Saltwater State Park

4.00

49 reviews

25205 8th Place S, Des Moines, WA 98198

Quick Facts

95 ft

Price

$10 - $45/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Park hours listed as...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Washington State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Quick Facts

95 ft

Price

$10 - $45/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Park hours listed as...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Washington State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Saltwater State Park

$10.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Discover Pass required for vehicle parking: Annual Pass $45, One-day Pass $10. No campsite fees are listed on the provided materials.

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

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Going To Camp

Provider

(253) 661-4956

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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 49 reviews

2957 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslocationbeachfriendly

Some mention

noise

"Visitors consistently praise Saltwater State Park for its scenic Puget Sound shoreline, tidepools, short forested trails, and the unique artificial underwater reef for scuba diving. Common criticisms center on frequent airplane noise from nearby Sea‑Tac, a somewhat urban or worn campground feel, and variable restroom/maintenance conditions."

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Campground Map

25205 8th Place S, Des Moines, WA 98198

Saltwater State Park

25205 8th Place S, Des Moines, WA 98198

Best Time to Camp at Saltwater State Park

Saltwater State Park welcomes visitors year-round from 8:00 a.m. until dusk, offering distinct experiences with each season. Summer brings warm beach days and calm waters perfect for diving, while fall and winter showcase dramatic storms rolling across the Sound and peaceful off-season solitude. Check the park's Winter Schedule for any seasonal facility closures or operational changes that might affect your visit.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer brings warm beach days, calm waters for diving, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Park hours listed as 8:00 a.m. to Dusk year‑round; see Winter Schedule page for seasonal closures and operational changes.

About Saltwater State Park

Discover 137 acres of Pacific Northwest coastal beauty at Saltwater State Park, where sandy beaches meet forested trails along the Puget Sound shoreline. Explore tide pools teeming with marine life, dive an artificial reef just offshore, or wander woodland paths alongside a bubbling creek. Please note: the campground is temporarily closed while essential flood and erosion repairs are completed.

The park previously offered forested campsites but the campground is currently closed while the park evaluates projects related to flooding and erosion; more information will be provided by the park as work progresses.

Weather and SeasonsSaltwater State Park welcomes visitors year-round from 8:00 a.m. until dusk, offering distinct experiences with each season. Summer brings warm beach days and calm waters perfect for diving, while fall and winter showcase dramatic storms rolling across the Sound and peaceful off-season solitude. Check the park's Winter Schedule for any seasonal facility closures or operational changes that might affect your visit.

Natural Features and SceneryThis coastal gem offers something for every nature lover. Wade through tide pools at low tide to spot sea stars and anemones, or stroll the driftwood-strewn beach with views across the Sound. McSorley Creek winds through the park's forested interior, creating a peaceful soundtrack for your woodland hike. Beneath the waves, an artificial reef has transformed into a thriving underwater habitat, making this a favorite destination for scuba divers eager to explore the diverse marine ecosystem just steps from shore.

Geological RegionPuget Sound shoreline

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Park activities include beach exploration and tidepooling, hiking on short interpretive trails, bird and wildlife viewing, fishing (with license), kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving at the artificial reef, metal detecting, swimming, and interpretive events.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampground area has active flooding and erosion impacts being addressed by park projects. Aircraft noise from Sea‑Tac (frequent jet overflights) is noted repeatedly by visitors. Parts of the park (including the campground) are closed for work; obey posted closures. Fishing/harvesting prohibited in the artificial reef area.

Weather at Saltwater State Park

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

49 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Visitors consistently praise Saltwater State Park for its scenic Puget Sound shoreline, tidepools, short forested trails, and the unique artificial underwater reef for scuba diving. Common criticisms center on frequent airplane noise from nearby Sea‑Tac, a somewhat urban or worn campground feel, and variable restroom/maintenance conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 49 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic beach and sunset views, tidepooling and marine life, short interpretive and forest trails (Bluff Interpretive Trail, McSorley Creek, McSorley Creek Trail), convenient urban location close to...

Based on 49 reviews

Common Concerns

• **Airplane noise**: The most frequent complaint is loud, constant air traffic from Sea‑Tac, disturbing sleep and making the campground feel noisy at night.[1] • **Urban/rough campground feel**:...

Based on 49 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a Discover Pass for parking; expect airplane noise and consider earplugs or plan accordingly; wear sturdy footwear for rocky shore and tidepooling; expect busy day‑use areas on nice days and...

Based on 49 reviews

Camper Quotes

"If you're going to stay here, be prepared for planes to fly 500 feet overhead to land at SeaTac, about every four minutes."; "Beautiful little park for family outings!"; "The shore is very rocky...

Based on 49 reviews

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Last updated March 8, 2026

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