Located about 20 miles northeast of Seattle, the Woodinville area features a mix of forested landscapes and river valleys with elevations ranging from 40 to 500 feet. The region receives approximately 40 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush surroundings for camping from April through October when temperatures average 50-75°F. Most campsites near Woodinville remain accessible year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for wet conditions.
What to do
Trail exploration at Tolt MacDonald Park: Located 15 minutes from Woodinville in Carnation, this park offers hiking trails along the Snoqualmie River with access to both water recreation and forest paths. "The campground, park and trails are very well maintained and they even provide you with garden carts to help you get your stuff across the bridge. Great spot for steelhead + salmon fishing," notes one visitor to Tolt MacDonald Park.
Beach activities at Fay Bainbridge: A 30-minute drive from Woodinville offers beach access with views of mountain ranges. The park includes volleyball courts and a children's playground. A recent visitor shared: "Great campground right on the beach. Clean facilities," while another mentioned "Beautiful beach, great views of Mt. Rainier & Baker on a clear day, cruise ships going by, pirate ship playground for children" at Fay Bainbridge Park.
Wildlife watching at Lake Pleasant: The RV park features a pond system with resident birds. Daily walking opportunities along the lake perimeter allow for wildlife observation. One camper described: "Lots of geese, ducks, and bunnies are around the property... A great place to walk around and enjoy during your stay."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the vegetation separation between camping spots at Lake Pleasant. "Great privacy hedges between spots. The areas were paved and level," reports one visitor to Lake Pleasant RV Park. Similarly, Tolt MacDonald Park offers a range of site types with varying privacy levels.
Urban convenience with natural setting: The balance of wilderness feel with proximity to urban amenities stands out to many campers. "We stayed at this park on a trip to Seattle. It was only about 30 minutes to downtown, but almost felt like you were out in the country," notes one Lake Pleasant visitor. Another camper at Dash Point State Park appreciated "how spread apart the sites were" while noting the proximity to city amenities.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept washrooms and common areas. One camper at Dash Point State Park noted: "Facilities were good and trails around are fun and easy enough for me and 2 kids. The beach and its tides are why we came." This state park offers beach access within 30 minutes of Woodinville.
What you should know
Seasonal availability affects crowds: During peak summer months, campgrounds fill quickly and require advance booking. At Lake Pleasant, one long-term visitor noted: "During the peak season all monthly visitors have to move on to other parks or pay triple the price."
Hookup limitations at some parks: Several campgrounds offer water and electric but lack sewer connections. "No sewer connections which can be a bummer, but the nice bathrooms make up for it," reports a camper at Tall Chief Campground.
