Camping in Tacoma, WA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2025

United States
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Washington
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Tacoma

96% (10805 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Tacoma

Under $50

Top camping destinations

Breakfast at Heart Lake, in the Seven Lakes Basin

Olympic National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

1262 campgrounds

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

1245 campgrounds

Mt. Hood National Forest

872 campgrounds

Lake McMurray

316 campgrounds

Available this weekend

100%

(115)

Good 'Dose' of Relaxation

1 site · RV1 acre · Brinnon, WA

Property nestled above the Dosewallips River with tremendous views of Mt. Jupiter Ridge and the Dosewallips River. You will find numerous hikes in the Olympic National Forest within a short drive, a gorgeous waterfall and swimming hole within 5 minutes, parks, Whitney Garden & Nursery, boat launches, crabbing, clamming & oyster digging, wildlife watching, enjoying the Hood Canal, and much more! Or, just sit back and relax in tranquility, as the property sits at the end of a cul de sac just before entering national forest land. Be sure to leash your pets and keep a good eye, as there are wildcats, coyotes, and bears in the area. Learn more about this land: Pull your RV or trailer onto this lot and take in the beautiful southwestern view of Mt. Jupiter ridge and a peek-a-boo view of the Dosewallips River! Listen closely, and you will hear the sounds of the river below. The lot is equipped with power and water hookups! Please be aware the water hookup is near the main gate entrance and the power is about 40 feet apart, so you may need a long hose (see pic). Enjoy the view from the large deck, firepit, or picnic table overlooking the river, valley, and mountains. This lot is truly a little slice of heaven! Within a few minutes, find yourself at Rocky Brook falls (see pics) for a spectacular view and even a swim if you so please! Pleasant Harbor Marina (also shown in pics) also within 10 minutes! You will also find many hiking trails and parks nearby! There is weak cell service on the lot, so you may or may not be able to connect. I get 1-2 bars with Sprint. While this property is not very far off the Dosewallips road (35 mph), it is generally very quiet and peaceful. You may hear cars and motorcycles from time to time, but very faintly. The lot is at about 350 ft. elevation, so you may get noise traveling up the valley from the residential community below (to which I belong), such as dogs, people using chainsaws, etc. There is hunting allowed in the national forest, so you could potentially hear guns in the distance during the day, but that is rare. There are a few close neighbors, so please be respectful and quiet, especially in the evening. Please bring your own firewood when campfires are allowed and please do not forage for firewood on or around the property. Lastly, while the sightings have been few and rare, the neighbors have seen bears, cougars, coyotes, and bobcats near their homes and this property. So keep an eye on your children and pets, especially if off-leash (your pet of course!) The property also slopes a bit where the deck starts, so again, keep a close eye on the kiddos. You have a very good chance of seeing the local Roosevelt Elk that travel in huge herds around Brinnon (See pics). They sometimes lay down and hang out on the grass on the property! Make sure your pets have their flea and tick updates!

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(612)

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!

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.

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).

Cedar River Retreat

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Hobart, WA

The Cedar River Retreat is its own little oasis. Located past an old fisherman's community along the river, close to shopping and stores but tucked away from it all just enough to reconnect with nature. This plot was purchased in 2016 and we hope you have a great time creating memories like we have over the last few years. We currently have an off-grid cabin, RV site and a tent camping only site. The outdoors are for everyone! We are excited to host you soon! Happy adventuring! Follow us on Instagram- @cedar_riverretreat

12 top campgrounds near Tacoma

95%

(325)

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).

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!

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.

Cedar River Retreat

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Hobart, WA

The Cedar River Retreat is its own little oasis. Located past an old fisherman's community along the river, close to shopping and stores but tucked away from it all just enough to reconnect with nature. This plot was purchased in 2016 and we hope you have a great time creating memories like we have over the last few years. We currently have an off-grid cabin, RV site and a tent camping only site. The outdoors are for everyone! We are excited to host you soon! Happy adventuring! Follow us on Instagram- @cedar_riverretreat

Skokomish Park At Lake Cushman

60 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Hoodsport, WA

2024 Reservations are Open 2024 Season runs from March 29 - November 3 KING5 Evening Magazine's "The Best of the Northwest Escapes" competition voted us 2nd Best Campground. Come on out and check out the natural beauty Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman has to offer. Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman, formerly known as Camp Cushman or Lake Cushman State Park, covers over 500 acres with three boat-launch ramps on the 41,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Cushman. Park facilities include campsites, RV pull-thru and back-in sites, walk-in campsites, and two group camping areas. Plus, two fantastic day-use areas with picnic sites, a picnic shelter, and comfort stations located throughout the park. The natural beauty of the area can be explored on any of our trails. The eastern part of the Olympic Peninsula has loads of great trails around us in the Olympic National Park. Trailheads nearby include Big Creek, Mount Rose, Mount Ellinor, Dry Creek, Copper Creek, Wagonwheel Lake, Staircase Rapids, Big Log Camp, and Flapjack Lakes. Mount Ellinor Trail is rated 5 stars by many.

97%

(32)

Highland Park Hideaway

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Seattle, WA

Enjoy an urban layover in Seattle at this “secret garden” oasis! Property is tucked away off the main street in a manicured, park-like setting. Borders a private greenbelt on one side, with territorial and peek-a-boo mountain views. Easy walking distance to public transit, numerous open spaces, parks/playgrounds...and a coffee shop and cafe in the adjacent, vibrant Greenbridge Community. 2 blocks to Westcrest Park, which has panoramic views of the city skyline, walking paths, and an off-leash dog area. Highland Park Hideaway offers easy access to downtown Seattle, Pike Place Market, Ferries, Seattle Center, Space Needle, Alki Beach and so much more. Or head down to T-Mobile Park, Lumen field or Climate Pledge Arena for a Mariners, Sounders, Seahawks or Kraken game...or one of many events/concerts! Conveniently located on bus routes (60, 131, H Line) to downtown Seattle, West Seattle, Capitol Hill, and Bellevue. And just a ~12-minute drive to SEA Airport or downtown Seattle. Uber/Lyft/Taxis are readily available in minutes. Short distance (.75 mile) to hip and funky downtown White Center with a diverse array of restaurants, bars, breweries and shops! Everything you need, right here in the neighborhood: Grocery stores, Westwood Village shopping mall, McLendon Hardware, Walgreens and more. PLEASE NOTE: This driveway spot is best suited for Vanlife, Overlanders, truck camper, or small RV (25 ft max). Property is at the dead end of a shared (w/neighbors) driveway ~60 yards from street/entrance, with tight backing/turnaround radius. Trailers will likely need to back down driveway from street. Any trailer tow vehicle should be able to park adjacent in driveway. Might be an option to park under Carport (11' tall clearance) depending on size/configuration. Rigs must be self-contained. ALSO: This location being in an urban neighborhood (with homes/neighbors around it) – you will hear some city ‘white noise’ from planes, trains, automobiles, etc. Owner/host lives on-site.

Rockin’ Z Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Redmond, WA

At the mouth of the Snoqualmie Valley you’ll find the Rockin’ Z Ranch! Camp among the trees and watch horses gallop past on this tranquil equestrian property. Enter through a separate gate into our spacious and well appointed camp-out corner; a great place to relax or use as a base camp for surrounding activities. Just a short walk away, at the end of our private road, is the trailhead to Soaring Eagle Regional Park. This 750 acre park has endless trails for biking and hiking. Head east to Fall City or beyond to the Cascades. The Rockin’ Z Ranch invites you!

97%

(44)

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.

97%

(161)

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%

(65)

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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Bumps & Bruzas

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Orting, WA

I recently bought this place from a friend's family. The name is in honor of him, "Bruzas in Bumps & Bruzas." He loved having people out all the time for fires and BBQs and just random fun. This place was went meant to be shared in his vision, so thats what I'm doing with it.The setup is simple, we are a property on the Carbon River with nearly 800ft of river front access. The levee runs along the length of the property creating continuous camping availability. Please honor the property and adopt the LEAVE NO TRACE habits~ if possible please leave it better than you found it. We're a casual family friendly environment. We look forward to seeing you at our special property on the Carbon River. Please contact us for any other questions you may have!

96%

(48)

Coffee Creek Community & Gardens

4 sites · Lodging11 acres · Centralia, WA

Coffee Creek is an intentional community and working farm on the north side of Centralia, Washington. While our 11 acres feels very secluded, we are just 3 miles from historic downtown and 10 minutes from the freeway and shopping. An accessible oasis! There is a park with swimming, fishing and hiking along the Skookumchuck river within a mile of the farm, in addition to the natural beauty found right here at home. We enjoy bird watching, exploring our forest, and relaxing around a fire when we aren't working on the farm. Seasonal Strawberries and pastured poultry are our specialties, and we offer a wide variety of veggies and fruits. Farm fresh eggs are almost always available and we have organic meats to purchase and grill.

Star Hosts in Tacoma

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(44)

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.

Highland Park Hideaway

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Seattle, WA

Enjoy an urban layover in Seattle at this “secret garden” oasis! Property is tucked away off the main street in a manicured, park-like setting. Borders a private greenbelt on one side, with territorial and peek-a-boo mountain views. Easy walking distance to public transit, numerous open spaces, parks/playgrounds...and a coffee shop and cafe in the adjacent, vibrant Greenbridge Community. 2 blocks to Westcrest Park, which has panoramic views of the city skyline, walking paths, and an off-leash dog area. Highland Park Hideaway offers easy access to downtown Seattle, Pike Place Market, Ferries, Seattle Center, Space Needle, Alki Beach and so much more. Or head down to T-Mobile Park, Lumen field or Climate Pledge Arena for a Mariners, Sounders, Seahawks or Kraken game...or one of many events/concerts! Conveniently located on bus routes (60, 131, H Line) to downtown Seattle, West Seattle, Capitol Hill, and Bellevue. And just a ~12-minute drive to SEA Airport or downtown Seattle. Uber/Lyft/Taxis are readily available in minutes. Short distance (.75 mile) to hip and funky downtown White Center with a diverse array of restaurants, bars, breweries and shops! Everything you need, right here in the neighborhood: Grocery stores, Westwood Village shopping mall, McLendon Hardware, Walgreens and more. PLEASE NOTE: This driveway spot is best suited for Vanlife, Overlanders, truck camper, or small RV (25 ft max). Property is at the dead end of a shared (w/neighbors) driveway ~60 yards from street/entrance, with tight backing/turnaround radius. Trailers will likely need to back down driveway from street. Any trailer tow vehicle should be able to park adjacent in driveway. Might be an option to park under Carport (11' tall clearance) depending on size/configuration. Rigs must be self-contained. ALSO: This location being in an urban neighborhood (with homes/neighbors around it) – you will hear some city ‘white noise’ from planes, trains, automobiles, etc. Owner/host lives on-site.

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.

Cedar River Retreat

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Hobart, WA

The Cedar River Retreat is its own little oasis. Located past an old fisherman's community along the river, close to shopping and stores but tucked away from it all just enough to reconnect with nature. This plot was purchased in 2016 and we hope you have a great time creating memories like we have over the last few years. We currently have an off-grid cabin, RV site and a tent camping only site. The outdoors are for everyone! We are excited to host you soon! Happy adventuring! Follow us on Instagram- @cedar_riverretreat

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!

Dog-friendly getaways

97%

(612)

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!

Cedar River Retreat

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Hobart, WA

The Cedar River Retreat is its own little oasis. Located past an old fisherman's community along the river, close to shopping and stores but tucked away from it all just enough to reconnect with nature. This plot was purchased in 2016 and we hope you have a great time creating memories like we have over the last few years. We currently have an off-grid cabin, RV site and a tent camping only site. The outdoors are for everyone! We are excited to host you soon! Happy adventuring! Follow us on Instagram- @cedar_riverretreat

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.

Skokomish Park At Lake Cushman

60 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Hoodsport, WA

2024 Reservations are Open 2024 Season runs from March 29 - November 3 KING5 Evening Magazine's "The Best of the Northwest Escapes" competition voted us 2nd Best Campground. Come on out and check out the natural beauty Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman has to offer. Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman, formerly known as Camp Cushman or Lake Cushman State Park, covers over 500 acres with three boat-launch ramps on the 41,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Cushman. Park facilities include campsites, RV pull-thru and back-in sites, walk-in campsites, and two group camping areas. Plus, two fantastic day-use areas with picnic sites, a picnic shelter, and comfort stations located throughout the park. The natural beauty of the area can be explored on any of our trails. The eastern part of the Olympic Peninsula has loads of great trails around us in the Olympic National Park. Trailheads nearby include Big Creek, Mount Rose, Mount Ellinor, Dry Creek, Copper Creek, Wagonwheel Lake, Staircase Rapids, Big Log Camp, and Flapjack Lakes. Mount Ellinor Trail is rated 5 stars by many.

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).

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Blake Island Marine State Park

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Olympic National Park

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Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Tacoma guide

Overview

The closest big city to Mount Rainier National Park, the large city of Tacoma is ideally positioned for travelers who want to explore different parts of the state easily. From Tacoma, you can easily get to Seattle on Interstate-5, or hop on State Highway 16, which leads to the Olympic Peninsula. There’s also plenty to see and do right in town, from taking in views of the Puget Sound from Point Defiance Park to checking out the Museum of Glass, where you can see the works of Washington State's celebrated glass artist Dale Chihuly.

Where to go

Mount Rainier National Park

The most popular spot to visit in the Tacoma area, Mount Rainier National Park is a fantastic place for a summer hiking adventure or camping trip, and many mountaineers come to Washington specifically to climb up to its peak. Time it right and you'll be rewarded with views of gorgeous wildflowers, which tend to bloom in the summer, depending on the year’s weather patterns.

Saltwater State Park

Located between Seattle and Tacoma, Saltwater State Park offers 1,445 feet of shoreline overlooking Puget Sound. It's a great place to cool off during the summer months and its location on the flight path of the nearby Sea-Tac International Airport make it a hit among plane-spotters. There's even an underwater reef for diving, plus a campground for those who want to stick around for a night.

Dash Point State Park

A quick jaunt from Tacoma, Dash Point State Park is another great spot for water fun, with a sandy beach that attracts kayakers, skimboarders, and anglers, along with plenty of shore birds. Other park features include miles of trails for hiking and biking, plus a campground with campsites, cabins, and a dump station.

When to go

The best time to visit Tacoma and its surrounding natural areas is during the summertime, when the weather is usually hot and there’s not too much chance of rain. The rest of the year faces cool, rainy weather, meaning area residents take full advantage of the brief summer window to spend as much time outdoors as possible. This often results in crowds, particularly in July and August.