Waterside RV camping near Tacoma
Enjoy urban adventure in the shadow of Mount Rainier.
- Tacoma
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Waterside RV camping near Tacoma guide
Overview
The closest big city to Mount Rainier National Park, the large city of Tacoma is ideally positioned for travelers who want to explore different parts of the state easily. From Tacoma, you can easily get to Seattle on Interstate-5, or hop on State Highway 16, which leads to the Olympic Peninsula. There’s also plenty to see and do right in town, from taking in views of the Puget Sound from Point Defiance Park to checking out the Museum of Glass, where you can see the works of Washington State's celebrated glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Where to go
Mount Rainier National Park
The most popular spot to visit in the Tacoma area, Mount Rainier National Park is a fantastic place for a summer hiking adventure or camping trip, and many mountaineers come to Washington specifically to climb up to its peak. Time it right and you'll be rewarded with views of gorgeous wildflowers, which tend to bloom in the summer, depending on the year’s weather patterns.
Saltwater State Park
Located between Seattle and Tacoma, Saltwater State Park offers 1,445 feet of shoreline overlooking Puget Sound. It's a great place to cool off during the summer months and its location on the flight path of the nearby Sea-Tac International Airport make it a hit among plane-spotters. There's even an underwater reef for diving, plus a campground for those who want to stick around for a night.
Dash Point State Park
A quick jaunt from Tacoma, Dash Point State Park is another great spot for water fun, with a sandy beach that attracts kayakers, skimboarders, and anglers, along with plenty of shore birds. Other park features include miles of trails for hiking and biking, plus a campground with campsites, cabins, and a dump station.
When to go
The best time to visit Tacoma and its surrounding natural areas is during the summertime, when the weather is usually hot and there’s not too much chance of rain. The rest of the year faces cool, rainy weather, meaning area residents take full advantage of the brief summer window to spend as much time outdoors as possible. This often results in crowds, particularly in July and August.
