Are you planning an RV trip to Seattle and wondering where to park your home-on-wheels for the best mix of city access and Pacific Northwest scenery?
What Are The Recommended RV Camping Spots In Seattle?
You’ll find that Seattle itself has very limited options for overnight RV camping inside the city limits. Most RV travelers park outside the dense urban core and use nearby campgrounds, private RV parks, state parks, and national-park campgrounds as bases for day trips into the city. Below you’ll get a thoughtful breakdown of recommended camping spots in the Greater Seattle area, grouped by the type of experience you want and with practical guidance for reservations, ferries, vehicle length limits, and local rules.
How Seattle’s RV Camping Situation Works
You’ll want to know that public camping in Seattle’s city parks is largely prohibited, and on-street overnight parking rules vary by neighborhood. Because of that, staying within a short drive or ferry ride of the city at a dedicated campground is the most comfortable and legal option for RV travelers.
City options mainly include private RV parks, RV-friendly hotels, or commercial lots that permit overnight parking. Most travelers prefer to base themselves in nearby state parks, private RV parks, or national park campgrounds to get both convenience and scenery.
Recommended RV Sites — Quick Comparison
Below is a table for quick reference so you can pick a spot based on what matters most to you: distance to downtown Seattle, hookups, scenery, and activities.
| Campground / Park | Approx. Drive Time to Downtown Seattle | Hookups (typical) | RV Length Friendly | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle/Tacoma KOA (Auburn/Federal Way area) | 30–50 min | Full (many sites) | 40+ ft (some limits) | Convenience, full services |
| Dash Point State Park | 35–45 min | No (primitive) | Most towable RVs | Easy lake and Puget Sound access |
| Fort Worden State Park (Port Townsend) | 1.5–2 hrs (ferry + drive) | No (primitive) | Most | History, beaches, maritime views |
| Deception Pass State Park | 1.5–2 hrs north | Mostly no | Most | Dramatic coastal scenery |
| Mount Rainier NP (Cougar Rock / Ohanapecosh) | 2–2.5 hrs | Limited (generally no) | Varies by campground | Mountain access, hiking |
| Camano Island State Park | 1–1.5 hrs | No | Most | Quiet island shoreline |
| San Juan Islands (various parks and private campgrounds) | Ferry ride from Anacortes (2–4+ hrs total) | Often no; some private sites have hookups | Varies | Island time, whale watching |
Note: Drive times are approximate depending on traffic, ferry waits, and exact location. Always check the official websites or reservation portals for current hookups, vehicle length limits, and seasonal closures.
Best Private RV Parks for Convenience and Full Hookups
You’ll likely choose a private RV park if you need full hookups, sites that accept larger rigs, laundry facilities, and reliable Wi‑Fi.
Seattle/Tacoma KOA (and other KOA locations)
This KOA chain near the south end of the metropolitan area usually offers full hookups, pull-through sites, laundry, and other traveler-friendly amenities. You’ll appreciate the convenience if you plan frequent day trips into downtown Seattle or to regional attractions without driving too far.
Other Private Campgrounds in Metro Area
There are smaller private RV parks and mobile home parks in the suburbs that accept RVs for short stays. These can provide basic hookups and city access, but quality and rules vary. You’ll find them listed on major campground websites and in RV apps — check reviews and call ahead.
State Parks Within an Easy Drive (Nature + Proximity)
Washington’s state parks around Puget Sound are crowd-pleasers for RV campers who want natural scenery within a reasonable drive of Seattle. Many of these parks have limited or no hookups but deliver beaches, tide pools, trails, and quieter nights.
Dash Point State Park
You’ll stay close to Puget Sound and have easy beach access at Dash Point, between Tacoma and Seattle. Dash Point offers vehicle-accessible campsites that are friendly to trailers; hookups are typically not available, so plan to boondock or use onboard tanks.
Deception Pass State Park
You’ll find dramatic cliffs, old-growth forest, and stunning views at Deception Pass. Campsites are on both Whidbey and Fidalgo islands, and while many sites don’t offer hookups, the location is one of the most photographed in Washington state. It’s a great choice if scenery and day hikes are your priority.
Fort Worden State Park
You’ll enjoy historic military structures, wide beaches and a quieter feel up in Port Townsend. Fort Worden has primitive campsites suitable for RVs; services are limited, but the cultural and shoreline access are outstanding.
Camano Island State Park
You’ll find quiet shoreline, birdwatching, and proximity to the northern Puget Sound islands here. It’s typically quieter than the busier state parks but still accessible.
National Park Camping — Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier National Park is a top destination for RV travelers who want mountain scenery and trail access. You can base yourself at park campgrounds that accept RVs, though hookups are generally not provided.
Cougar Rock Campground
You’ll get convenient access to the Paradise and Longmire areas from Cougar Rock, making it a solid choice if you want to explore Mount Rainier’s most iconic viewpoints. Some loops handle moderate-size RVs; always check vehicle length limits.
Ohanapecosh Campground
You’ll be on the southeastern side of the park with old-growth forest and river access. This is a quieter option for RVs heading into Mount Rainier.
Note: Road conditions and openings in Mount Rainier can be seasonal. You’ll want to check the National Park Service website for road closures and campsite reservations.
San Juan Islands — Island Camping and Ferries
If you want island time, the San Juan Islands offer camping on parks and private sites. Planning for ferry reservations and vehicle spots is a key part of RV camping here.
Camping on San Juan and Lopez Islands
You’ll need to plan a ferry crossing (vehicle reservations recommended in summer) from Anacortes and then find campsites on the islands. Most island campgrounds are primitive or have limited facilities, but the rewards include orca-watching, kayaking, and a relaxed pace.
Practical note on ferries
You’ll want to reserve a vehicle spot on Washington State Ferries or private operators when traveling with an RV. Ferry reservations and capacity can determine your schedule, especially in summer.
Waterfront and Beach Camping Options
You’ll enjoy Pacific Northwest beaches near Seattle, but beach camping with an RV is usually at managed sites (state or private parks) rather than free shoreline stays.
- Deception Pass and Fort Worden give you some of the best coastal scenery.
- Whiskey Beach-ish areas closer to the city are generally day-use only.
- Camping on islands (San Juans, Vashon) yields more shoreline options if you’re willing to handle ferry logistics.
Boondocking and Dispersed Camping Near Seattle
Dispersed boondocking (camping without hookups on public land) is more common east of the Cascade Range and in national forests rather than right next to Seattle. You’ll find more boondocking options if you head east toward Wenatchee, Leavenworth, or north into the Methow Valley.
If you plan to boondock:
- Make sure your rig is self-contained or you have a plan for water/dump.
- Follow Leave No Trace and local rules.
- Be aware that many areas near Seattle are private property or protected lands where overnight parking is prohibited.
Urban Overnight Parking: What You Need to Know
You’ll find very few legal overnight RV parking options inside Seattle. If a downtown overnight is a must for you, these are the practical routes:
- Use RV parks and private lots in the suburbs (South, East, or North of Seattle) and use public transit or rideshare into downtown.
- Consider hotels with oversized parking lots that allow overnight RV parking, but call ahead for permission.
- Use guaranteed overnight services such as “Harvest Hosts” (for members) where you park at wineries, farms, and businesses — note restrictions on length and quiet hours.
- Check for local “safe parking” programs for RVs run by municipalities or nonprofits; availability varies.
Never assume on-street overnight parking is allowed; signs and neighborhood rules are strictly enforced.
How to Handle Ferries with an RV
Ferries are essential if you plan to visit Olympic Peninsula locales (e.g., Port Townsend) or the San Juan Islands. Here’s how to make ferry travel smoother:
- Reserve vehicle reservations for peak season (summer weekends).
- Measure your RV accurately (length & height) and have proof ready if required.
- Arrive early at the ferry terminal to queue.
- Know that some narrow terminals have length/weight restrictions; check the ferry operator’s site for vehicle limits.
- Expect longer travel times when you factor in loading and waiting.
Making Reservations — Where to Book
You’ll want to use official reservation systems to lock in the spots you need:
- Washington State Parks reservation system (parks.state.wa.us) — for state parks.
- Recreation.gov — for many federal campgrounds, including some national park and forest sites.
- KOA and private campground websites or apps — for private parks.
- Washington State Ferries and private ferry operators — for vehicle reservations to islands.
Book well in advance for holidays and summer weekends. Some popular parks fill months ahead.
Practical Considerations for RVs in Seattle Area
You’ll have unique needs compared to tent campers. Here are topics to plan for:
Hookups and Utilities
Expect that many state park campgrounds near Seattle won’t have electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Private RV parks will more likely offer full hookups. Plan your water, propane, and battery levels accordingly.
Dump Stations and Services
You can find dump stations at private RV parks, some state parks, and certain marinas. Fuel, propane refill, and heavy-RV services are more common along major highways and in larger suburbs than inside the city.
RV Length Limits and Road Restrictions
Seattle streets and narrow neighborhood roads can be challenging for longer rigs. You’ll want to avoid driving through downtown in rigs longer than 30–35 feet unless you’re comfortable with tight urban driving. Parking lots, gas stations, and ferry docks sometimes have posted vehicle length limits — check in advance.
Pets and Dog Rules
If you travel with pets, check pet policies at each campground. Many Washington state parks allow dogs but require them to be on leash and excluded from certain habitats. Some private parks may charge pet fees.
Recommended Activities Near Campgrounds
You’ll find plenty to do around the recommended spots. Here are a few activity ideas tied to the regions:
- Around Dash Point and Fort Worden: beachcombing, birdwatching, tidepooling, and local history museums.
- Deception Pass: scenic drives, bridge viewpoints, windsurfing, and boat launches.
- Mount Rainier: alpine hikes, waterfalls, visitor centers, and ranger talks.
- San Juan Islands: whale-watching tours, kayaking, small-town shops and art galleries, and cycling.
- KOA and private parks: local dining, short drives to regional attractions, and conveniences for errands.
Suggested Multi-Day RV Itineraries
Here are two sample itineraries you can use as a starting point. Adjust distances and timing for your RV’s comfort and ferry schedules.
3-Day Seattle + Nature Quick Trip
Day 1: Arrive at a private RV park south of Seattle (KOA or local park). Drive into downtown Seattle for museums and Pike Place Market.
Day 2: Head north to Deception Pass State Park. Hike short trails and stay overnight in a state park campsite.
Day 3: Return via Anacortes or stop at Camano Island for a quieter shoreline before returning to your home or the city.
7-Day Pacific Northwest Loop
Day 1–2: Base at a Seattle-area private RV park, visit city attractions.
Day 3–4: Head to Mount Rainier (Cougar Rock/Ohanapecosh) for hiking and mountain views.
Day 5: Drive to Port Townsend and stay at Fort Worden State Park. Check out historic sites.
Day 6–7: Catch ferry to San Juan Islands for island touring, whale watching, and relaxing before heading back.
What to Pack and Prepare
You’ll want to be prepared both for city life and for wilderness settings. Here’s a checklist to consider:
- Valid driver’s license and RV registration.
- Accurate RV measurements (length, height).
- Water hoses, freshwater filter, and extra jerry cans.
- Sewer hose, adapters, and gloves for dump stations.
- Propane tanks and spare fuel where permitted.
- Flexible power plan: generator (if allowed), battery backups, and solar options.
- Layered clothing for variable Pacific Northwest weather.
- Ferry reservation confirmations and campground reservation confirmations.
- Park passes and any permits required for fishing, fire, or special activities.
- First aid kit, basic tools, jumper cables.
- Detailed maps and offline navigation apps (cellular signal can be unreliable).
Safety, Etiquette, and Environmental Responsibility
You’ll contribute to keeping camping available and enjoyable by following basic rules:
- Pack out all trash and secure food to avoid attracting wildlife.
- Use established campsites, fire rings, and latrines where provided.
- Keep noise to a minimum during quiet hours.
- Follow posted fire restrictions and never leave fires unattended.
- Respect signage regarding pets, closures, and sensitive habitats.
Seasonal Considerations
You’ll see significant seasonal differences in availability and conditions:
- Summer (June–September): Peak season for reservations and ferries; expect crowds and the need to book early.
- Shoulder seasons (spring, fall): Great for fewer crowds and lower rates, but some roads and sites at higher elevations may still be closed.
- Winter: Many state and national park campgrounds close or limit services; check for road and campground closures and prepare for wet/cold conditions.
Final Tips to Make Your Seattle RV Trip Smooth
- Call campgrounds or check official sites for last-minute questions about hookups, vehicle length limits, and regulations.
- If you plan to visit the San Juan Islands or any island with ferries, reserve vehicle space early.
- Give yourself time to navigate Capitol Hill or downtown streets with a larger rig; parking garages are generally not RV-friendly.
- Use local transit or ride-hailing services to enter downtown Seattle to avoid parking hassles and traffic.
- Consider splitting longer drives to account for variable ferry schedules and traffic.
Useful Resources and Booking Links
You’ll save time by using official reservation sites and apps. Check the following:
- Washington State Parks reservation portal (official for state parks).
- Recreation.gov (for federal land campgrounds).
- KOA and private campground direct booking pages.
- Washington State Ferries for schedules and vehicle reservations.
- Local tourism and county websites for seasonal alerts and local rules.
Closing Thoughts
You’ll find that camping with an RV in the Seattle area is a balance between the city’s strict urban parking environment and the spectacular natural areas that ring the region. By choosing the right base — whether a full-service private park for convenience or a state park for scenery — you’ll be able to enjoy both Seattle’s urban attractions and the Pacific Northwest’s exceptional outdoor destinations. Make reservations early, measure your rig, plan ferry time when needed, and you’ll be set for a memorable RV experience in and around Seattle.
