Saltwater State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Saltwater State Park is a beach near Washington state’s largest urban area, and is an easy getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of the city! The park is just two miles from Interstate 5, on the shoreline between Seattle and Tacoma, making it one of the state’s most popular parks. Visitors can wade in the shallows and explore the tidepools, make sand castles, or look for seashell treasures along the shore. Depending on the season, they might also see salmon spawning in McSorley Creek. Saltwater is also the only state park with an underwater artificial reef for scuba diving. The reef is a protected marine sanctuary.
Weather at the park can be chilly, and since it’s on the ocean, the marine layer of fog is always a consideration! Temperatures in the winter can range from an average of 51-34F, and in the summer the average high gets up to about 78F.
Spring 38-67 F
Summer 51-78 F
Fall 38-72 F
Winter 34-51 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Saltwater State Park
Saltwater State Park has 47 campsites that have electrical hookups. There are showers available, as well as a dump station.
There are other campgrounds nearby you can try as well:
Seattle/Tacoma KOA
The Seattle/Tacoma KOA is just minutes from Seattle...and Tacoma, of course. You’ll be close to Pike’s Place Market, the Puget Sound, the Space Needle, and the beach. The campground has a hot breakfast available, as well as paved running and biking trails. It’s close to public transportation, but there’s also a bird sanctuary next door so you’re not completely in the middle of the city hubbub.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: yes
Other amenities: showers, fishing, pool, dog park
South Prairie Creek RV Park
This park is five to ten minutes from nearby towns, with shopping, restaurants, and more. A creek runs behind the property, as well as a 21+ mile trail for walking or biking that goes through the campground.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: yes
Other amenities: laundry, showers, camp store, pet area
What to Do at
Saltwater State Park
Inside Saltwater State Park
There are lots of things to do at Saltwater State Park. From water fun to other activities, here are some of the things you might want to try:
Hiking: There are three trails for hiking and biking in the park.
Fishing: The park has saltwater fishing and shellfish harvesting. You do need a permit so be sure to check the regulations when you plan your trip.
Diving: There is an underwater artificial reef on Puget Sound that lies within the park. The reef is a popular area for scuba diving. It is a protected marine area so there is no fishing or shellfish harvesting in the reef area.
Outside Saltwater State Park
There’s plenty to do outside Saltwater State Park as well! Its proximity to two major cities means there are lots of opportunities to try other activities.
Restaurants
Spinasse
This upscale Italian restaurant has been profiled by The Food Network, and is known for their specialty - the Tajarin al Ragu. The pasta dish with beef and pork meat sauce gets rave reviews. Go for a nice dinner and pair it with a glass of wine from the wine list.
Type: Italian
Location: Seattle, WA
Matt’s in the Market
This restaurant, located in the Pike Place Market, has amazing views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Since they’re right on the water, it’s only fitting that they offer up an array of delicious seafood dishes including oysters and grilled octopus. There’s a lunch menu with a variety of sandwiches and salads as well.
Type: Seafood
Location: Seattle, WA
Lobster Shop
The Lobster Shop (guess what they serve?) has amazing views of Commencement Bay, and is the perfect place to wile away an hour or two, sipping a handcrafted cocktail, sampling local seafood, and enjoying the views and slower pace. Along with lobster in a variety of forms, the restaurant serves other seafood - prawns, crab, fish, and more.
Type: Seafood
Location: Tacoma, WA
Shopping
Glasswing
Unique finds in men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, as well as home goods. Be sure to investigate the Glasswing Greenhouse for beautiful floral arrangements, plants including bonsai, and one-of-a-kind pots and other gardening goods.
Location: Seattle WA
Sightseeing
Pike Place Market
This ultimate farmers’ market was established in 1907 and is now world-famous. Wander through the nine-acre historic district and see dozens of farmers, the crafts market, and over 200 owner-operated shops.
Location: Seattle, WA
Chihuly Garden & Glass
Renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly uses his talents to form flowers, baubles, and other fantastic, colorful creations out of glass. See his work on display, showcased in gardens with real flowers and other flora.
Location: Seattle, WA
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Learn more about the animals and sea creatures who live in the Pacific Northwest, and about animals from around the world. See the South Pacific Aquarium, the Asian Forest Sanctuary, or go for a camel ride for a change of pace.
Location: Tacoma, WA
How to Get to
Saltwater State Park
From Seattle: Take I-5 S toward Des Moines. Exit and turn right onto WA-516 W/Kent Des Moines Rd. Turn left onto 16th Ave. S. Turn right onto S 240th St. Turn left onto Marine View Dr S, then right onto S 252nd St. Turn left onto 8th Pl. and follow signs to the park.
The address for the park is 25205 8th Pl S, Des Moines, WA 98198.
Entering Saltwater State Park
Saltwater State Park Vehicles : $10.0
There’s no better way to create memories with those you love than by heading out on an adventure on the road! Renting an RV with RVshare makes the trip streamlined and easy. Whether you choose to rent an RV near your home and make the trek, or fly into Washington and rent an RV for camping, you’re sure to have an adventure you won’t soon forget! We would love to see pictures of your travels - be sure to send us photos of your trip to [email protected] and tag us on social media. Your memories could be featured on our blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page!
Frequently Asked Questions About Saltwater State Park
Fall and summer are the most suitable times to explore Saltwater State Park. Fall has the best weather conditions, while summer offers many outdoor recreation activities both on water and solid land.
The Saltwater State Park area experiences a maritime climate branded by hot and dry days during summer. Winter days are often rainy and less snowy. Other times of the year have mild temperatures.
Many wildlife creatures, including squirrels, weasels, rabbits and river otters, call Saltwater State Park home. Avian creatures available at this park include American crows, sparrows, towhees, warblers, Harlequin birds and bald eagles.
You do not have to reserve a camping area at this park. However, you can reserve a spot by visiting the park’s website or calling their official numbers to guarantee a spot. The reservation cost is at least $10.
Your pets can accompany you to Saltwater State Park. You must keep the dogs on a leash and attend to them at all times. They must behave appropriately and not enter any state park buildings.