What Are The RV Camping Options Near Seattle?

Looking for RV camping options near Seattle?

What Are The RV Camping Options Near Seattle?

You’re in the right place to get a full picture of RV camping choices around Seattle. Whether you want a short urban overnight, a full-hookup resort close to the city, rugged boondocking in the Cascades, or scenic state and national park campgrounds, you’ll find options to match your rig size, comfort needs, and travel style. Below you’ll find categories, detailed descriptions, representative campground examples, practical tips, reservation guidance, and safety and logistics considerations so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Overview: Your main categories of RV camping

There are several distinct types of RV camping options near Seattle. Each has different levels of services, rules, costs, and atmosphere. This section helps you quickly decide which category fits your trip.

• State parks: Scenic, well-maintained campgrounds managed by Washington State Parks. Many accept RVs but typically offer few or no full hookups.
• National parks and national forests: Great for scenery and hiking access. Campground services vary; many are primitive or provide only potable water and vault toilets.
• Private RV parks and KOAs: Offer full hookups, Wi‑Fi, laundry, restrooms, and sometimes resorts-style amenities. Ideal if you want city access with comfort.
• Dispersed/backcountry/boondocking: Free or low-cost camping on public lands (national forest). No hookups or services — bring water and pack out garbage as required.
• Ferries and island campgrounds: San Juan and other islands have campgrounds accessible by ferry. Plan for ferry reservations and vehicle length limits.
• Urban and overnight parking: Limited in Seattle proper. Options include designated RV parks near the airport, some truck stops, and private lots; check local laws carefully.

Quick comparison table

This table summarizes the categories so you can compare at a glance.

Category	Typical location	Hookups & services	Cost range	Best for
State parks	Puget Sound, islands, Cascades	Limited to none; some electrical	Low–moderate	Scenic family trips, coastal access
National parks & forests	Mount Rainier, Olympic, North Cascades	Minimal; primitive to basic	Low–moderate	Hiking, backcountry, mountains
Private RV parks & KOA	Near highways and towns	Full hookups often, Wi‑Fi, dump	Moderate–higher	Comfort, long stays, large rigs
Dispersed/boondocking	National forest roads	None	Free–very low	Off-grid, solitude, flexible stays
Island campgrounds	San Juan Islands, Whidbey	Mostly no hookups	Low–moderate	Island touring, ferries
Urban/overnight parking	Near Sea‑Tac, city periphery	Variable; few services	Low–moderate	Short stays, airport access

Popular campground examples near Seattle (representative)

Below are representative campgrounds and parks you may want to consider. Distances and conditions are approximate; always check the current park site for exact rules, rates, and availability.

Campground / Park	Type	Approx. drive time from Seattle	Hookups?	Notes
Seattle/Tacoma KOA Journey (Kent)	Private KOA	~30–40 minutes	Full hookups, Wi‑Fi	Close to city amenities, good for staging
Deception Pass State Park	State park	~1.5–2 hours	No hookups	Iconic Puget Sound scenery; large campground
Fort Worden State Park	State park	~1.5–2 hours	Limited hookups (check)	Historic site near Port Townsend; beaches
Cougar Rock & Ohanapecosh (Mt. Rainier NP)	National park	~2–2.5 hours	No hookups	Access to Paradise & Ohanapecosh areas
Kalaloch Campground (Olympic NP)	National park	~2.5–3.5 hours	No hookups	Beachfront sites on Olympic coast
Spencer Spit State Park (Lopez Island)	State park/island	~2–3 hours + ferry	No hookups	Island campground; ferry required
Colonial Creek Campground (North Cascades NP)	National park	~2.5–3 hours	No hookups	Lakeside sites with great views
Lake Wenatchee State Park	State park	~2–2.5 hours	Some sites with hookups	Mountain lake access; water recreation
Mount Baker‑Snoqualmie NF (dispersed)	National forest	1–2 hours (varies)	None	Boondocking and dispersed sites; free

Note: Drive times depend on traffic, ferry schedules, and your starting point in the Seattle metro area.

How Washington State Parks vs. National Parks vs. Private parks compare

You’ll likely choose among state parks, national parks, or private parks. Each management model affects availability, rules, fees, and the experience.

Washington State Parks

State parks are often scenic and family-friendly. You’ll find coastal beaches, lakes, and forested sites within a few hours of the city. Reservations are made through the Washington State Parks reservation system; some parks take walk-up sites but popular parks fill early in summer. Hookups are infrequent—expect to pack your own water and manage waste unless a park explicitly lists hookups.

National Parks & Forests

Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks, plus the North Cascades, offer world-class landscapes. Campgrounds are generally primitive to basic, especially inside national parks. National forest lands allow both designated campsites and dispersed (free) camping; forests can be a great boondocking option but check fire restrictions and seasonal road closures.

Private RV Parks & KOAs

If you want full hookups, reliable Wi‑Fi, laundry, and a level pad, private parks are the easiest choice. They also often accept larger rigs and have dump stations on-site. You’ll trade solitude for convenience and pay more, but for extended stays or in bad weather they’re often worth it.

Detailed look at state and national park options

Here are details on some of the major public-land choices you’ll likely consider.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier has several campgrounds near major trailheads. Cougar Rock Campground (near Paradise) and Ohanapecosh (southeast) accept RVs but generally do not provide hookups. Sites can be gravel and variable in size; some roads and campgrounds are seasonally closed due to snow. Mount Rainier’s scenery is dramatic and the park offers extensive hiking, but be prepared for elevation, pack extra layers, and plan for limited amenities.

Olympic National Park

Olympic spans diverse environments: coastlines, temperate rainforests, and alpine areas. Kalaloch Campground on the coast is popular for beach access but has no hookups. Hoh and Sol Duc areas have campgrounds geared to tent and small trailers. Olympic’s islands and coastal roads can add significant travel time from Seattle and some sites may be primitive.

North Cascades National Park & Ross Lake NRA

The North Cascades provide alpine lakes, glacier views, and rugged backcountry. Colonial Creek Campground on Diablo Lake is a scenic lakeside option; sites typically have no hookups. Road access can be restricted in winter; cell service is patchy.

Washington State Parks highlights

• Deception Pass State Park: very scenic cliff and water access; popular and makes for dramatic photos and walks.
• Fort Worden State Park: historic fort with shoreline; close to Port Townsend’s small-town amenities.
• Lake Wenatchee State Park: mountain lake recreation with seasonal water hookups at some sites and good fishing/boating.

Private RV parks and KOAs near Seattle

If you prioritize hookups, level sites, and reliable services, private parks are the simplest option. You’ll find them clustered near highways, towns, and Sea‑Tac Airport. Many allow long-term stays, provide laundry and dump stations, and have staff on site.

• Seattle/Tacoma KOA Journey (Kent) — a common staging area for Seattle visitors with full hookups and a location that’s close to major interstates.
• Private parks in Everett, Issaquah, Auburn, and Bellevue — often convenient for quick urban access.

Tip: Book early for summer weekends. Many private parks sell out when large events are in town (concerts, Seahawks games, fairs).

Dispersed camping and boondocking

If you want solitude and free camping, dispersed camping on National Forest lands is your go-to. Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Okanogan-Wenatchee offer thousands of acres and forest roads with informal camping spots.

What you need to know for dispersed camping:

• No services: no potable water, no restrooms, no trash pickup.
• Pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace.
• Respect seasonal closures, avalanche danger, and fire restrictions.
• Check travel advisories: some forest roads require high-clearance vehicles or are closed during parts of the year.
• You may need a Northwest Forest Pass or parking permit in some recreational areas (check the specific forest office website).

Dispersed camping is a great budget-friendly option, but it requires preparation. Bring extra water, a reliable toilet or waste plan, and contingency for limited cell coverage.

Island camping and ferries

A very appealing category near Seattle is island camping in the San Juan Islands, Lopez, Whidbey, and surrounding spots. These offer unique shoreline views and marine life watching, but add logistics:

• Ferry reservations: Vehicle reservations are often recommended, especially in summer. Check the Washington State Ferries or San Juan Islands ferry operators.
• Vehicle size limits: Ferries and island roads have vehicle length and weight restrictions. Confirm before you drive onto a ferry.
• Limited services: Most island campgrounds are similar to state parks in amenities—few hookups.
• Advance planning: Popular islands have few campsites; book ahead.

Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island and some limited sites on San Juan Island are good examples of island camping options.

Urban overnighting and rules in Seattle

Sleeping overnight in an RV within Seattle proper is complicated. Cities often have local ordinances, and enforcement varies. Here’s how to approach urban overnight stays:

• Use designated RV parks or private lots near Sea‑Tac rather than on-street parking. There are campgrounds and RV parks in Sea‑Tac, Kent, and Tukwila that are practical.
• Avoid sleeping in public parking lots unless posted or expressly permitted. Many municipalities restrict overnight sleeping in vehicles, and large RVs may be ticketed or asked to move.
• Truck stops and large retailers: Some Walmarts and truck stops allow overnight parking in their lots on a case-by-case basis; this is not universal. Ask store management and confirm local ordinances before staying.
• Airport parking: Some airports provide long-term or short-term parking for RVs; Sea‑Tac has specific lots but fees can be significant.

Always check city and county rules before planning an urban overnight.

Reservation systems and planning

Reservations are handled differently depending on the land manager.

• Washington State Parks: Reserve through the Washington State Parks reservation system. Popular state parks can book out weeks or months in advance for summer.
• National Park campgrounds: Book via Recreation.gov where applicable. Some campgrounds are first-come, first-served—be prepared.
• National Forest dispersed sites: Often no reservation needed, but check for permit or pass requirements.
• Private parks/KOAs: Reserve directly on the park’s website or by phone.
• Ferries: Book through Washington State Ferries or private operators; vehicle reservations are recommended in summer.

Tip: For major peaks of demand (late June through August, long weekends, Seahawks home game weekends), book at least 1–3 months in advance for state/national parks and ferries.

RV size, length limits, and accessibility

Not all campgrounds accept very large RVs. Here’s how to plan:

• Check max length: Campground listings usually show RV length limits. Typical state/national sites accept up to 30–40 feet but many are smaller.
• Large rigs: For rigs over 35–40 ft, prefer private RV parks or designated large-RV campgrounds in national parks. Turnaround space and level pads matter.
• Road access: Mountain and forest roads may be narrow or steep. If your rig is large, confirm road clearance and any low bridges.
• Pull-through vs. back-in: If you prefer pull-through sites for ease, filter campgrounds by site type when reserving.

Hookups, dump stations, and water

Understand the services so you can prepare:

• Full hookups: Provide water, electric (often 30A or 50A), and sewer. Private parks and some RV resorts offer these.
• Partial hookups: May include water and electric but no sewer. You’ll need a dump station or plan to manage gray/black water.
• No hookups: Bring your own freshwater, and plan for dry camping. Empty at a public dump station when needed.
• Dump stations: Public dump stations exist at many private RV parks, some state parks, and highway rest areas. Plan stops on longer trips.

Generator rules, quiet hours, and campground etiquette

Respect rules and neighbors:

• Expect quiet hours (often 10 p.m.–7 a.m.) in most campgrounds.
• Generator use is usually restricted by time and noise levels. Use sparingly and consider a battery/inverter setup for quieter power.
• Keep pet control, leash rules, and bear-safe food procedures in mind.
• Properly store food and dispose of trash; many parks are in bear country or have raccoons.

Safety, wildlife, and fire restrictions

The Pacific Northwest is beautiful but you must be aware of hazards:

• Wildlife: Bears, cougars, raccoons, and deer occur in many park areas. Use bear-safe canisters where required and keep food locked in your rig or in provided food lockers.
• Fire danger: Summer fire bans can restrict campfires. Use designated fire rings only when allowed.
• Weather: Mountain areas can have snow or cold nights even in summer; lake and coastal areas can be foggy and damp. Bring layers and rain gear.
• Road conditions: Check for mountain pass closures or avalanche risk in late fall through spring.

Cell coverage, internet, and working remotely

If you need connectivity:

• City and suburban areas: Solid 4G/LTE and many Wi‑Fi-enabled parks (private parks).
• State and national parks: Coverage is often spotty, especially in deep valleys, dense forest, or high mountains. Colonial Creek and many national locations have patchy cell service.
• Remote work: If you must work, consider a cellular booster, multiple carrier SIMs, or a mobile hotspot. Private RV parks often provide reliable Wi‑Fi but performance varies with occupancy.

Packing checklist for RV camping near Seattle

Here’s a condensed list tailored to the Pacific Northwest:

• Clothing: layers, waterproof jacket, warm hat, gloves (mountains can be cold).
• Sleeping gear: warm sleeping bags for mountain nights.
• Water: extra freshwater containers for no-hookup sites.
• Waste supplies: sewer hose, adapters, gloves, and a spare seal kit.
• Safety: first aid kit, flashlight/headlamps, bear spray if in bear country.
• Kitchen: camp stove, fuel, secure food containers.
• Navigation: downloaded maps for offline use (cell coverage may be limited).
• Reservation info: printouts/screenshots of reservations, permits, and ferry tickets.

Cost expectations and budgeting

Costs vary widely:

• State parks: $10–40 per night depending on the park and season.
• National parks: $10–35 per night; some private campgrounds inside or near parks may charge more.
• Private RV parks/KOA: $30–80+ per night depending on hookups and amenities.
• Dispersed camping: Free or very low cost (parking passes may be required).
• Ferry fees: Plan for vehicle and passenger fees when island-hopping.

Budget for fuel, campground fees, ferry costs, and incidentals. Peak-season prices and private-park resort fees can raise the nightly cost.

Sample itineraries (short and longer trips)

Here are a couple of illustrative itineraries you can adapt to your interests and schedule.

Weekend: Comfort + Nature (2–3 days)

• Stay at Seattle/Tacoma KOA (Kent) the first night to stage near the city.
• Drive to Deception Pass State Park the next day for coastal views and hiking; camp overnight.
• Return to Seattle on day three with a scenic stop at a waterfront small town like Coupeville or La Conner.

Weeklong: Mountains and Coast (6–7 days)

• Day 1: Depart Seattle, overnight near Mount Rainier (Cougar Rock or Ohanapecosh).
• Day 2–3: Hike and explore the Paradise/Ohanapecosh areas.
• Day 4–5: Drive to Olympic National Park; camp at Kalaloch (beach walks).
• Day 6: Option to ferry to the San Juans for island nights (Spencer Spit) or head back via coastal towns.
• Day 7: Return to Seattle.

Adjust based on park availability and travel time.

Resources and tools to find and book spots

Use these resources to search, read reviews, and make reservations:

• Washington State Parks reservation system (official) — for state park bookings.
• Recreation.gov — for national parks and federal campgrounds.
• KOA and private park websites — for private campground reservations.
• Campendium, AllStays, iOverlander, The Dyrt — for reviews, boondocking spots, and user info.
• WSDOT and Washington State Ferries — for route and ferry reservation info.
• Local forest service office websites — for dispersed camping rules and seasonal road info.

Final tips and common mistakes to avoid

• Don’t assume hookups: always confirm whether a site has water, sewer, or electric.
• Book early for summer and holiday weekends.
• Respect generator rules and quiet hours — noisy rigs upset neighbors and can lead to complaints.
• Check vehicle length limits and road access before you commit, especially for ferries and island roads.
• Have a backup plan: many popular parks will be full on short notice. Identify secondary choices nearby.
• Know your dump options and water fill points for longer trips.
• Confirm pet rules — some parks limit where dogs can go.

Summary

You have many RV camping options near Seattle, from full-hookup private parks close to the city to rugged dispersed camping in the Cascades and scenic state and national park campgrounds along the coast and mountains. Your choice will depend on how much comfort you want, whether you need hookups, the size of your rig, and how much advance planning you want to do (ferries and state parks book early). Use the reservation systems and apps listed, respect local rules, practice Leave No Trace, and be prepared for variable weather and cell coverage. With some planning, you’ll find memorable places to park your rig and enjoy the Pacific Northwest.

If you want, tell me your preferred travel dates, rig length, and whether you prefer hookups or rustic sites, and I’ll suggest a tailored short list of campgrounds and an itinerary that fits your needs.