The best waterside campgrounds near Lake Tapps, Washington

Lake Tapps draws campers who want to wake up next to water. Over 2,200 waterside campsites line the lake and nearby rivers, with choices starting at $20 per night and averaging around $55. You’ll find sites with showers, toilets, and pet-friendly rules—essentials for a long weekend or a quick getaway. The area attracts anglers, hikers, and swimmers, thanks to clear shorelines and easy trail access. For standout spots, check out The Landing at Index WA (880 reviews), Cowlitz River Rentals (371 reviews), or The Arboretum at Bear Canyon West (368 reviews). Each delivers direct access to the water, reliable facilities, and a front-row seat to Lake Tapps’ best fishing and swimming holes. Bring your gear, pick a spot, and settle in—there’s plenty of shoreline to make your own.

96% (7.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Lake Tapps draws campers who want to wake up next to water. Over 2,200 waterside campsites line the lake and nearby rivers, with choices starting at $20 per night and averaging around $55. You’ll find sites with showers, toilets, and pet-friendly rules—essentials for a long weekend or a quick getaway. The area attracts anglers, hikers, and swimmers, thanks to clear shorelines and easy trail access. For standout spots, check out The Landing at Index WA (880 reviews), Cowlitz River Rentals (371 reviews), or The Arboretum at Bear Canyon West (368 reviews). Each delivers direct access to the water, reliable facilities, and a front-row seat to Lake Tapps’ best fishing and swimming holes. Bring your gear, pick a spot, and settle in—there’s plenty of shoreline to make your own.

96% (7.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

98%

(149)

15mi from Lake Tapps · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Vashon, WA

Visit Vashon Island and relax on a private estate property. Camp overlooking Puget Sound, walk the trail down to the secluded beach and enjoy 1000 ft. of peaceful waterfront. Vashon boasts great coffee hangouts, bakeries, galleries, wineries, restaurants (May's Thai, Lunetta Pizza, The Ruby Brink, The Hardware Store Restaurant, Snapdragon and others). Galleries, shops and restaurants in the town of Vashon and also in Burton. Vashon Center for the Arts, O-Space and the Chamber of Commerce have events that might be of interest. Outdoor fires are by permission only. There are sometime burn bans for air quality and/or high fire danger. fires are allowed AT THE BEACH, below the high tide line, between October 1 and June 15, but there are various reasons they may not be allowed (air quality bans, windy conditions, etc.) Any fire you light must be put out COLD (no steam, no heat) with water and buried with sand before leaving them unattended. You are responsible for any damage or injuries caused by a fire you start, so please be careful! Please note: It is very important that the number of people on site is accurate. Please contact Hipcamp to change the number of people - there currently is no way to do that on the site?! There is an additional charge per person above the base 2 person rate. There is no outdoor music at any time. Quiet hours are 8 pm to 10 am. There is no picnic table or any amenities, but you can fill up water at our barn if needed. DO NOT USE THE WOODS AS A BATHROOM. It is necessary to bring your own latrine. The water at (shallower) Dockton Park (about a 6 min drive away) gets warm from swimming in summer if you prefer it to 54 degree deep water here! Please clean up after your pet. Dogs must be leashed AT ALL TIMES in the field. If no one is around at the beach, they can be off leash, but leash up if anyone approaches until they pass. Please never leave your dog unattended outside where barking will disturb the peace. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Looking forward to hosting you! IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 911 FROM A CELL PHONE. 4025 SW Pt. Robinson Rd. is the address. Lisa 206 498 4359 Chiara (July - Sept only) 206 409 7975 Larry Sherry 206 295 4564/206 295 7333 Andre 206 335 6731

2. The Landing at Index WA

99%

(2525)

49mi from Lake Tapps · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Index, WA

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. This is a gated property, protected with a code, which you will be sent 24 hours before your arrival. The campsites are at the bottom of a long logging road so an SUV or AWD vehicle are preferable , especially during the wetter seasons. 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 pool along the beach. 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 are private outhouses at each campsite. These outhouses are protected with a code, which is sent to you 24 hours before your arrival. Campfires are allowed (when burn bans are not in place).

3. Roney River Ranch (R3)

96%

(226)

37mi from Lake Tapps · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Duvall, WA

Our family has lived and worked this farm since 1912. Originally the fields were used to grow peas (1940's), dairy (1950-1960's), black angus (1970-1980's), hogs & dairy replacement heifers (1990's), fresh culinary herbs for the grocery stores (last 20 years). Every year the location you are camping on floods and holds at least 3 feet of water, hence we only offer seasonal camping. The property has held events from town picnics in the 1930's, hoedowns in the 70's and a traveling circus in the 1980's. It is perfectly located 1 minute to Duvall and 25 minutes to Redmond. Learn more about this land: This 4th generation grass valley floor at sea level includes views of Mt. Baker & Rainer. Surrounded by retired culinary herb fields and planted cow corn to the west. Summer includes herds of heifers ranging the north. Your spot is minutes to amenities in "Old" town Duvall and swimming holes on the Snoqualmie River. There are many culvert crossings between #4 & #5 for a fun walk around and a tall grass path near #1 & #2 to get lost in.

4. Cozy Canal Camp

96%

(24)

46mi from Lake Tapps · 1 site · Tent, RV · WA

Located on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula smack dab in the middle of the Hood Canal in the Olympic National Forest. Our modest but conveniently located property is perfect for exploration along this beautiful stretch of highway 101. Whether you enjoy clamming and oyster picking on nearby beaches, taking a picnic to the river, hiking on the countless nearby trails, or taking a day to explore nearby local farms for all of your fresh produce needs, breweries, cideries, and countless eateries this is the spot for you.

5. Pleasant Hill Private Park

92%

(88)

29mi from Lake Tapps · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Carnation, WA

Home for over 30 years, homemade trails and camping on our 8 acres, RV's welcome. We have an RV electric hookup on one area, spot 6. Tents and Trailers welcome! Campers and Car Campers welcome. You will drive thru a country dirt road “neighborhood,” to get here, surrounded by horses and trees…… Speed Limit is 10 miles an hour on our dirt road……long driveway (900 ft.) and gate access. Pro campers welcome, please be self contained and able to self manage, we have wildlife around, a river, safety first above all else! Welcome to the heart of the Snoqualmie Valley, Located across from the gorgeous Snoqualmie River, our property borders the Snoqualmie Valley Trail that Runs from Duvall to North Bend for Bikers, Runners, Horse Travel, Walking, Hiking and no motorized vehicles allowed. Thirty Nine (39) minutes to Snoqualmie Pass Ski Lodge, Alpental and Hyak, Fifteen (15) minutes to Mt. Si Hiking trails, and beautiful Duvall with Muddy Boots Farm including the Corn Maze! Ten (10) minutes to Historic Snoqualmie Falls, Carnation Farms, Misty Valley Farms, Jubilee Farms, and Oxbow Farms. Four (4) minutes to Fall City and Fall City Floating Company, Multiple Golf Courses, Raging River Restaurant, Aroma Coffee Shop, Frontier Saloon, Downtown Carnation, Timberfest, Tolt McDonald Park, Snoqualmie and Raging River for Boating, Kayaking, Fishing and Swimming. Also Tolt Laundromat, voted best in the Nation with RV dump site, Ixtapa, Carnation Cafe, Sam’s Noodle Town, Blake’s Pizza, and the most exciting Remlinger Farms Brewery, Fun Park, Arcade, Restaurant, serving many flavors of soft serve ice cream, coffee shop, live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights plus a Complete Country Marketplace, open YEAR ROUND! Two (2) minutes to Snoqualmie and Raging River for fishing, boating and swimming and Last, 1 minute to the cascade foothills and the trails leading you to nature, beautiful Orenda Winery next door, and our Home of the Fabulous Orchids, where music is priority one and guitar circles break out of nowhere. We welcome you to Pleasant Hill, a country neighborhood nestled up to the cascade forest foothills in the heart of the Snoqualmie Valley where adventures are waiting!

6. Roughin' It RV Park

100%

(25)

50mi from Lake Tapps · 1 site · RV · Hoodsport, WA

There is one pull-in site (to the left of the gazebo when facing the golf course) with full hook-ups available (water, sewer, and 50 amp power) on .20 acres. Deck and gazebo with outdoor lighting. Several patio tables and chairs. Outdoor wood-burning fireplace and fire pit. Porta-potty on site for tent campers! Full access to .20 acres of personal camping space! The road and partial sides of the property are fenced. Guest pass provided will give access to private Lake Kokanee and Lake Cushman private parks.

Public campgrounds near Lake Tapps

100%

(2)

Big Creek Campground

35mi from Lake Tapps · 29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

100%

(1)

Lodgepole Campground

43mi from Lake Tapps · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

88%

(10)

Kachess Campground

44mi from Lake Tapps · 140 sites · Tents, RVs · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Pleasant Valley Campground

44mi from Lake Tapps · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

East Kachess Group Campground

45mi from Lake Tapps · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Salmon Cove Group Campground

45mi from Lake Tapps · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Hells Crossing Campground

46mi from Lake Tapps · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

100%

(7)

La Wis Wis Campground

47mi from Lake Tapps · 82 sites · Tents, RVs · in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

100%

(8)

Bumping Lake Campground

48mi from Lake Tapps · 57 sites · Tents, RVs · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

100%

(5)

Owhi Campground

49mi from Lake Tapps · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Pine Needle Group Campground

49mi from Lake Tapps · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Cougar Flat Campground

49mi from Lake Tapps · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Stories from the community

P

Paula

3 weeks ago

13 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Roney River Ranch (R3)

We had a lovely Fall stay this weekend in our little camper. We loved the sounds of the coyote calls through the night. They were quite talkative but it was fun to hear the wildlife around us! My dog really enjoyed having the freedom and space to run and play. The quaint town of Duvall is super close so we enjoyed a beautiful brunch before packing up for home.

View of Site 2 from the far side of the site. Both sites are gorgeous and huge - you honestly can't lose at The Landing!

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🐼Gage

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Landing at Index WA

Place was massive!!!! Clean out house and already came with grill at our site. HUGE family dinning table

K

Kym

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Cozy Canal Camp

Peaceful retreat in woodland neighborhood. Exceptionally clean and well appointed porta potty. Great campire sypplies!

R

Rachelle

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

Beautiful spot. Great property with amazing views. We had a great trip on this property.

A

Allyson

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Landing at Index WA

Loved the site, will say be on the lookout though on wild animals as we had an overnight visit from some coyotes so keep that in mind for small animals if off leash. Only con is mainly a 1 way road once in property so when we arrived there was another vehicle trying to leave so caused some issues. Overall beautiful and clean worth the trip over!

L

Laura

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Landing at Index WA

Wow! What a beautiful spot. Thanks for sharing your property with us. We hope to be back! The views are incredible!

Chester

September 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

This was one of the best places we have stayed (25 ft Motor-home) with a gorgeous view, super quiet and a fairly empty beach to walk down to where the dog could run free. Will be back since this is a great place to play and Vashon is fun to walk around and get some goodies. On the way , Point Defiance is a great park to check out too.

R

Rohn

September 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Roney River Ranch (R3)

Roney River Ranch is amazing. So close to Seattle, Duvall is a fun, wonderful town. Camp sites are very spread out. Views are fantastic. One of the best I have stayed at.

Danielle

September 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Landing at Index WA

The site was SO beautiful and spacious. There were tons of salmon swimming in the river, the access was easy, the outhouse was well equipped, and the check-in was smooth. Thank you!!

B

Bhobbit

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Pleasant Hill Private Park

Great spot, especially if you're attending Remlinger Farms events or want a conveniently located and private quiet and beautiful space to relax. The hosts were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable and respectful.

For the plant lovers, there's a huge variety of vegetation to check out.

A

Angela

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pleasant Hill Private Park

Sally and Berry were amazing hosts. They have a beautiful property and our spot was nice and secluded. The porta potty was clean and convenient. Josh's hideaway is an awesome spot but my tent was definitely to big. A smaller tent would work better because there isn't a big level area. There are lots of trails. We were going to a concert at Remlinger Farms and there is a trail great for biking or walking to get there. Berry showed us how to find it. I would absolutely stay there again. We appreciated our hosts kindness.

R

Rowan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

Great spot with a wonderful view! Quiet and peaceful in a scenic spot of the island.

P

Patricia

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

Lisa’s land made our first time car camping adventure special. The pond site had a lovely beach front view and short trail down to the beach. The directions could have used some landmarks like Turn left at the barn.

K

Karly

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

Beautiful views on a tranquil space! Delicious plums! Lucky to view the Blood Moon rising over the water from our campsite.

P

Pamela

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Private Beach, 15 Acres, Vashon

Incredible place. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or return! Lisa was wonderful, welcoming and informative. Grateful for the opportunity to camp on her lovely property.

J

Jeff

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Landing at Index WA

Incredible camping site. Beautiful setting, great facilities. Kids enjoyed swimming/playing in the river. Quick trip from Seattle. Will definitely return.

Caren

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at The Landing at Index WA

The landing is such a special place! All sites are gorgeous and have access to the river, the outhouse are pristine and private, and the views are to die for! We stayed in eagle #4 and it was large and could fit 3 tents if needed!

Furlana

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at The Landing at Index WA

This is such a beautiful spot, the river is so clear and view is wonderful. Great place to float on a sunny day. The camping sites are large and well kept. I hope to make this a yearly trip for my family!

H

Holly

August 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at The Landing at Index WA

The landing is one of the most magical places I have camped around here, with an incredible river and lots of swimming holes. It was wonderful! We will definitely go back. The owner, Dave, is very kind and attentive.. the property was clean, the outhouse is well cared for, and it is obvious that a lot of loving care has been put into cultivating a beautiful space. Thank you Dave for sharing it with us! Note: the dogs across from site number one howled the entire day after the owners put it inside. We had dogs and when we went down to the beach and the owner was outside, the dogs ran down to their side of the beach and aggressively barked. When they were put inside, they howled for hours. I felt bad for their situation, and there’s nothing that can be changed about it. But just a heads up. In case you are not into howling, barking dogs, you may want to look at one of the sites further down that isn’t number one. If you don’t have dogs, it probably won’t be a problem.

S

Sean

August 2025

Tent

1 night at The Landing at Index WA

This campsite was amazing! Super easy to find, super secluded, quiet and right next to the warmest river I've ever been in, also the outhouse was maintained really well. I can't say enough good things about this campsite, we will definitely be coming back soon!