Dash Point State Park sits on 461 acres of coastal forest above Puget Sound, minutes from Federal Way and Tacoma. The campground offers 140 sites. Tent, RV, group, and cabins. Under a dense evergreen canopy, with trails leading down to 3,301 feet of shoreline. Summer programs run June through August, and the beach draws families for tidepooling and wading.
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 SeasonsSummer is the clear choice: mid-60s to mid-70s°F during the day, 50s at night, with the driest conditions and full interpretive programming. June through August bring amphitheater events, ranger-led walks, and the best beach access for swimming and small-boat launches. Weekdays feel quieter than weekends. Shoulder seasons offer solitude and forest color but frequent rain. The maritime climate keeps the canopy damp much of the year, so pack waterproof boots even in summer.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Douglas fir and western red cedar shade the campground at 276 feet elevation, while trails descend through ravines and creek corridors to the water. At high tide, sandy strips line the shore; at low tide, expansive mudflats and tide pools appear, full of crabs and shells. The forested bowl creates natural privacy between sites and holds moisture year-round. Expect moss, ferns, and the smell of damp earth mixed with salt air. Views open to Puget Sound and distant peaks once you reach the beach.
Geological RegionPuget Sound (western Washington coast / Commencement Bay)
Scenic ViewsUnobstructed views across Puget Sound with sightlines toward Vashon Island and the Olympic foothills on clear days; shoreline and forest vistas throughout the park.