How much does camping cost at Saltwater State Park?

Camping fees at Saltwater State Park range from $10-$45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Saltwater State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Saltwater State Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Saltwater State Park before I book?

Yes! Saltwater State Park has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Saltwater State Park?

Saltwater State Park is open Park hours listed as 8:00 a.m. to Dusk year‑round; see Winter Schedule page for seasonal closures and operational changes.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Saltwater State Park?

Saltwater State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Saltwater State Park?

Fire policies at Saltwater State Park: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Saltwater State Park have?

Saltwater State Park has 37 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Saltwater State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Saltwater State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Saltwater State Park?

Saltwater State Park offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Saltwater State Park?

Popular activities at Saltwater State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Saltwater State Park

3.95

59 reviews

25205 8th Place S, Des Moines, WA 98198

Featured in:Hiking Camping Washington

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

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

Book on Washington State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

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

Book on Washington State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

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.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(253) 661-4956

I manage this campground

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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

Weather at Saltwater State Park

Best Time to Camp at Saltwater State Park

Summer offers the warmest conditions, with daytime highs around 65–80°F and Puget Sound water temperatures in the mid‑50s to low‑60s°F. Calm seas and long daylight make diving the reef, boating, swimming, and tidepooling most enjoyable. Expect higher weekend crowds and busy parking on sunny days. Weekday visits or early mornings are quieter. Fall and winter bring dramatic storms across the Sound and peaceful off-season solitude, though some facilities may operate on reduced schedules.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warmest, calmest months; best for diving the reef, boating and longer daylight activities.

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

Saltwater State Park sits on 137 acres of Puget Sound shoreline near Des Moines, offering tidepooling, beach access, forested trails, and an artificial reef popular with divers. The campground has 37 sites with fees ranging $10–$45 per night, though be aware that airplane noise from nearby Sea‑Tac is frequent and loud.

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 SeasonsSummer offers the warmest conditions, with daytime highs around 65–80°F and Puget Sound water temperatures in the mid‑50s to low‑60s°F. Calm seas and long daylight make diving the reef, boating, swimming, and tidepooling most enjoyable. Expect higher weekend crowds and busy parking on sunny days. Weekday visits or early mornings are quieter. Fall and winter bring dramatic storms across the Sound and peaceful off-season solitude, though some facilities may operate on reduced schedules.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park's sandy beach is strewn with driftwood and opens onto Puget Sound views. At low tide, tidepools reveal sea stars, anemones, and active intertidal life. McSorley Creek runs through the forested interior, and short trails wind through coastal woodland alongside the creek. Just offshore, an artificial reef has developed into a thriving underwater habitat that attracts scuba divers and marine wildlife. Elevation sits at 95 feet above sea level.

Geological RegionPuget Sound shoreline

Scenic ViewsCoastal shoreline and water views across the sound; the park lists 'Viewpoint' and 'Mountain View' among park features.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Park lists Automated Pay Station, Accessible Restrooms, Fire Pit(s), Recycling, Restrooms, Trash Service, Grills, Picnic Shelters, Picnic Tables, Accessible Parking, Parking, Playgrounds, Volleyball, Concessions (snack shack), Interpretive opportunities, Accessible Trails and Hiking Trails. Discover Pass required for parking; snack shack open seasonally. Fires are allowed only in designated pits/grills and propane/gas grills are allowed; wood fires are not allowed.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

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

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

59 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Saltwater State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 59 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 59 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 59 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 59 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 59 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Scuba divers and tidepool-browsers get the most out of this place. The artificial reef offshore is genuinely productive, and low-tide mornings on the beach turn up sea stars and anemones close to shore. Proximity to Seattle makes it a real option for a quick overnight without bur

Skip if

Jet noise from Sea-Tac runs all hours and multiple reviewers reached for earplugs and still slept poorly. The campground itself reads more urban day-use area than wooded retreat, with tight sites and inconsistent restrooms. A few visitors have also described an unwelcoming atmosp

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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.