Forest camping near Lake Tapps, Washington

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12 top forest campgrounds near Lake Tapps

93%
(192)

Dean’s Campground

14 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Auburn, King
We are located in Auburn, Washington 3 minutes off Highway 18. Our location is ideal for those commuting between national parks, from the US / CA border, or a quick overnight to get away from the city. Bears, bobcats, coyotes and more frequent the property. Largely untouched by humans for the last 50 years (after a once-over by Weyerhaeuser), most of the property still serves as an unofficial refuge. We are bordered by King County protected wetlands, backed by a few newer builds, and not super stoked on the new multi-million dollar neighborhood in construction on the other property line. Our history - In 1975 Dean and Barbara Inabnit purchased 11 undeveloped acres from Weyerhaeuser. Dean’s plan to bring two manufactured homes to the property was only shortly delayed by a $20,000 bid per house to have the Coast Guard airlift the houses into place. The only option, it seemed. Dean took his $40,000 and purchased a bulldozer and tractor. Weyerhaeuser granted Dean permission to widen well over 2 miles of a county access road through the forest from the direction of the nearby fire station. He drug the homes through his temporary driveway and finally in 1978, the houses were hooked up to water, sewer, and power. They moved in. He spent the next few years building a logging road as his main drive from Auburn-Black Diamond, sourcing all materials from the land. Dean and Barbara finished raising their family here, and for a while, their grandchildren enjoyed the land, too. Dean is 82 years old. His children and grandchildren return every so often as guests at the campground. As a father / daughter team willing and able to tackle projects, we purchased this property in 2020. Our purchase allowed Dean to relax and retire to the Centralia area with family. We bought his bulldozer and his tractor, and he and his family are happy to know we are continuing their hard work.
from 
$28
 / night
99%
(288)

The Cedar River Retreat

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Hobart, King
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
from 
$50
 / night
96%
(100)

Grove Getaways

8 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Buckley, Pierce
Learn more about this land: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 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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$55
 / night
100%
(14)

Fern Gully Retreat

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Vashon, King
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of our secluded Airstream retreat, nestled amidst 10 acres of pristine woodland. Welcome to your own private oasis, where the soothing sounds of nature and the crisp scent of fresh air will rejuvenate your spirit. There is a farm next door for fresh produce and eggs and a canyon in the back filled with old growth trees and ferns.
from 
$120
 / night
97%
(451)

The Hairy Eagle Lookout 🦅

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Olympia, Thurston
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!
from 
$50
 / night
100%
(4)

Aquaman Mountain

9 sites · RVs, Tents322 acres · Black Diamond, King
322 acres that was cut down in 2020. We are growing over 150,000 trees on it now with plans to line the 1.5 mile driveway with Japanese Cherry Blossoms from DC (Yoshino, Kwanzan, Weeping, Okame, Higan). The mountain starts at 600 feet elevation and climbs to 1600 feet. Very peaceful and remote yet you can see Seattle and Mt Rainer. As I will spend over $60k a year fighting blackberry, cottonwood, red alder, and Elk to get our forest established in the next few years, your contribution by staying here will 100% assist with helping the trees. There are 9 different secluded campsites on the mountain. All the sites can be used to host parties of up to 150 people (we have done it several times). The issue to consider is traffic. For large parties, we ask most people (usually car people) to park below on Green River Gorge Rd (there is a large county pull off) and then load into the back of trucks for the drive up the mountain. It is a one lane road, so it could get congested if 100 cars drove up it. One retirement party rented a bus for running people up and down and a porta potty at their site for guests. I am very happy to assist with party planning and setup if you have a wedding or retirement or business party. (or anything else) Boy and Girl Scout troops and Explorer scout units are welcome to camp free (when doing unit camping). Site 4 would be best for large troops.
from 
$40
 / night
92%
(165)

The Happy Horse Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Lakewood, Pierce
Property is a 5-acre gated horse farm surrounded by wooded military property on 3 sides. Conveniently located 15-20 minutes from Tacoma and Olympia. Just 5 mins to Starbucks/coffee and grocery stores but far enough away from the city so it feels more secluded. American Lake and Spanaway Lake (and their parks with playgrounds) for swimming and paddle boarding are both just 5 mins away! The owner lives on site, as well as several horses, chickens, and a dog. Large stone fire pit with chairs near house is available for camper use. Pending: Paddle board rental and bicycles for use on property or trails! Set-up your tent anywhere within the horse paddocks - there are no specific sites, although there is a small fire pit and rustic bench seating at far back corner of property. Tents can be outside of horse areas as well, if preferred. RV dry camping anywhere within or outside horse areas. For RVs needing dedicated electrical/water hookup, there are specific sites closer to the house. ***If you are travelling with more than one vehicle, please purchase an car extra parking spot.*** Only four 30amp RV spots are available and are most easily accessible for Rvs under 30'. Standard 110volt outlets can also be available for RV use. Woodbrook Hunt Club, the oldest fox hunting club west of the Mississippi, is a neighbor so lots of horseback riding goes on in the neighborhood. (Dragged scent only, no live foxes are harmed.) Private horseback riding lessons or guided trail rides available by reservation only, subject to weather and owner availability. Use of military trails adjacent to property for hiking and bike riding subject to open land usage and permitting by military base. Happy HipCamping! 😊
from 
$45
 / night
100%
(9)

Hardys Place

1 site · RV1 acre · Covington, King
Located on the Corner of a quiet neighborhood, full RV parking with hookups, power, water, septic. Easy access flat driveway off main road with Fire pit access and a grass yard. Half of our property is King County Protected Wetlands. Inhabitanted by Critters such as bunnies, birds, owls, and the occasional deer. Lots of nature activities, with many hiking trails near. About a 40-60 minutes drive to Seattle.
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$59
 / night
100%
(9)

The Kings Cottage

3 sites · Lodging5 acres · Hoodsport, Mason
Remote off-grid mountain cottage that sits on atop a ridge on 5 acres. If your looking for solitude, peace and quiet, look no further. The Kings Cottage is located in Hoodsport, WA above the beautiful Lake Cushman and Lake Kokanee. Our special place on the mountain is a few minutes drive to downtown where you can enjoy the local fare and steps away from the Olympic National Park and beautiful Mount Elinor and access to private parks on the lake. You can, hike, go swimming, fishing, play golf frisbee.. so many activities here in Hoodsport, WA.
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$99
 / night
100%
(13)

Ms Pacman's Backyard Glampsite

1 site · Lodging1 acre · White Center, King
This backyard shed conversion is a perfect mix of comfy and quirky! Ms Pacman, Beanie Babies, a lips couch, and Space Jam all make an appearance in this suburban backyard glamping experience! At just 186 square feet, this spot is all yours to enjoy away from the noise of the city in our large and lush backyard. You will have full rein of a private patio to smoke or enjoy meals on our newly built cedar deck, or enjoy a drink in the shared hammock space under our towering Eastern Hemlock tree. Your quiet backyard refuge is newly converted with everything you’ll need for a fun weekend away. We are just two blocks from the bus stop with access to Seattle’s great transit system. This space is close to the airport, close to downtown, and walkable to the home of the The Rat City Roller Derby in White Center. And only two blocks from your door is Westcrest Park, a Greenbelt with trails and a beautiful view of the Seattle skyline. If you feel like staying in, enjoy our Mr and Mrs Pacman games in your “mini arcade” or make use of some of the supplied board games or the sudoku/coloring books available. Relax on an iconic Seattle drag bar’s original “lips couch” and grab a book from our queer library with beer available for purchase in your kitchenette. This is a stand alone structure that is separate from our main house. There is no shower in this dry space, but there is a camping sink that functions like a normal kitchen sink with hot water capacity. The shed has an easy to use composting toilet with clear instructions if you’re a first timer. Also, “Ms Pacman's Backyard Glampsite” is a converted shed, so be ready for some lower ceilings and narrow spaces. The lofted full bed is cozy, so don’t bob your head on the way out! The bed has a six inch memory foam mattress with extra blankets and pillows available. Everything is washed with free and clear laundry detergent for any sensitivities. We provide a small refrigerator, a 2 burner stove with pots and pans for light cooking, coffee making supplies (reusable keurig pods or pour over coffee along with creamers and sugars), wine openers, dishes, and more. We have 2 tables where you can enjoy meals and games either indoors or outdoors. You will be one block away from Highland Park which has a tennis court and baseball field. Less than a mile north, you can explore the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails. Only two blocks south of the property is Westcrest Park that hosts a community garden, a dog park, and small trails in their greenbelt. You’re also walking distance to downtown White Center, which has a microbrewery, a roller skating rink, a gay bar, a plant store, and plenty of coffee shops and restaurants.
from 
$60
 / night
99%
(2163)

The Landing at Index WA

5 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Index, Snohomish
Welcome to The Landing at Index - located on the South Fork Skykomish River, in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains, off of Highway 2. With 16 acres of beautiful, private woods and breathtaking views of Mt. Index, this is a wonderful getaway to kick back and relax after your day of adventures, or just to escape the city rush. The campsite is at the bottom of a rugged drive so an SUV or AWD vehicle are recommended, especially during the wetter seasons of Spring and Fall. When the property was logged approximately 100 years ago they scooped out gravel from the river to make their roads in the area thus creating the back eddy lagoon along the beach. The Department of Fish and Game have a fish ladder at Sunset Falls just upstream and BNSF railroad owns the large vacant tract down stream.A rather peaceful setting, including the rushing sound of the river and the occasional whistle of a train. You will feel refreshed and rejuvenated after you stay at The Landing.Pets are welcome, there is a toilet on site campfires allowed (when burn bans are not in place).
from 
$127
 / night
93%
(74)

Rockin’ Z Ranch

5 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Redmond, King
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!
from 
$30
 / night

Under $50

Within one hour of Lake Tapps

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Forest camping near Lake Tapps guide

Looking to camp near Lake Tapps, Washington, surrounded by lush forests? Look no further than Hipcamp, where you'll find over 1900 options that fit your preferences! With options as low as $10 per night, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Check out top campsites like The Landing at Index WA (597 reviews), Nature Camp, Cabin and Farm (340 reviews), and Four Directions Retreat (300 reviews) for tried-and-true options. Plus, you'll have popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and trash facilities for added convenience. So, gear up for off-roading, horseback riding, and snow sports - your forest camping adventure awaits!

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