Best Tent Camping near Vashon, WA
Tent campsites near Vashon, Washington range from boat-accessible marine parks to forested island retreats, with multiple primitive options for backcountry tent camping. Blake Island Marine State Park Campground is accessible only by boat and offers tent camping year-round, while sites like Green Mountain and Lena Lake Campground provide more traditional tent camping areas. Hope Island Marine State Park Campground, located in Mason County, is another tent-only destination requiring boat access to reach its primitive sites.
Most backcountry tent camping areas near Vashon have limited facilities, with some offering only basic amenities. Sites at Lena Lake Campground include fire rings but require a 3.5-mile hike to access. Many tent camping locations have restrictions on fires, particularly during summer months when burn bans are common. Blake Island enforces strict quiet hours at 10 pm according to reviews. Toilet facilities vary widely, with some locations providing vault toilets while others have no restroom facilities at all. Water availability is inconsistent across sites, with many requiring campers to bring their own supply.
Tent campers frequently cite the peaceful setting and natural surroundings as highlights of camping in this region. A review mentioned that Lena Lake Campground offers "a rewarding view after a steady climb up meandering switchbacks" and is "quiet and serene and the perfect place to sit on a log and journal." Sites on Blake Island provide views of Seattle across the water, with hiking trails that circle the perimeter offering diverse vantage points. Hope Island features 2 miles of hiking trails and 8 primitive campsites surrounded by water views. Woodland tent sites often provide more shade and protection from wind than exposed areas. Though some campgrounds see heavy weekend use, most tent camping areas maintain a sense of seclusion, especially on weekdays when visitation drops significantly.
