10 Affordable Summer Adventures With Kids

No camping reservations? That’s okay. We’re here to tell you — no promises, of course — that you can still find nearby campsites for a last-minute jaunt. These three excellent campgrounds are within a 90-minute drive of Seattle and might still have summer openings, especially if you’re looking for midweek excursions. (Find even more ideas.)

And as for other strategies for last-minute camping: Try campgrounds with non-reservable sites, check for cancellations or book now for a weekend in September, when campgrounds really open up.

1. Kayak Point Regional County Park

At this Snohomish County park on Puget Sound, nearly all of the campsites are tucked into a wooded area on a bluff that is a hike up from the shoreline. The beach has a little less than a mile of waterfront, with a pier that sees plenty of fishing and crab-pot action. Watch for eagles and the occasional gray whale. Kayak Point also has 10 yurts and the three-bedroom, Craftsman-style Kayak Kottage available for rent.

Bonus: Go for a swim in nearby Lake Goodwin at Wenberg County Park, which also has campsites, just 6 miles away. Note: Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in county parks.

Fine print: Sites start at $28 per night during peak season. Book via the Snohomish County website or call 360-652-7992. 15610 Marine Dr., Stanwood. 

2. Tolt MacDonald Park & Campground

Part of the excitement of camping in this King County park in Carnation is walking the 500-foot suspension bridge above the rushing Snoqualmie River to reach the yurts and some of the hike-in camping spots. The park is at the confluence of the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers; you will feel like you are in the country even though the campground is inside Carnation’s city limits. (There are also drive-up camping spots and RV pads.) Other highlights include mountain bike trails, a playground and a nice riverfront area for play. 

Bonus: Elevate your sleeping bag by booking one of the yurts, or a shipping container that’s been repurposed as a cabin, with heat and electricity. Get amusement-park or berry-picking thrills at Remlinger Farms, just 1.5 miles away. 

Fine print: To reserve sites at Tolt MacDonald, you must book at least 10 days ahead but if you want to take your chances, unreserved spots are up for grabs. Sites start at $20 per night; choose from hike-in sites, car camping sites, RV pads and more. Book online or by calling 206-477-6149. N.E. 40th St. and State Route 203, Carnation. 

3. Millersylvania State Park

This 120-site lakeside campground is a mere 5 miles off Interstate 5, near Olympia, but the surrounding forest will make you forget this fact. There are tent sites in the shade and in the sun, and they are all near Deep Lake. Take a dip at both of the swimming beaches and hike or bike along 8.5 miles of flat trails. 

Bonus: Millersylvania also has luxury camping cabins, called Pampered Wilderness. Most are geared toward couples, but the Country Cabin has two full-size beds.

Fine print: Sites start at $25/night. Book online or by calling 888-226-7688. 12245 Tilley Rd. S., Olympia. 

—  Nancy Schatz Alton