Kanaskat-Palmer State Park provides tranquil camping 45 miles southeast of Woodinville amid dense evergreen forest. Campsites feature paved pads and 30-amp electrical hookups with easy access to hiking trails along the Green River. Winter temperatures average 36-45°F while summer reaches 70-80°F with moderate rainfall year-round.
What to do
River activities near campgrounds: Multiple locations offer water-based recreation beyond Lake Sammamish. At Vasa Park Resort, campers enjoy direct lakefront access. "We roasted hotdogs and s'mores over the camp fire and our dog loved swimming in the lake. It's a beautiful site and the park is kept incredibly clean," shares one visitor.
Hiking trails: Numerous trails within minutes of campsites provide accessible nature walks through dense evergreen forests. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park offers trails connecting directly to campsites. "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 at the public river take-out," notes a camper.
Wildlife viewing: Several parks provide opportunities to observe native wildlife including elk and eagles. A visitor to Dosewallips State Park mentions, "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."
What campers like
Site privacy and spaciousness: Many campsites offer separation between neighbors. At Middle Fork Campground, a visitor highlights, "The road is well maintained, and campsites have lots of privacy." Another notes that the site selection process benefits from early arrival: "We could easily fit our trailer, tow vehicle, and extra vehicle and still have space!"
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. At Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, the bathrooms receive consistent praise: "It has 6 very clean individual (one person) bathrooms with a shower in each." Another camper adds, "Bathrooms in that loop were pretty nice... heated and very clean."
Forested settings: Dense tree coverage creates natural shade and ambiance. A visitor to Tall Chief Campground observes, "Large private sites. It feels like you are deep in the PNW rainforest but you close to amenities and shopping."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some parks require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. At Middle Fork Campground, a visitor notes, "None of the sites are reservable, so it's great for last minute trips when everything else has been booked out. Just over an hr from the city."
Limited hook-up options: Several campgrounds lack full utility connections. One Tall Chief visitor explains, "I do have to knock a star for the fact no sites have sewer hookups. This is fairly understandable though as it appeared that a service needs to pump the septic tank by the dump station for the entire park."
Cell reception varies: Tree coverage affects connectivity. "Another thing that can be annoying is trying to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees. They definitely have a few, but I would say arrive early so you can drive by all the sites while checking to make sure you have good reception if you need it."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water spots: Several locations offer safe water play areas for children. A visitor to Fay Bainbridge Park shares, "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites."
Playground amenities: Many parks include designated play structures. One camper observes, "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."
Berry picking opportunities: Seasonal wild berries grow at several campgrounds. A Middle Fork camper reports, "We enjoyed our stay at the middle fork camp ground. We stayed there to be close to the mailbox trail head. There were so many berries around the camp and we could literally sit in camp and pick blue berries."
Tips from RVers
Power requirements: Most campgrounds offer 30-amp service only, which affects air conditioning during summer months. A Tall Chief camper notes, "Knocking another star as the majority of the sites are only 30 amp with antiquated posts. There are a few 50 amp sites but from what I saw they were all taken by RVers that are there on a more permanent basis."
Site access considerations: Several parks have specific entrance challenges. At Kitsap Memorial State Park, an RVer advises, "RV sites 1, 2, 4, 9, and 11 will be easier to back in to. The other full hook up sites are 90° approaches."
Water and dumping options: Most glamping locations near Woodinville require water conservation strategies. "The park provided the information for the service. It was $60 though. I'm assuming a sewer overhaul would be overly costly. It DOES make you a bit more conscious of water usage though."
