Camping Near Seattle: State Parks and Mount Rainier

Frequently asked questions

Deception Pass State Park on Whidbey and Fidalgo islands is the busiest state park in Washington, with 315 campsites across 4,134 acres. It is open year-round, but booking ahead is wise.

Yes. Vehicles at Washington state parks require a Discover Pass. Check the Washington State Parks website for current pass details and fees.

Reservations are essential in summer. Check the National Park Service website for campground details and availability.

No. Its 47-site campground in Des Moines runs roughly from May to mid-September, and seasons can change, so confirm with Washington State Parks.

Washington State Parks accepts reservations by phone and online. Fees and seasons change, so check the official site before booking.

Saltwater shoreline along Puget Sound and the mountain campgrounds of Mount Rainier give you two very different ways to sleep outdoors. For camping near Seattle, start with the Washington state parks on the Sound: Deception Pass is the largest and busiest, open all year, while Dash Point and Saltwater sit much closer to the city. Head to Mount Rainier for a mountain trip, but reserve for summer, and bring a Discover Pass for any state park vehicle.

Camp by the Water on Puget Sound

Most of the camping close to town is shaped by Puget Sound, so you can expect to wake up near the water. Each of these parks offers that saltwater setting, though they differ quite a bit in size and season.

Deception Pass State Park

Spread your plans across two islands at Deception Pass, which stretches over Whidbey and Fidalgo and ranks as the busiest state park in Washington. Its 4,134 acres hold 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 315 campsites, giving you plenty of coast to explore. The park welcomes campers year-round, but its popularity means you should reserve well ahead.

Read the full guide

Dash Point State Park

For a short getaway south of the city, look to Dash Point in the Federal Way area. The park spans 398 acres with 3,301 feet of Puget Sound shoreline, and its campground offers about 141 sites for an easy escape.

Saltwater State Park

Down in Des Moines, Saltwater State Park keeps things smaller, with a campground of 47 sites. It runs seasonally, roughly from May to mid-September, so save this one for a summer trip rather than a year-round plan.

Head to the Mountain at Mount Rainier

When you want mountain air instead of sea breezes, Mount Rainier National Park is the main choice for campers leaving Seattle. Summer demand runs heavy, so reservations are essential during that season. The National Park Service manages the campgrounds, so check its website for current options, openings and rules before you map out a route.

Reservations, Passes and Fees

Book your state park campsite with Washington State Parks either by phone or online. Any vehicle parked at a state park needs a Discover Pass, so sort that out before you leave home.

Book early: Deception Pass and Mount Rainier both fill quickly in peak months, so lock in your dates as soon as you can.
Check seasons: Some campgrounds, like Saltwater, close for part of the year.
Confirm fees: Prices and seasonal dates change, so verify current details on the Washington State Parks website.

Add a Few Days in the City

Plenty of visitors split their time between a campsite and a few days in town. Before or after your trip, browse our guides to Seattle parks for shorter outdoor outings, gather ideas for things to do in Seattle, and dip into an overview of Seattle neighborhoods worth exploring.

Camping Near Seattle: State Parks and Mount Rainier

Frequently asked questions