Campgrounds and RV parks near Des Moines, WA

Des Moines sits on Puget Sound between Seattle and Tacoma, roughly two miles from Interstate 5 and directly under the flight path of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The location puts RV travelers within a short drive of two saltwater state parks, several full-hookup private RV parks on the Eastside, and city attractions on both ends of the corridor. Saltwater State Park lies inside the city limits on 137 acres, with McSorley Creek running through the campground area to a driftwood beach on Puget Sound. Dash Point State Park, about ten miles south on the Federal Way and Northeast Tacoma line, is the larger option, with 114 standard sites, 27 utility sites, and cabins in a forested setting above Puget Sound. Both parks are operated by Washington State Parks and require a Discover Pass for day-use vehicle access. Private options give RVers full hookups the state parks lack. Majestic Manor RV Park in Puyallup and Trailer Inns RV Park in Bellevue serve travelers who want power, water, sewer, and easy freeway access. Vasa Park Resort on Lake Sammamish adds a lakefront setting closer to Bellevue and Redmond.

Washington State Parks sites at Dash Point are reserved through the state's Going to Camp system at washington.goingtocamp.com, or by phone at 888-226-7688. Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance of arrival, and summer weekends at Dash Point typically fill soon after the window opens. Same-day bookings are also accepted online until 2 p.m. on the arrival date. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle day-use access; campers get access included with a paid site. Private parks handle their own bookings. Vasa Park Resort, Trailer Inns RV Park, and Majestic Manor RV Park book direct through their websites or by phone. For any summer trip, reserve well in advance, and confirm site length and slide clearance, since several parks in the corridor have tight sites.