Dash Point State Park

4.17

114 reviews

5700 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way, WA 98023

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Washington State Parks site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Washington State Parks site

Get Directions

Dash Point State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Discover Pass required for day-use: Annual Pass $45; One-day Pass $10. Specific camping site fees not listed on the park page; see park reservation...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Going To Camp

Provider

(253) 661-4955

What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 114 reviews

3321 Google reviews

Most mentioned

beachsites

Some mention

crowdedsmall

"Visitors consistently praise the combination of lush, private forested campsites and easy beach access, plus extensive trails. Reviews note good interpretive programs, on‑site cabins and helpful staff, while calling out small/uneven sites and occasional facility or crowd issues."

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Best Time to Camp at Dash Point State Park

The maritime climate keeps things cool and lush year-round, with that authentic Pacific Northwest atmosphere where morning mist clings to the forest canopy. Summer brings the park to life with interpretive programs and amphitheater events from June through August, while shoulder seasons offer quieter beach walks and vibrant forest colors. Come prepared for the possibility of damp conditions after rainfall, and check the park's winter schedule for seasonal program changes—each season reveals a different character of this coastal gem.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Park day-use hours listed as 8:00 a.m. to dusk year-round. Campground operates year-round with a winter schedule and occasional seasonal closures/operational changes.

About Dash Point State Park

Nestled along Puget Sound's shoreline, Dash Point State Park offers the best of both worlds: 461 acres of towering coastal forest above and a sweeping sandy beach below. Your campsite becomes a shaded forest retreat where the scent of evergreens mingles with salt air, while miles of trails lead down to tide pools and mudflats perfect for exploration—all just minutes from Tacoma and Federal Way.

Developed state park campground with a mix of standard and utility sites, a group camp and on‑site cabins. Sites are mainly wooded and many are best suited to tents, vans and smaller trailers.

Weather and SeasonsThe maritime climate keeps things cool and lush year-round, with that authentic Pacific Northwest atmosphere where morning mist clings to the forest canopy. Summer brings the park to life with interpretive programs and amphitheater events from June through August, while shoulder seasons offer quieter beach walks and vibrant forest colors. Come prepared for the possibility of damp conditions after rainfall, and check the park's winter schedule for seasonal program changes—each season reveals a different character of this coastal gem.

Natural Features and SceneryStep from your wooded campsite and follow winding trails through ravines and creek corridors, descending through layers of coastal forest until the trees open to reveal 3,301 feet of Puget Sound shoreline. At high tide, you'll find sandy strips perfect for beach walks and waterside picnics; when the tide retreats, it unveils a wonderland of tide pools and expansive mudflats where kids can spot crabs, search for shells, and explore the ever-changing boundary between land and sea. The forested bowl that cradles the campground creates naturally private sites while keeping you connected to both mountain and marine ecosystems.

Geological RegionPuget Sound (western Washington coast / Commencement Bay)

Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Open and Closed SeasonPark day-use hours listed as 8:00 a.m. to dusk year-round. Campground operates year-round with a winter schedule and occasional seasonal closures/operational changes.

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (washington.goingtocamp.com)

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Dump station

Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Dash Point combines forested trail networks with an extensive Puget Sound shoreline for beach play, watercraft paddling and interpretive programs. Activities span hiking, biking, beach exploration, paddling and programmed ranger events.

Hiking

Miles of forested hiking trails and connector trails drop from the campground to the beach; trails range from easy to moderate with some steep sections, bridges and stairs.

Swimming

Swimming and wading occur at the beach, but the shoreline features very shallow tidal flats and mud at low tide; some visitors find swimming less inviting while families commonly wade and play in shallow water.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are allowed
Fires allowed only in designated fire pits and grills; propane and gas grills allowed. Park currently lists a Burn Ban - Level 1 while noting fires in designated pits and grills remain permitted—follow posted alerts and ranger guidance.

Hazards

General hazardsExtensive tidal mudflats at low tide (shallow but muddy); trails between campground and beach include downhill grades and uphill returns that may be steep for some visitors. Sites and trails can be very muddy in wet weather. Urban-edge issues noted by visitors include occasional day-use crowds, road/aircraft noise, and non-campers using restroom areas.

Weather at Dash Point State Park

°F

Dec 14

Sunday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 77%

Wind: 5.9 mph

Overcast

Weather History

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Good to know

Common complaintsMany sites are small or uneven (challenging for large RVs), occasional crowded day‑use beach traffic, mixed cleanliness/condition reports for some restrooms, inconsistent cell/data service under tree canopy, and some reports of noisy or problematic neighboring campers. Shower token availability and limited token units have been mentioned.

Campground Map

5700 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way, WA 98023

Nearby places

Federal Way

Tacoma

Nearby supplies

Federal Way and Tacoma (restaurants, groceries)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.2

114 reviews

Satisfactory

Dash Point State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors consistently praise the combination of lush, private forested campsites and easy beach access, plus extensive trails. Reviews note good interpretive programs, on‑site cabins and helpful staff, while calling out small/uneven sites and occasional facility or crowd issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 114 reviews

What Campers Love

Wooded, secluded feeling campsites near Puget Sound; expansive sandy/muddy low‑tide beach for families and skim‑boarding; extensive trail network; cabins available; attentive rangers and generally...

Based on 114 reviews

Common Concerns

Some campers complain that certain facilities feel **worn or not as clean as expected**, with one reviewer describing outdated benches, a perpetually muddy access path to the beach, and bathrooms...

Based on 114 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Verify site dimensions and approach if you have an RV (park limits combinations to ~32 ft); bring leveling gear and expect muddy/shaded sites in wet weather; pack waterproof footwear for beach and...

Based on 114 reviews