spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, easy access down to the river, and a fire pit. Unreal spot about 10-15 drive to the entrance of the park. Paved road all the way.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-52 Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 22, 2024

      NF-52 Dispersed Camping

      Easy to find

      It was a pretty good stay, it was easy to find a spot. We just pulled over and set up a tent. A little buggy and it’s not a super special spot to camp but it was a nice stay.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Camp Lakeview
      Aug. 15, 2024

      Camp Lakeview

      Awesome place!

      I came for my birthday and had a great time. Staff was so friendly and helpful, and the place was clean. They have a little store in case you forget something and firewood that’s way cheaper than buying elsewhere. People were fishing, paddle boarding and swimming. I would absolutely go stay there again!

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dosewallips State Park
      Aug. 12, 2024

      Dosewallips State Park

      Well-Kept State Park Campground

      I spent three nights (arrived Monday, departed Thursday) at this lovely campground about an hour from my house.  The grounds are well-maintained with easy access to some hiking trails that are easy to moderate in difficulty. (If I were in better shape without 50+ years of knee problems, I'd rate all the trails as easy.)

      The campsites are a short walk to the Dosewallips River, which is shallow and not very fast this time of year. It's a longer walk to the Hood Canal itself.

      You're not going to have a private, quiet, pristine wilderness experience here. US 101 runs through the park next to the campground, and the logging trucks can be quite loud. There are lots of families -- meaning, kids running around and riding bikes -- and the campsites are close to one another without any privacy. But, highway traffic is pretty much nonexistent in the evening and night and the entire camp was pretty quiet by 9 pm every evening.

      The camp is arranged in a bunch of loops. The first and last sites in each loop are preferable because of all the open space between the site and the road. The last site -- in my case, No. 20 -- is the best with an RV because the trailer will provide privacy from the adjacent campsite and there's a big space to other sites. (See the attached photo.)

      T-Mobile was 2 bars of 4G LTE reception. I have a Pepwave cellular modem in my trailer and had virtually no problem streaming shows.

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cove RV Park & Country Store
      Aug. 9, 2024

      Cove RV Park & Country Store

      Great Customer Service

      Mike and the ladies in the office just great people, very helpful and friendly

      Small park, a little road noise but nothing that bothered us, will stay here again.

      Had full hook up, everything worked as it should.

      The store has a good stock of stuff.

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Belfair State Park
      Aug. 5, 2024

      Belfair State Park

      Bad Situation Turned Out Terrific!

      We arrived at 10pm with 2 exhausted kids and someone had sniped our site! We went to the Campground Host and not only did they get us into an emergency spot (which was actually better) they gave my kiddos each a little toy. They even checked on us each day to make sure everything was going well in the new site.

    • Tia A.
      Camper-submitted photo from South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
      Aug. 1, 2024

      South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site

      Little pocket of peace.

      A lit if the spots are on the smaller side, so we had a bit of trouble finding one that could fit our motorhome, but it was worth it. The place is beautiful. Super dark at night, and besides the sound from the interstate and cars driving up and down, it's quite. Even with the noise, it's peaceful and perfect for a little getaway. We have Verizon and have decent service, even with crappy weather.

    • Danielle S.
      Camper-submitted photo from FS-2292 Dispersed
      Jul. 27, 2024

      FS-2292 Dispersed

      Epic views

      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. East of the campsite there is a walking trail that takes you to an overlook, perfect for watching the sunrise.



    Guide to University Place

    Camping near University Place, Washington, 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 options to explore.

    What to do:

    • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds, like Dash Point State Park Campground, have miles of trails. One visitor mentioned, "Love coming here to hike with the dogs and kids," highlighting the area's family-friendly nature.
    • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at places like Dosewallips State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The beach itself is fairly large with plenty of space to stretch out."
    • Fishing and Kayaking: Alder Lake Park is perfect for fishing and kayaking. One camper shared, "A lovely lake is within a short walk and has a playground, a designated swim area and a large dock."

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Millersylvania State Park Campground said, "Super clean bathrooms and showers."
    • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park mentioned, "The campground is nice and clean... the sites are level and are a mix of back-in and pull-through."
    • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Belfair State Park Campground are great for families. One camper noted, "The kids spent most days playing in the river or at the beach."

    What you should know:

    • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during peak times. A visitor at Penrose Point State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground was kind of noisy and loud."
    • Limited Privacy: Campsites can be close together. A camper at Alder Lake Park noted, "The campsites in the main loop are much too close together and lack sufficient isolation via greenery."
    • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly. A reviewer at Dosewallips State Park Campground advised, "Probably need to reserve far in advance."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Elkamp Eastcreek, where one reviewer said, "The meadow is a perfect spot to walk your dog (or kid), have an evening cocktail, or star gaze."
    • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A camper at Fay Bainbridge Park mentioned, "Lots of space to fly kites and walk."
    • Pack Snacks: Keep kids happy with snacks on hand. A visitor at Millersylvania State Park Campground appreciated the nearby cafe and ice cream shop during summer.

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park noted, "We have a 32 ft 5th wheel and were in spot 1 (pull-through)."
    • Use Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Dash Point State Park Campground. One camper said, "I appreciate there is electric, sewer and water."
    • Stay Connected: Check cell service availability. A visitor at Dosewallips State Park Campground mentioned, "T-Mobile was 2 bars of 4G LTE reception."

    For those seeking the Best Camping near University Place, WA, these campgrounds offer a variety of experiences that cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near University Place, WA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near University Place, WA is Macie's Brook with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near University Place, WA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 84 tent camping locations near University Place, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.