Best Camping in and near Alder Lake Park

100% (5 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Alder Lake Park adventure.

Alder Lake Park: A scenic retreat for camping, boating, and fishing.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Alder Lake Park

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Alder Lake Park

Rocky Point Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Alder Lake Park

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(4)

Alder Lake Main Campground

78 sites · RVs, Tents In Alder Lake Park

Elk Plain Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents In Alder Lake Park

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(1)

Osprey Campground

81 sites · RVs, Tents In Alder Lake Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Alder Lake Park

97%

(617)

The Hairy Eagle Lookout 🦅

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Olympia, WA

Experience breathtaking views! Positioned atop a 500ft hill, you will witness phenomenal sights of Puget Sound inlets, Mount Rainer, St Helens, Adams, and much more on a clear day. Resting against the Capitol State Forest, and mere miles away from Olympic National Forest, this serene secluded location is surrounded by majestic beauty. Recently awarded runner-up for the best Hipcamp in Washington 2023!

97%

(163)

Riverside Camping Near Mt Rainier

10 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Elbe, WA

Welcome to our campsite located near Mt. Rainier. Our property is close to the Nisqually River on one side and the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad track on the other. The entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park is just a 15-minute drive away, making our campsite a convenient base for exploring the park. Enjoy fishing, hiking, and watching the scenic railroad pass by. Our campsite offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. Whether you're here for the outdoor activities or just want a quiet spot to camp, we look forward to hosting you.

92%

(66)

Elysian Retreat

10 sites · Tents15 acres · Orting, WA

Welcome to our tranquil retreat on 15 acres of diverse landscapes at Elysian Retreat in Orting, WA. Our property offers a harmonious blend of open pasture, lush tree cover, and dense woods, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventure. Access the Carbon River and Orting Foothills trail via our coded gate in the NW corner of our paddock. You'll enjoy a 5-minute walk or bike ride along a small, maintained path that opens up to a beautiful view of the Carbon River. (Map included in our Hipcamp images) As you explore our serene surroundings, you'll discover a peaceful small stream meandering through the property, offering a constant flow of natural beauty and wildlife. Watch for majestic elk, graceful deer, vibrant waterfowl, and elusive fish as they frequent the stream, creating a symphony of sights and sounds. Our friendly herd of five horses & four goats roam freely within the fenced area, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of our retreat. They're always eager to greet visitors and may even offer a helping hoof as you set up camp or simply relax under the shade of a tree. Whether you prefer to unwind with a good book beside the babbling stream, take a stroll through the woods, or simply soak in the serene ambiance of nature, our property offers endless opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Parking is available within the securely locked pasture, ensuring easy access to your vehicle throughout your stay. In rare instances of excess rain, alternative parking arrangements will be made to ensure your safety and convenience. We have Portable Fire Pits that are free to use while staying with us and we try to supply firewood (please contact us before your stay to ensure we have stock). Additionally, we have 1 porta-potty located at the gate for camper use and a dumpster for trash. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature at our picturesque retreat. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the beauty of our land with you. 5 Min to Downtown Orting 40 Min to Rainier National Park 45 Min to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

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(102)

Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Vashon, WA

Visit Vashon Island and relax on this private estate property. Camp near the bluff, overlooking Puget Sound, walk the trail down to the beach and enjoy 1000 ft. of secluded beach. You can camp in the field by the bluff, or in the forest on either side of the driveway. The island boasts great coffee hangouts, galleries, wineries, restaurants (Earthen, The Ruby Brink, The Hardware Store Restaurant), Snapdragon and others. Minglement, the Burton Coffee Stand, and Cafe Olio Vino have great coffee. Thriftway is a great grocery store. The Burton Store is worth a visit if you are coming from the Tacoma/Pt. Defiance ferry as you will pass it on your way to the property. There a galleries, shops and restaurants in the town of Vashon and also in Burton. Vashon Center for the Arts, O-Space and the Chamber of Commerce have events that might be of interest. Bikes, E-bikes, paddle boards and kayaks can be rented from Vashon Adventures and Vashon Bikes.They also rent tents and some camping equipment. Outdoor fires are by permission only. There are sometime burn bans for air quality and/or high fire danger. Generally, fires are allowed AT THE BEACH, below the high tide line, between October 1 and June 15, but there are various reasons they may not be allowed (air quality bans, windy conditions, etc.) Any fire you light must be put out COLD (no steam, no heat) with water and buried with sand before leaving them unattended. You are responsible for any damage or injuries caused by a fire you start, so please be careful! Please note: It is very important that the number of people on site is accurate. Please contact Hipcamp to change the number of people - there currently is no way to do that on the site?! There is an additional charge per person above the base 2 person rate. If for some reason hipcamp doesn't automatically add in this charge, so we will request it separately. It must be paid in full prior to arrival. There is no outdoor music at any time. Quiet hours are 8 pm to 10 am. There is no picnic table or any amenities, but you can fill up water at our barn if needed. DO NOT USE THE WOODS AS A BATHROOM. It is necessary to bring your own latrine. Please clean up after your pet. Dogs must be leashed AT ALL TIMES in the field. If no one is around at the beach, they can be off leash, but leash up if anyone approaches until they pass. Please never leave your dog unattended outside where barking will disturb the peace. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Looking forward to hosting you! Lisa 206 498 4359 Larry & Sherry 206 295 4564/206 295 7333 Andre 206 335 6731 Emergency 911

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(46)

Pipe Lake Cabin

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Maple Valley, WA

Woodsy cabin nestled on Pipe Lake in Maple Valley, Washington. Quiet, private dock and deck overlooking the lake. Nestled in between Snoqualmie National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park, this cabin is a quaint spot to have a beverage by the lake with friends, play board games as the sun goes down and go for a swim.

95%

(327)

Dean’s Campground

18 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Auburn, WA

Welcome to Dean’s! Eight minutes off Highway 18 lies 11 acres of mostly undeveloped land. Dean's is a beautiful, bare-bones place to rest between national parks, before or after crossing the US / CA border, or to set up base camp to explore Seattle / Tacoma. Our main driveway is CLOSED this year for repairs. We have alternate arrival instructions for you after you book. These instructions add about 7 minutes (totaling 8 minutes) from Highway 18 to the campground. Our location is convenient. We are just minutes from Auburn city limits. Road noise, planes, Pacific Raceways, and freight trains are audible here even if muffled by the trees. Our distant neighbors occasionally indulge in target shooting. This doesn't last long. Please call us immediately with any concerns. We have a brand new neighborhood in construction on one of our property lines. Heavy machinery is in use around 8 am and usually finished by dinner time. In order to provide safety and peace, hosts live just outside the campground and closely manage happenings. All our sites have 2-4 persons occupancy in hopes of deterring parties. Our quiet hours are 8pm-8am so we can rest up for the next day’s adventures. We ban fires during the peak of summer to avoid the issue of wildfires entirely. Propane stoves are welcome. We do not have a check in cut-off time tho reservations do need to be made before midnight. We have zero tolerance for hateful, abusive, or discriminatory behavior toward people, belongings, and wildlife. With that being said, the 40+ year old trees and distance between the campsites provides space for you to bring and create your own vibes. Hosts should only approach you with safety or quiet hour concerns. They are available 24 / 7 for any questions or requests you may have. Feel free to reach out any time (our phone number can be found on Google).

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Hidden Meadow on Henderson Inlet

5 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Olympia, WA

Our camp is currently closed for the season. Thank you everyone for sharing such an amazing Summer at Hidden Meadow with us. We will be opening again starting in June 2025. See you next year and have a great winter season! Burn ban information here: https://www.southbayfire.com/thurston-burn-information About us: Hello and thank you for checking out Hidden Meadow, our names are Jake and Molly. We love camping, hiking and any opportunity to be outside with our two children! In 2020 (one week before the whole world shut down from Covid) we found the hidden gem we had been searching for! A perfect place to raise our family, space to play and explore nature, super private and close to town! It seemed too good to be true and still does! After settling in and realizing what amazing natural beauty we had, we got to work developing our garden, orchards, trails, fire pits and….Campsites! After building a camp site for our family, we decided that we wanted to share this amazing space with other families to enjoy! We built Hidden Meadow to be the campsite that we have always searched for on our family adventures, surrounded by nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the world, with trails for hiking and a HOT TUB to relax in, in the evening! We hope that you enjoy it! About the property: We are located on a very private property (the only houses you will see are across the inlet) surrounded by nature but only about 10 minutes from downtown Olympia and 5 minutes from I-5 and Lacey. The property is situated on the very south end of Henderson Inlet. We are on the tide flats so twice a day (at high tide) we have the opportunity to explore on the water in canoes and kayaks. The property is spread over 16 acres and is comprised of two large fields (one in front of our home and the other is a smaller meadow off to the side (hidden meadow) and forest land. There is tons of space for playing, exploring and tiring out your kids and pups! Wildlife is abound with eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, shore birds and a variety of forest birds make this place their home. We are also frequented by the local deer who wonder through and say hi. About the campground: The campground is located in the far northeast corner of the property on the edge of the forest and meadow. In the common areas you will find the bathroom which has a shower and a toilet. The toilet is a porta-potty and the shower is propane headed. There is also a supply closet at the bathroom that has the yard games and extra supplies. There is a hottub situated right on the edge of the forest with peek-a-boo views of the inlet. You will also find garbage and recycling bins as well as a sink for washing hands (please water only down the sink). We have provided soap that is biodegradable for the sink and shower to help reduce our impact on this beautiful environment. There are trails throughout the forest along the 600 feet of water (tide) front. Along the trails you will find several different benches, seats and swings to relax and enjoy nature from. There is also several fairies and gnomes who have been sighted in the forest. If you look closely, you might spot one too! We ware, if you touch a fairy or gnome they do lose their magical powers so please respect the mystical creatures. 😊 The sites are about 500 feet from our house and offers great privacy. You may see us throughout the day and evening coming and going from the campground, working on the property or playing with the kids on the trails! Dogs: We do have two dogs on the property (Wilma and Bean) who are very friendly and we will keep them out of camp during your stay. Although they typically follow us when we walk down there. We allow dogs to be off leash at owner’s risk. There may be other dogs in camp so please use discretion when letting your dogs off leash and be mindful of other campers. You must be responsible for your own dogs, we are not responsible for any dog related or dog inflicted injuries. Getting here: We are off of Sleater Kinney Rd in Olympia. We have a long, steep, curvy driveway. At the bottom of the driveway, you will find signs directing you to the camp site. If you have extra vehicles, we have extra parking spaces adjacent to the campsite. The road out to camp may be bumpy (we do our best to keep it smooth) so go slow and beware of natural obstacles. Rules: 1. Check in time is 2:00pm or later. For afterhours arrivals, please let us know. 2. Check out time is 12:00pm or earlier 3. Quiet hours from 9pm to 8am. You are far from our house, so we can’t hear you but sound travels well over the water to our neighbors. Nobody wants grumpy neighbors, please be respectful. 4. Remain within the campground boundary during all times. If you need us, please feel free to text or call. 5. Please put all trash in the trash cans or take it with you. 6. Remove all dog doo and dispose of in the trash. 7. Leave what you find (except ripe blackberries). Please leave any forest treasures where you found them. 8. Cleanup any debris left from firewood/camp activities before departing. 9. Enjoy nature and respect it. Please stay on trails and respect the plants and the natural habitats. 10. Stay off the dock. It is closed for repair. 11. Do not use the trailside fireplace (if you find it) or our personal canoe or kayaks. However, feel free to enjoy the view from the seats by the fireplace. 12. Be cautious when walking around, the ground is bumpy and there are exposed tree roots that can be tripping hazards. We are not responsible from injuries. 13. Help us keep it clean- if you find any garbage around, please pick it up or let us know. 14. Keep fires small and when you are finished PUT YOUR FIRES DEAD OUT! There are 5 gallon buckets by each fire put to fill before you start your fire for putting them out. 15. Please do not burn trash or food. It can create issues with the wildlife. Put all waste in garbage cans.

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Green Apple Alpacas

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Auburn, WA

We are a 5 acre working alpaca farm with alpacas, llamas, chickens, and sheep. We have lush green pastures with a garden, greenhouse, barn, and animal shelters. We specialize in agritourism and do tours, classes, events, and parties. We also have a darling boutique on site for all of your souvenirs and gifts. Can't wait to meet you and share our wonderful farm with you. Let us know if you want us to save you a dozen eggs. We are in the foothills of Mt. Rainier with skiing about an hour away at Crystal Resort. There are several state parks within a short drive including Flaming Geyser and Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. You can hike, kayak, or just enjoy a picnic lunch. The town of Enumclaw is minutes away with its darling downtown area that is fun to explore the shops and grab a meal or an ice cream cone. For the comfort of all our guests, please refrain from smoking of any kind anywhere on our property,

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Mt Rainier Reconnect

2 sites · Lodging, RVs27 acres · Ashford, WA

Welcome to Mt Rainier Reconnect! Reconnect with nature. Recharge your soul. Repeat. Park your RV on a beautiful, completely private campsite with incredible mountain views. Enjoy private access to the glacier-fed Nisqually river from your riverside campsite. . When we are physically injured we take the necessary steps to rehabilitate our injuries. Mt Rainier re-connect is rehab for your soul! Our property is located on 27 private riverfront acres on the Nisqually river just outside of the Nisqually/Paradise entrance to Mt Rainier National park. We are an 8-minute drive from the park.

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Wildfern Grove

8 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Buckley, WA

Learn more about this land: Immerse yourself in tranquility at our unique sanctuary nestled on 40 acres of pristine Pacific Northwest forest. Our property offers a captivating blend of intentional community living, event hosting capabilities, and short-term rentals.Find solace in one of our beautifully crafted yurts, each designed to provide a comfortable and harmonious living space amidst the towering trees. Step outside your yurt and into a relaxing meadow, perfect for quiet reflection or gathering with friends and family under the vast, starlit sky. Whether you seek a transformative community experience, a memorable event venue, or a peaceful retreat, our haven offers an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect with nature and yourself. 10 minutes from Bonney Lake, 15 minutes from Lake Tapps and one hour from Mt Rainier. We have 40 acres of sloped land with trails, wildlife, and nature to explore. Your yurt/tent site has territorial views of South Prairie, and includes a fire pit. Owners live on the property about a quarter mile away from the tent site, where you will find a communal kitchen and bathroom available for use.

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Pleasant Places

3 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Onalaska, WA

Pleasant Places campground is clean, quiet, spacious, and private with lots of nooks for R&R as well as ample space for play and activities. It is an ideal location for large groups, and in order to keep the camp private, larger groups are given priority. Centrally located and with 10 acres of field, forest and farm, there is something of interest for everyone. In camp you will find a rustic kitchen, two 6' picnic tables, and a fire pit with accessories. There is also a resource area where you will find an electrical outlet, a water hose, five gallon jugs, bundled firewood, fresh eggs/produce for sale, and a wagon to transport everything back to camp. While the campsite, play space, and driveway loops are mowed, most of the grounds are wild so bring your tromping shoes. We also have a play field (with a net) so pack your movie screen, volleyball, soccer ball, badminton set and lawn games. You'll enjoy communing with the farm animals, the goats are especially hands on and love the attention campers give them, while the chickens and ducks are mostly just fun to observe. The local fauna include deer, skunk, coyote, rabbit, weasel, and possum--bear and cat are not common, but please do be conscientious about leaving food out. While there isn't water on the property, Mayfield, Ike Kinswa, and Riffe lakes are all 20-30 minutes from here and provide lots of boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities. Just five minutes down the road, Carlisle Lake offers walking trails, outdoor exercise equipment, fishing, summer concerts, and a playground for the kids. If you're looking to explore the area, Mt Rainier, Mt St Helens, the East Side, and the Pacific Coast are all just day trips from here. We are midway between Portland and Seattle and just 15 minutes off of I-5 making Pleasant Places a perfect meet in the middle getaway. We are Judy and Summer and Chula, mother and daughter and dog, and we are pleased you are considering a stay with us. If you do book, we are certain you’ll enjoy making Pleasant Places your outdoor home-away-from-home. Hope to see you on the farm! PS Looking for a bit more comfort while camping? Check out my sister's new place on Hipcamp...Kearney Creek Retreat.

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The Arboretum at Bear Canyon West

12 sites · RVs12 acres · Cinebar, WA

This is a gorgeous park-like RV campground situated between the trees of the arboretum. No tents, please. Also we have NO public restrooms. Beautiful view of the mountains and forests here in western Washington. We are close to Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier and several lakes. There are walking trails all around the site. The 12 acre campground is located on a 136 acre property that is an active Christmas tree farm. Trails continue throughout the tree farm. Many trails have a view of the Tilton River, which can be reached via a challenging 3/4 mile trail. Sites are on 10 acres planted with many different species of trees that are about 30 years old. Giant Redwoods, Cedars, and Maples are just a few of the varieties present. Part of the farm is still a working Christmas tree farm. The trails are wide and grassy. The old logging road that we use as a trail to the river has an elevation change of about 500 feet, the trail can be quite challenging. Bear Creek empties into the Tilton river at the end of the trail. There is an ART GALLERY where you can learn to pound flowers, see the host's artwork and get a cup of coffee! This is upstairs above the shop, right on the property. Tilton River Studio Gallery. Three sites have electrical hookups. Every site has a water spigot (use a pressure regulator if you want to hook up). No restrooms or sewer hookups. Garbage disposal site available Memorial Day to Labor Day. We look forward to hosting you!

The best camping near Alder Lake Park guide

Overview

About

Will you marry me? I mean—will you visit me? Either way, Alder Lake Park is practically on it’s knees, begging for you to say yes! With these expansive lake views and the fact that it is only a two-hour drive from Seattle, how could you not? Start your day under tall pines, brewing your favorite cup of joe. Then, use that caffeine kick and get out on the water! This lake is ripe for wakeboarding, kayaking or jet-skiing and there’s plenty of sandy shoreline for basking in the sun. There really couldn’t be a better place to dive in and get your feet wet! Fishing and picnicking is also ace here if you’re into those fun, relaxing kinds of things. Clean and quiet campgrounds makes Alder Lake over-the-top for the tent savvy, but they are just as friendly and welcoming to RV’ers and big boats. Are you ready to say yes yet?

Notable campgrounds

Main Campground: Offers full hookups and is a hub for families and friends seeking a classic camping experience.
Osprey Campground: A favorite for its proximity to the water, ideal for anglers and boaters alike.
Rocky Point Campground: Secluded and scenic, perfect for those looking to escape into nature's embrace.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book online or call ahead to secure your spot up to nine months in advance for peak season stays.
For off-peak visits, take advantage of the first-come, first-served policy for walk-in campers.
Keep an eye on the calendar; reservations open on May 15 for the summer season.
Explore nearby camping options if your preferred site is unavailable.

When to go

The prime time to visit Alder Lake Park is between May 15 and Sept. 15, when all facilities are open and the weather is most conducive for outdoor activities. Off-season visitors can enjoy a quieter experience, though some amenities may be limited.

Know before you go

Check the current burn ban status to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
Day-use parking fees apply on weekends and holidays during the summer months.
Accessible restrooms and coin-operated showers enhance the camping experience.
Stay informed about lake levels and boat launch availability for a smooth boating experience.
Remember to call ahead for the latest information on park rules and closures.