Best Campgrounds near Vaughn, WA

Campgrounds near Vaughn, Washington span from waterfront state parks to forested retreats along the Hood Canal and Puget Sound. The area includes established facilities like Penrose Point State Park and Joemma Beach State Park, both offering shoreline access within 15 miles of Vaughn. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, with most state parks providing tent and RV sites with standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water. Several locations also feature cabin accommodations, particularly at Belfair State Park, where both primitive and developed camping areas cater to different outdoor preferences.

Road conditions and campground accessibility remain consistent year-round at most locations, though seasonal considerations affect site availability. Many campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, especially for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. "This campground is one our favorites close by spots. It has plenty of spots and right near a running creek east of lake quinault. No trailers and RVs are allowed out here due to the narrow gravel roads and small spaces," notes one reviewer about a nearby Olympic Peninsula option. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with stronger coverage at campgrounds closer to urban areas like Federal Way and weaker signals in more remote locations along the Hood Canal.

The camping experience near Vaughn features notable waterfront access, with Hood Canal and Puget Sound providing scenic backdrops at multiple state parks. Campers consistently mention the contrast between the busier waterfront campgrounds and the more secluded forested sites. As one visitor described Dash Point State Park: "This campground is hidden in the middle of a major Western Washington city. Once in the campground, you would have no idea that you are surrounded by a sprawling metropolitan area." Privacy between sites varies considerably, with tent-only areas typically offering more seclusion than the RV sections. Most camping areas maintain moderate noise levels during weekdays, though weekend traffic increases substantially during summer months, particularly at popular destinations like Penrose Point and Belfair State Park.

Best Camping Sites Near Vaughn, Washington (249)

    1. Dash Point State Park Campground

    72 Reviews
    Federal Way, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    ""Firstly, I just have to say what a positive and amazing experience I had at this campground. The volunteers were friendly, kind and absolutely awesome to interact with."

    "The campground itself is tucked into a beautiful, forested area with plenty of trees and privacy between sites. Ours had a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table."

    2. Penrose Point State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $32 / night

    "Pros: group camp is very close to beach front area, GREAT CLAMMING AND OYSTERING!"

    "Penrose Point State Park is a great place close to Seattle to go camping in a small or large group. It's tent or camper friendly with plenty of spots for busier seasons."

    3. Belfair State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Belfair, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 275-0668

    $12 - $50 / night

    "Often our first or last trip of the year, due to its proximity to the greater Seattle area.  Most of the folks we meet are from western Washington. "

    "On the water of the Hood Canal, it offered more family activities than many of the parks around. The campground itself is situated close to the water with several loops, tightly packed together."

    4. Twanoh State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Tahuya, WA
    9 miles
    Website

    $12 - $50 / night

    "Location was clean, easy to access and feels like a world away from the busy cities close by."

    "This is clean and well-maintained state campground that offers nice access to the southern tip of Hood Canal, although you have to cross Rt. 106 to get to the waterside picnic area and docks, and that"

    5. Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor

    10 Reviews
    Gig Harbor, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 858-8138

    $57 - $104 / night

    "Close by stores, trails, parks, harbor. Tacoma across bridge (10 minutes - $6.25 toll)."

    "Costco, Home Depot, Albertsons and other shopping close by."

    6. Joemma Beach State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 884-1944

    $12 / night

    "We arrived little later around 6 p.m. And being such a nice day there were only few sites left."

    "Conveniently located right next to the bathroom with an area for parking two vehicles. I have AT&T and had good service in this spot."

    7. Jarrell Cove State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 426-9226

    $12 - $50 / night

    "Tucked away remote campsite in a forest next to estuary. Two sites have hookups. Clean restrooms with shower."

    "Site 8 is a pull through and is very large, but not so private as everyone walking to the main dock walks right past your site."

    8. Dosewallips State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Brinnon, WA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 796-4415

    $12 - $50 / night

    "The grounds are well-maintained with easy access to some hiking trails that are easy to moderate in difficulty."

    "Dump station close by worked great on exit. Wooded with ferns. Rain was nice to enjoy through the windows."

    9. Potlatch State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Hoodsport, WA
    17 miles
    Website

    "The sites closer to the back of the campground (where we were) are far away from the road so you can't really hear highway noise at all."

    "We had a beautiful site tucked in the woods that was very quiet. The beach across the street was really fun for kids and adults and there was loads of lovely hikes nearby."

    10. Lakebay Getaway

    4 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    7 miles
    +1 (253) 225-6248

    $50 / night

    "The location is great, so close to the water, Penrose and other peninsula activities."

    "Great location if you want to relax and take long walks at nearby state parks and beaches. Robyn is a spectacular host who was great to communicate with. We will be coming back."

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Recent Reviews near Vaughn, WA

1095 Reviews of 249 Vaughn Campgrounds


  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord

    Easy

    If you have access, use it. $50 for FHU. The laundry is fine. The bathhouse is big and well maintained. There are two separate buildings with these facilities. I observed Commons#2. The park is kid of tight for my tastes. But the sites are big and separated from your neighbors. Very comfortable and woodsy. Great place.

  • L
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Vasa Park Resort

    Vasa Park Resort

    We have enjoyed our 3 week stay at this little water front event and RV campground. This is in the shore of Lake Samammish, giving access to swim, paddle, picnic. The facilities and grounds are kept clean and well maintained. It been fun watching the buffet groups come in and have their celebrations. Everyone is friendly and kind.

  • Christopher  T.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Lake Sylvia State Park Campground

    OUR FAVORITE

    This is our all time favorite campground. Phone service is non-existent and we had att Verizon cricket and straight talk but it does have free WiFi. Only downside is we can't get our big camper in there and have to use our small one. It is the place we go to camp since we're full timers we have stayed some of all 12 months and many of the sites

  • c
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Millersylvania State Park Campground

    Nice but crowded

    We enjoyed our stay at Millersylvania. It’s a beautiful place. We purchased firewood from the Boy Scout troop here for $6/bundle. The only downside for us is that it is really crowded, and a few dogs and some very rude people kept us up until about 1 am.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    NF-2419 Dispersed Pullout

    Large spot in the woods

    My friend and I met here and had plenty of room for my truck, 21' trailer, and a lost woman who we let pull in and sleep. It was so large that we could have added a few more vehicles. The road wasn't bad. There were blackberry plants all over the place. There was, unfortunately, a lot of trash and no Verizon service.

  • T
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Camp Lakeview

    Ball field camping spots

    Overall very nice but you get what you pay for. Limited fire pits and spots are first come first serve and field is not regularly monitored. Bathrooms are portapotties and no shower facilities. Also it is across the road from main campground.

  • Johnny/Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Dash Point State Park Campground

    Ok spot

    It’s ok. Again. A little catfished. Was here for two nights. Quiet at night Campground full of kids if that’s your thing! Bathrooms clean and everyone is friendly! It’s beautiful

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Kitsap Memorial State Park Campground

    Very nice place

    Stayed at Kitsap Memorial Park past few days. Very quiet area, lots of room on site 9, walked to beach area. Bathrooms for camping have code, cleaned frequently. 5G service was fast. Very nice place.

  • Julia B.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Camp Lakeview

    Quiet and cozy

    We stayed at site number C10 A in our tent with our children. It was a larger site that sits next to the small creek. It was very pleasant and quiet. The bath house isn’t too far and was usually well stocked and clean. 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. The weekends get very busy but during the weeks it is a cozy little community.


Guide to Vaughn

Camping near Vaughn, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds, like Dash Point State Park Campground, have miles of hiking trails. One visitor mentioned, "Love coming here to hike with the dogs and kids," highlighting the area's family-friendly trails and wildlife opportunities.
  • Beach Access: Campgrounds such as Dosewallips State Park Campground provide access to beautiful beaches. A reviewer noted, "The beach itself is fairly large with plenty of space to stretch out," making it a great spot for a day of sun and sand.
  • Fishing and Water Sports: If you enjoy fishing, Seal Rock Campground is right on the Hood Canal. One camper shared, "It’s the best of the best!" for beach combing and water activities.

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," which is a big plus for families.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer decent spacing between sites. A reviewer at Penrose Point State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are decently spaced with tall trees," providing a sense of privacy.
  • 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," making it a fun spot for children.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at Dosewallips State Park Campground mentioned, "The logging trucks can be quite loud," so be prepared for some background noise.
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Millersylvania State Park Campground advised, "Probably need to reserve far in advance," to secure a good site.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at Potlatch State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms were just ok," so manage your expectations.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One parent at Fay Bainbridge Park said, "The camp host is friendly and helpful," which can make a big difference for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A camper at Twanoh State Park Campground mentioned, "There is also access to the water across the street," perfect for family fun.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can keep everyone happy. A visitor at Belfair State Park Campground appreciated the nearby town for supplies, saying, "Town is 5 minutes down the road if you need something."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Potlatch State Park Campground noted, "The spots are a bit close together and a bit difficult backing in to," so be cautious when choosing a site.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need them, check for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Millersylvania State Park Campground mentioned, "We had access to water and electricity," which can make your stay more comfortable.
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Bring gear for rain or shine. A visitor at Seal Rock Campground said, "The campground and bathrooms are clean and well maintained," which is essential for a good experience, especially in unpredictable weather.

Camping near Vaughn, Washington, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning and the right campground, you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Vaughn, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Vaughn, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 249 campgrounds and RV parks near Vaughn, WA and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Vaughn, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Vaughn, WA is Dash Point State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 72 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Vaughn, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Vaughn, WA.