The Best Camping near Seattle, Washington

Camping near Seattle, Washington is actually a little more difficult than visitors might suspect. Though you can still find numerous campgrounds suitable for tents and RVs within a reasonable driving distance to the city center.

Seattle proper is a series of seven hills divided into urban districts and sprawling suburbs. While Washington State is home to 124 state parks, numerous wildlife sanctuaries and preserves, and thousands of acres of old-growth forests, this land is also a habitat for valuable species. It is carefully regulated by the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission.

Seattle’s Top Tent and RV Campgrounds

Seattle is located on the Puget Sound, a waterway dotted by beautiful islands between the Olympic peninsula and the northwestern coastal inlet of Washington. The unique geography of the Olympic and Cascade ranges, sprawling river valleys, old-growth forests, and natural hot springs, makes for a lot of ground to cover.

Therefore, the Puget Sound area is equipped with one of the world’s most sophisticated ferry transit systems, miles of paved bike trails, and hundreds of remote camping destinations.

We’ve compiled a list of tent camping and RV Parks that are near Seattle and centrally located so you can enjoy the best camping experience that Washington and Puget Sound have to offer.

Here are the best and closest campgrounds to Seattle, WA, in order of proximity:

Cascadia Marine Trail (7 miles)

The Cascadia Marine Trail is a collection of 66 campsites and 160 day-use sites connected by one thing…water. For the adventurous water sportsperson, paddling the Cascadia Marine Trail can be an achievement well worth the campsites’ strenuous marine entry points. With plenty of islands to explore and sea life, including orcas, humpback whales, and dolphins, the waters of the Puget Sound beckon the kayaker, canoer, or standup paddleboarder to the Cascadia Marine Trail.

Hazardous weather conditions and unpredictable weather patterns make it a requirement that anyone undertaking this course should be experienced on the water and check the weather patterns multiple times daily. Be prepared for cold and plan backup landing sites.

• Closest town: Seattle, WA (7 mi)
• Specs: 66 campsites (marine entry), 160-day use sites
• Amenities: All specs and amenities vary hereafter according to campground information of participating campsite
• Reservations: Contact participating state park or campground. More information at CascadiaMarineTrail.org
• Address: Puget Sound, Seattle, WA (Map)

Trailer Inns RV Park (11 miles)

Trailer Inns RV Park of Bellevue offers among the best location and value for your stay on this list. For RV campers hoping to enjoy the urban eats and downtown Seattle attractions, Bellevue is only a ten-minute drive. Trailer Inns RV Park is on Lake Washington, a great destination for boaters and kayakers.

• Closest town: Bellevue, WA (5 mi)
• Specs: 90 RV sites, full hookups, no tents, vacation rentals, pets welcome, usage heavy, open year-round, short/long-term stays available
• Amenities: Potable water, flush toilets, showers, laundry, indoor heated pool and jacuzzi, pet area with bags, clubhouse, office, propane, picnic tables, bike repair, dumpsters
• Reservations: Yes, at TrailerInnsBellevue.com
• Address: 15531 SE 37th St, Bellevue, WA 98006 (Map)

Vasa Park Resort (11 miles)

This tent camping and RV resort is located in one of the finest areas of Washington, directly on Lake Sammamish Parkway in Bellevue. It’s the ritz in glamping with a drive-in movie theater, an events center for corporate or private events, close proximity to the renowned Chateau de St. Michelle, and only a ten-minute drive to Seattle’s Pike Place Market downtown.

• Closest town: Bellevue, WA (6 mi)
• Specs:  22 tent/RV sites, partial & full hookups, pets welcome, short-/long-term stays, heavy usage, open year-round
• Amenities: Potable water, flush toilets, dumpsters, showers, laundry, clubhouse, sauna, pool, hot tub, dog park, playground, volleyball, basketball, pickleball, fishing, nature hikes, fire pits, picnic tables, beach and lake access
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• Address: 3560 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE, Bellevue, WA 98008 (Map)

Fay Bainbridge Park (16 Miles)

The beachside Fay Bainbridge Park is located on the northeastern corner of Bainbridge Island just a short ferry crossing from Seattle proper. Kayakers can get paddle-up tent sites, RVs are welcome, and hikers/bikers can stop through for a night. Bainbridge Island is home to the Naval Undersea Museum, the Museum of Art, and the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum.

It also features nature trails, bike trails, wineries, and tasty eateries, so be ready to enjoy the outdoors and small-town charms of this beautiful spot in Puget Sound.

• Closest town: Bainbridge Island, WA (2 mi)
• Specs: 12 tent/26 RV sites, hookups standard electric, pets welcome, 3 cabin rentals, heavy usage, open year-round
• Amenities: Potable water, flush toilets, dumpsters, picnic shelters with electricity, nature hikes, barbecues and picnic tables, access to Puget Sound beaches
• Reservations: Yes, at Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District
• Address: 15446 Sunrise Drive NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 (Map)

Lake Pleasant RV Park (17 miles)

Beautiful willows lay low over a large pond at this little gem just a short drive northeast of Seattle. Lake Pleasant is host to a myriad of year-round birds and waterfowl, and the community here is quite friendly. The front office is available during the week and propane is on-site. Safeway, eateries, gas, and downtown Bothell are all within a mile.

Nestled in the crook of green hills below suburban Bothell, Lake Pleasant is noted to be a pleasant camping experience.

• Closest town: Bothell, WA (1 mi)
• Specs: 184 RV sites, partial & full hookups, pets welcome, short/long-term stays, heavy usage, open year-round
• Amenities: Potable water, flush toilets, dumpsters, laundry, Wi-fi, Cable, picnic tables, playground, nearby dog park
• Reservations: Yes, at LakePleasantRVPark.org
• Address: 24025 Bothell Everett Hwy, Bothell, WA 98021 (Map)

Cedar Glen RV Park (18 Miles)

Cedar Glen RV Park is tucked away in Kitsap County on the Olympic Peninsula across from Puget Sound. It’s centrally located between the Washington coast and Seattle’s downtown. This makes it ideal for campers wishing to experience the day hikes, hot springs, shellfishing, eating, shopping, and historical museums on both sides of the Puget Sound.

A ferry ride takes visitors from Seattle to Kingston or Bainbridge Island, or visitors can enjoy a drive through scenic Evergreens from SeaTac airport upon arrival.

• Closest town: Poulsbo, WA (3 mi)
• Specs: 36 RV sites, no tents, full hookups, pets welcome, usage heavy, open year-round
• Amenities: Potable water, flush toilets, dumpsters, showers, laundry, Wi-fi, cable, picnic tables, close to the ferry and Puget Sound Islands access
• Reservations: Yes, at CedarGlenmhp.com
• Address: 16300 WA-305, Poulsbo, WA 98370 (Map)

AYH Ranch Campground & Lodging (19 miles)

Owned by the same sweet woman for the last fifty years, American Youth Hostel Ranch Campground & Lodging is a ten-acre property up against a 140-acre wildlife preserve on scenic Vashon Island. This campground has an open camping, European-style concept that welcomes tent campers and glampers who might prefer cabin or even teepee rentals. RVs and travel trailers are welcomed here, although it is recommended one call beforehand for availability.

Vashon Island is one of Puget Sound’s many beautiful islands and can be accessed by a ferry closer to SeaTac Airport in Tacoma or the ferry in Seattle proper. This shortens the distance and makes for a memorable crossing on one of the world’s most sophisticated ferry systems.

• Closest town: Vashon Island, WA (2 mi)
• Specs: Open tent/RV sites, tepees and cabin rentals, no hookups, dogs welcome, lodging year-round, heavy usage, camping open May through September
• Amenities: Glamping, group events, lodging, potable water, showers, flush toilets, dumpsters, barbecue, picnic tables
• Reservations: Yes, at AYHranch.com
• Address: 12119 SW Cove Rd, Vashon, WA 98070 (Map)

Saltwater State Park (19 miles)

Saltwater State Park is found just about smack in the middle of Tacoma and Seattle and attracts a slew of campers every year. Reservations here can be made up to a year in advance, but unclaimed sites can be scooped up first-come, first-serve for lucky early birds. A creek and forested hiking trails make this an excellent park to stretch your legs in nature. The Puget Sound also offers wading and tide pool viewing.

• Closest town: Des Moines, WA (2 mi)
• Specs: 35 tent/RV sites, no hookups, dogs welcome, heavy usage, open May through September
• Amenities: Potable water, showers, flush toilets, dumpsters, day-use area, nature hikes, barbecues, picnic tables, access to Puget Sound beaches
• Reservations: Yes, at Washington.goingtocamp.com
• Address: 25205 8th Pl S, Des Moines, WA 98198 (Map)

North Sound RV Park (20 miles)

Formerly known as Hayloft RV Park, North Sound RV Park is 20 minutes north of Seattle in Lynwood. Edmonds Beach and the Kingston Ferry, less than ten minutes away, allow beach access, boat rentals, charters, fine seafood dining, and quick access to the Olympic peninsula for those interested in a day trip to the rainforest or shellfishing on the Hood Canal.

• Closest town: Lynwood, WA (3 mi)
• Specs: 82 RV sites, full hookups, pets welcome, open year-round
• Amenities: Potable water, flush toilets, dumpsters, laundry, nearby beach access, close to Kingston Ferry
• Reservations: Yes, at NorthSoundRVPark.com
• Address: 15320 35th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98087 (Map)

Maple Grove RV Resort (21 miles)

Maple Grove is attractive, well-rounded in its amenities, and really convenient to downtown Seattle. What’s more, the RV resort is near the ferry, giving campers swift access to many of the numerous islands in Puget Sound. It’s located in urban Everett, with scenic drives in any direction, which will take you to beautiful wildlife sites, delicious eateries, and downtown Seattle.

• Closest town: Everett, WA (8 mi)
• Specs: 80 RV sites, full hookups, pets welcome, short-term stays, heavy usage, open year-round
• Amenities: Potable water, flush toilets, dumpsters, showers, laundry, Wi-fi, cable, picnic tables
• Reservations: Yes, at MapleGrovervResort.com
• Address: 12417 Hwy 99, Everett, WA 98204 (Map)

Blue Sky RV Park (21 miles)

Blue Sky RV Park is situated near Tiger Mountain State Forest and Issaquah, a hidden gem featuring beautiful parks, tasty eats, and some of the best coffee shops in Western Washington. Nearby Lake Sammamish offers watersports, boating, birdwatching, nature trails, and parks. An eastward drive will take you through scenic evergreens to Snoqualmie Falls, a historic state site.

River rafting, hiking, and nature trails are some of the recreational splendors here, but the urban mixes well with the natural in Washington. Visitors will find all the comforts of home, including a mall and Snoqualmie Casino, making this campground a destination for everyone in the family to enjoy.

• Closest town: Preston, WA (1 mi)
• Specs: 64 RV sites, full hookups, no tents, pets welcome, short-/long-term stays, heavy usage, open year-round
• Amenities: Potable water, flush toilets, dumpsters, showers, laundry, picnic gazebo, Wi-Fi, fishing, historic sites, nature hikes, barbecues, picnic tables, nearby river access
• Reservations: Yes, at BlueskyPreston.com
• Address: 9002 302nd Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98027 (Map)

Manchester State Park (21 miles)

Manchester State Park is rich in naval history and home to the Torpedo Warehouse, a rustic naval landmark that has since been charmed into a camping and wedding venue. It’s located on the Olympic Peninsula, where a short drive will take you to the old-growth, Hoh rainforest, or downtown Port Orchard. It’s also near some of the top hot springs in Washington state.

• Closest town: Manchester, WA (2 mi)
• Specs: 35 tent sites, 15 RV sites, partial hookups, pets welcome, open year-round
• Amenities: Potable water, flush toilets, dumpsters, showers, laundry, events center rental, volleyball, basketball, fishing, nature hikes, fire pits, picnic tables, beach and Puget Sound access, kayaking, biking trails
• Reservations: Yes, at Parks.Wa.Gov
• Address: 7767 E Hilldale Rd, Port Orchard, WA 98366 (Map)

Harbor Point RV Park (22 miles)

Harbor Point RV Park is a camping destination tucked away only twenty minutes north of Seattle near the Mukilteo Ferry and Lighthouse Park. The park offers dining and beach access, plus the ferry takes campers to Whidbey Island for lovely drives, disc golf, and a hike in the iconic Deception Pass State Park.

• Closest Town: Everett, WA (7 mi)
• Specs: 82 RV sites, full hookups, pets welcome, open year-round
• Amenities: Potable water, dumpsters, laundry, Wi-fi, dog walk, picnic tables, barbecues, cable
• Reservations: Yes, at HarborPointRVPark.com
• Address: 11501 Hwy 99, Everett, WA 98204 (Map)

Tall Chief RV & Camping Resort (23 miles)

Tall Chief RV & Camping Resort is hidden on the Snoqualmie River about 20 miles northeast of Seattle in the beautiful Snoqualmie Valley. Enjoy some of the finest wildlife and bird watching in the state. Sample some of the farm-fresh food from the area, which supplies much of the local farmers’ market produce. Make your way to Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park, perhaps, or Snoqualmie Falls only a ten-minute drive through some of the finest evergreen forests.

Anglers can also fish for rainbow and cutthroat trout. For those who’d rather stay in, a pool, hot tub, sauna, and hot showers welcome a rainy Pacific Northwest day with every comfort.

• Closest town: Fall City, WA (5 mi)
• Specs: 8 tent sites, 105 RV sites, 2 rental cottages, a yurt, full hookups, pets welcome, short-/long-term stays, heavy usage, open year-round
• Amenities: Potable water, flush toilets, dumpsters, showers, laundry, clubhouse, sauna, pool, hot tub, dog park, golf, volleyball, basketball, mini-golf, wifi, fishing, historic sites, nature hikes, fire rings, picnic tables, nearby river access
• Reservations: Yes, at rvonthego.com
• Address: 29290 SE 8th St, Fall City, WA 98024 (Map)

Tolt-MacDonald Park & Campground (31 miles)

This on-the-river campground is a wonderful place to camp in the fall when the Chinook salmon swim upriver to spawn. The Snoqualmie River can be as wide as 250 feet in some places and the Snoqualmie River Valley makes an excellent place for growing food.

At Tolt-MacDonald Park there are three different community gardens residing. Direct river access makes this campground ideal for floats, kayakers, and fishermen. Or just walk barefoot on the smooth pebble-stone beach.

• Closest town: Carnation, WA (<1mi)
• Specs: 22 tent sites, 16 RV sites, 2 cabins, 6 yurts, camping container, standard nonelectric, pets welcome, heavy usage, open year-round
• Amenities: Potable water, flush toilets, dumpsters, picnic shelter, Brightwater Center, suspension bridge, fishing, nature hikes, fire rings, picnic tables
• Reservations: Yes, at KingCounty.gov
• Address: 31020 NE 40th St, Carnation, WA 98014 (Map)

Deception Pass State Park (80 Miles)

It may be an apparently long distance from Seattle, but Deception Pass is worth the drive, and the campground is worth the stay. If you’re camping near Seattle, you don’t want to miss the one-of-a-kind experience offered by this campground.

Located on two islands in the Puget Sound (Whidbey and Fidalgo), Deception Pass State Park & Campground is connected by a 1500-foot long, 177-foot-tall, two-lane bridge. The view is absolutely stunning. Add to that the old-growth forests, fresh and saltwater availability, and easy accessibility.

• Closest town: Oak Harbor, WA (9 mi)
• Specs: 172 tent sites, 134 RV sites, 5 hike-in/bike-in sites, cabins, yurts, partial hookups, pets welcome, easy, open year-round (select sites)
• Amenities: Potable water, vault toilets, dumpsters, boat rentals, fishing, crabbing, equestrian center, nature hikes, fire pits, picnic tables, beach and Puget Sound access
• Reservations: Yes, at WashingtonGoingtoCamp.com
• Address: 41229 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 (Map)

Many campgrounds in Washington State require a Discover Parks Annual or Day Pass, which can be purchased online at Discoverpass.WA.gov. Weather conditions on the sound and Olympic Peninsula can change quickly, so always be prepared to check the forecasts on a daily basis.