Saltwater State Park
4.0049 reviews25205 8th Place S, Des Moines, WA 98198
Quick Facts
Price
$10 - $45/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Park hours listed as...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$10 - $45/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Park hours listed as...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Going To Camp
Provider(253) 661-4956
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."
Fees & Passes at Saltwater State Park
$10 - $45/night
Campsite fees
Prices verified December 14, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Washington State Parks website.
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.
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 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
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Campsite details
Total Campsitesnull campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonPark hours listed as 8:00 a.m. to Dusk year‑round; see Winter Schedule page for seasonal closures and operational changes.
Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (https://washington.goingtocamp.com)
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
Short forested trails and interpretive loops are available (Bluff Interpretive Trail, McSorley Creek Trail and other wooded trails leading toward the beach), suitable for short hikes and walks between the campground and shoreline.Fishing
Fishing is listed as an activity; a recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting. Fishing and harvesting are prohibited in the artificial reef area.Swimming
Swimming is listed among park activities; reviewers note shallow beach entry areas and typical Puget Sound shoreline conditions (rocky with some sandy sections).Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Burn Ban - Level 1 in effect. Fires only in designated fire pits and grills; propane and gas grills allowed. Wood fires are not allowed in the park.
Hazards
General hazardsCampground 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
45
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 3 mph
Overcast
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Good to know
Common complaintsFrequent and loud aircraft noise due to proximity to Sea‑Tac Airport; campground and some facilities described as rough or poorly maintained by some visitors; limited privacy and close-set campsites; occasional issues reported with restroom maintenance.
Campground Map
25205 8th Place S, Des Moines, WA 98198
Approximately two miles from Interstate 5.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.0
49 reviews
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 14, 2025
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