Campgrounds surrounding Tacoma, Washington feature a mix of state parks and military-managed recreation areas suitable for various camping preferences. Dash Point State Park Campground provides developed sites with full hookups and beach access just 30 minutes from SeaTac Airport. Penrose Point and Saltwater State Parks offer additional waterfront camping options with amenities including fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms. Military installations including Joint Base Lewis-McChord operate several campgrounds with cabin accommodations and RV sites, though some require military affiliation for access.
Most developed campgrounds in the Tacoma region operate year-round, with peak season running May through September when reservations become essential. State park campgrounds typically require advance booking through the Washington State Parks reservation system, while military campgrounds have separate reservation processes. Sites with electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities are common at developed campgrounds near Tacoma, though they vary in availability. Many campgrounds provide both tent and RV sites with specific limitations on vehicle length. "Easily accessible escape from the city life! After flying into SeaTac late in the afternoon this campground was a great place to start our Washington trip and only about 30 minutes from the airport," noted one visitor about Dash Point State Park.
The proximity to Puget Sound creates distinctive camping experiences with saltwater beaches, forested settings, and mountain views. Campers frequently mention the convenience of staying near urban amenities while enjoying natural surroundings. One camper shared that Dash Point offers "spacious spots, although the sites aren't huge, they are wooded enough to provide decent privacy." Campgrounds in the region typically provide clean facilities with flush toilets and hot showers, though shower tokens may be required at some locations. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with Dash Point receiving positive reviews for its secluded individual sites. The Tacoma region's mixed-use campgrounds accommodate diverse outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, boating and fishing, making them popular destinations for weekend getaways from Seattle and surrounding metropolitan areas.
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Round 1 of 5
$20 / night
"If you are in Tacoma and dont have a chance to get to the East side or the coast, head to Dash Point."
"The campground for Dash point State Park is across the highway from the actual park, but offers lots of trails and hiking in and around the ocean and forest."
$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."
$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."
$60 / night
"My family stayed here for a night when we went out to Washington a few months ago. It was a nice little place."
"Pay showers ($1 for 3 minutes) and clean restroom with air dryer, pet friendly, lots of trails to hike and a beautiful beach area with a playground, seasonal/weekend snack shop, outdoor shower by the beach"
"Excellent location for those with military access to the base - active duty, retired or family. 30/50 amp hookups. Beautiful views of American Lake. Pet friendly."
"It is in the wilderness, on the lake, but it is also fairly close to stores and gas stations. Long term max is 28 days per spot."
$12 - $35 / night
"Very friendly next to the lake plenty of things to do walking, biking, hiking, fishing, Military museums, not to far off of I-5. Full hookups laundry shower facilities. Cabins too."
"Unfortunately the restrooms right next to our site were closed so it was a slight walk to the nearest restroom. Restrooms were heated and well taken care of."
$8 - $32 / night
"Need to reserve your site online with the JBLM MWR or go to the adventure center building nearby on base. Nice access to American Lake and fishing nearby as well."
"This is a great spot on American Lake to camp with many sites on the waterfront. I would highly recommend this location to eligible military ID Card holders."
$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."
$40 / night
"Just like building and exploring in Minecraft for PC, you can craft your perfect outdoor adventure here, surrounded by nature, and enjoy endless fun and exploration."
$20 / night
"There is good system of trails, tons of picnic tables along the river, and good river access to the Green rivers. Campground is well maintained, clean bathrooms and showers available."
"It's close proximity to our house allows us to hook up the trailer after work and include a Friday night in our camping weekend!"
TravelerExtremely clean showers and toilets. Super friendly staff with on-site staff to help with your issues, super friendly! Close to casino if you are interested.
LegendNear Hoodsport.
Fee campground. Bathrooms with flush toilets. Coin operated showers.
Small general store.
Some RV sites are close together. But there are others with more distance.
Can hold up to a 40 foot RV. Some campsites have lake access.
TravelerFirst, the good points: the location is convenient to the northern Seattle area; the RV park surrounds a lake and is heavily wooded, very pretty, with hiking trails and a dog run; the park is surprisingly quiet considering how much traffic there is in the area; and it is close to a Safeway store.
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this park due to its bad points: very expensive (overpriced) at more than $80 per night in their low season; the geese are really noisy and poop EVERYWHERE; the spaces are so narrow that you are practically on top of your neighbors, and you almost can’t put your slides out if you have slides on both sides of your RV; the sites are actually paved incorrectly, very un-level, off by 2 inches and more; the roads are so narrow I don’t know how any of the people in back-in spots managed to get backed in without damage to their vehicles; the park management is extremely inflexible on check-out or check-in. We had to rush out and left at 11:57am. They are the first rv park we have stayed at in over five years that does not take packages. Could not get my medical supplies I need for my health while we were there. Also, you cannot cancel unless you pay fees. We will not stay here again.
TravelerBe prepared for some noise in the summer time. Its gets full pretty quick and there's a range not too far off. There's some great spots along Pyramid Creek and some across the way and up the mountain if the gate is open. The Greenwater lakes trail is very accessible by foot or by car if you've camped near the trailhead.(parking lot requires pass or payment). There's usually trash left behind and the garbage near the pit toilets are almost always full so be prepared to pack your trash. Tip: always check local burn bans and road closures at the ranger station.
TravelerStayed here for 3 days at the start of March. Beautiful weather. We tow a 26ft travel trailer and reserved pull through site 3 which was nice and open and had lots of room for our trailer and tow vehicle. It needed a bit of leveling off on one side but nothing drastic. Walking the loop I'd say it was one of the best sites for a larger travel trailer that was also mostly level. The site is a bit of a walk to the restroom so if this matters to you, just know that. The park is on the smaller side but it makes great use of space. It was quiet and everyone kept their dogs leashed. Park host was very accessible and friendly. There is a dump station with potable water and our site also had water/electric (no sewer). Cell service worked great and we didn't have to use our starlink although our site was more open than others so I think it would've worked. If you have an EV there is a fast charging station at Fred Meyer about 17 minutes away.
GuideCouldn't have loved this campground more. Stayed for two nights in late August 2025. Serene, even though it was busy. Spots are roomy. Whole place smelled like Christmas trees! Clean, calm, simply lovely. Really close to the park too!
ScoutEasy back in spot - we decided just to stay in the main casino parking lot because it was easy and we didn’t need black water hookups for this evening. Pretty simple but also .. a parking lot!
TravelerWe stayed for for a couple of nights this week. Other than the camp host, we were the only ones there. Lots of trails to explore and fun beachcombing. Water was turned off for the season, but the restrooms were functional.
TravelerSun was forecast these few days so we took our R Pod and headed here. Other than the camp hosts, we are the only campers here. Water is shut off for the winter, but the restrooms were fully functional. Fun beach combing and several nice trail to explore.
Campsites near Tacoma provide access to diverse waterways including Puget Sound and American Lake across western Washington. The region's temperate climate allows for camping from early spring through late fall, with some campgrounds remaining accessible year-round. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during day, dropping to 50-60°F at night.
River activities: 30 minutes from Tacoma at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park where the Green River offers unique recreation opportunities. "The riverfront accessed from the campground tends to be a bit too raging for my taste with children. We usually take the kids to the lake at Nolte state park (approx. 3 miles away) for water play," shares one camper at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park.
Beach exploration: 45 minutes from downtown at Joemma Beach State Park for shoreline adventures. "You can walk along the beach as well. Long dock in the area where you can go fishing," notes a visitor to Joemma Beach State Park Campground. The park's distinctive pier extends into Puget Sound, providing unique fishing access.
Forest trails: 20 minutes east of Tacoma at Game Farm Wilderness Campground offering hiking through wooded areas. "This campground features a diverse landscape with wooded areas, meadows, and riverside views along the Stuck River," reports a camper, highlighting the natural diversity within city limits.
Privacy between sites: Penrose Point State Park provides well-separated camping spots. "Sites were reasonably private and quiet at night (except for a brief invasion of 6 raccoons at our site one night!)" notes a visitor to Penrose Point State Park Campground. The densely wooded setting creates natural barriers between campsites.
Heated bathrooms: Winter and shoulder season comfort at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park makes off-season camping more comfortable. "It has 6 very clean individual (one person) bathrooms with a shower in each," explains a regular visitor, mentioning the campground has "great clean and heated bathrooms."
Proximity to urban amenities: Convenience of camping without complete disconnection at Saltwater State Park. "It's a gorgeous park next to Puget Sound. Fairly safe since it's gated and a park ranger was there overnight," explains a visitor to Saltwater State Park Campground, noting the unusual combination of natural setting with urban security.
Military access requirements: Several campgrounds near Tacoma require proper credentials. "This is a DoD facility, so will be helpful for Active, Reserve, Retired military only," explains a visitor to JBLM Travel Camp. Military-affiliated campgrounds often offer exceptional value but verify eligibility before planning.
Noise considerations: Airport proximity affects certain campsites. "Commercial jets landing at Sea-Tac fly directly above us at a low altitude and are VERY loud and VERY frequent (every 3-5 minutes)," warns a camper at Saltwater State Park. Train noise also affects some campgrounds in the region.
Reservation timing: High demand requires advance planning. "Joemma State Park campground is no longer all first come first serve only. It is now reservable online, but if you get there and there is an available spot it is $12 a night that you pay at site," shares a recent visitor to Joemma Beach State Park.
Water safety planning: Select appropriate swimming locations based on children's abilities. "The beach is a short walk from camp, just long enough to make you feel like you earned your sunset view, but not so long that you regret your life choices," shares a visitor to Dash Point State Park Campground, noting the beach is "more of a rocky, muddy beach than a sandy one."
Park ranger interactions: Expect regular enforcement at busier parks. "This campground is heavily patrolled by the park rangers. I usually have contact with them in my campsite at least twice a day," explains a family camper at Kanaskat-Palmer, adding they've "been asked by the park rangers at 10:01 p.m. to be quite" when children were talking too loudly.
Alternative swimming options: Consider nearby lakes when rivers prove challenging. "There are great hammock trees at nearly every site," notes a visitor to Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, while another mentions that when river conditions aren't suitable, Nolte State Park's lake provides a safer alternative for children just 3 miles away.
Hookup variations: Electrical access varies significantly between campgrounds. "Sites and roads are paved. Hook ups are electric only, bring your water," advises an RV camper at Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor, highlighting the importance of checking specific site utilities before arrival.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require extensive adjustment. "I only took away a star because it was advertised as ok for a Motorhome but the gravel pull through was so not level the jacks pushed the front tires 6 inches off the ground," warns an RVer at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park who brought a 30-foot motorhome.
Specialized campgrounds: Military-only facilities offer unique advantages. "W/s/e at each site. Great stay for the price. Laundry washers work well, but driers don't heat up," notes a military camper at Lewis North Travel Camp, adding it's "convenient to I5 and PX."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping locations near Tacoma, Washington?
Tacoma offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Dash Point State Park Campground is just twenty minutes from the city, featuring trails, beach access, and family-friendly amenities. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Belfair State Park Campground on Hood Canal provides opportunities for clamming and oyster harvesting. Other notable options include Penrose Point State Park for a quieter experience, Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor for RV camping with modern amenities, and the campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park for more adventurous campers seeking mountain views and hiking trails.
What waterfront camping options are available near Tacoma?
The Tacoma area offers diverse waterfront camping experiences. Staircase Campground - Olympic National Park provides riverside sites with excellent water access along the right main loop. The Dalles Campground offers beautiful waterfront settings as well. Other waterfront options include Joemma Beach State Park on Puget Sound with beach access, Kanaskat-Palmer State Park along the Green River, and Dosewallips State Park where the river meets Hood Canal. Most waterfront sites are highly sought after, especially during summer months, so early reservations are recommended. These locations provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and enjoying scenic water views.
When is the best season for camping in the Tacoma area?
Late spring through early fall (May through September) offers the most pleasant camping weather in the Tacoma area. Summer months provide the warmest and driest conditions, making it ideal for enjoying outdoor activities. July and August are peak camping months with the most reliable weather, but also the busiest periods when campgrounds like Silver Springs Campground fill quickly. Fay Bainbridge Park is particularly popular in late July. For fewer crowds, consider the shoulder seasons of late May/June or September when temperatures remain comfortable but reservation competition decreases. Winter camping is possible but requires preparation for cold, wet conditions.
How much do campgrounds in Tacoma typically cost?
Campground prices around Tacoma vary based on amenities and location. State parks like Saltwater State Park Campground typically charge $25-40 per night for standard sites. Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor, an RV resort with full hookups, runs higher at approximately $45-70 depending on the season and site type. Military campgrounds like Holiday Park on Lewis McChord Base offer discounted rates for service members. Primitive camping options in national forests are more affordable at $5-20 per night. Most campgrounds charge additional fees for extra vehicles, and many require a Discover Pass ($10 daily/$30 annual) for day use areas. Reservation fees typically range from $5-10 per booking.
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