What are some car-free camping options near Seattle, Washington?

Living the car-free lifestyle doesn't mean missing out on the adventure of camping. In fact, there are numerous car-free camping options near Seattle, Washington, that you can access using public transportation, cycling, or even hiking. Let's explore some of your options.

Hop on a Bus, Ferry, or Train: Car-Free Camping in Seattle 🚌⛺

Seattle's public transportation system is robust, and it can take you to some wonderful campsites. Here are a few of them:

Camping Options Accessible by Public Transportation

1. Blake Island State Park: Reachable by the Argosy Cruises ferry from Seattle's waterfront, this park offers camping, hiking, and beautiful views of the city skyline.
2. Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground: You can take a bus from downtown Seattle to this park located in Carnation, offering yurts and tent camping sites.
3. Mt. Rainier National Park: During summer, a shuttle bus operates from Ashford to Paradise, providing access to several campgrounds.

Eco-Friendly Camping Options

1. Bikepacking: Combining cycling and camping, bikepacking is an eco-friendly way to explore the outdoors. Learn more about it in my Bikepacking Adventures article.
2. Backpacking: If you're up for a challenge, backpacking allows you to reach remote campsites on foot. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness has many trails leading to beautiful, secluded campsites.

Car-Free Beach Camping Options

1. Golden Gardens Park: Accessible by bus from Seattle, this park offers fire pits and stunning views of the Puget Sound.
2. Manchester State Park: You can take a ferry and a short bus ride to reach this park on the Kitsap Peninsula, which offers camping near the beach.

For more detailed information on how to reach these campsites, check out my guide on Car-Free Road Trips: Exploring Destinations with Alternative Transportation Methods.

Go Green with Your Camping: Eco-Conscious Options 🌿⛺

If you're looking for a more eco-friendly camping experience, consider these options:

Eco-Friendly Camping Options

• Bikepacking: Combining cycling and camping, bikepacking is an eco-friendly way to explore the outdoors. Learn more about it in my Bikepacking Adventures article.
• Backpacking: If you're up for a challenge, backpacking allows you to reach remote campsites on foot. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness has many trails leading to beautiful, secluded campsites.

To give you a better idea of what backpacking in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness looks like, here's a video from a seasoned backpacker:

As you can see, backpacking allows you to deeply immerse yourself in nature and discover secluded campsites that can't be reached by car. Now, let's move on to explore some car-free beach camping options.

Sand Between Your Toes: Car-Free Beach Camping Spots 🏖️⛺

Yes, you can also enjoy beach camping without a car! Here are a couple of options:

Car-Free Beach Camping Options Near Seattle

1. Golden Gardens Park: Accessible by bus from Seattle, this park offers fire pits and stunning views of the Puget Sound.
2. Manchester State Park: You can take a ferry and a short bus ride to reach this park on the Kitsap Peninsula, which offers camping near the beach.

For more car-free beach camping options, check out Exploring the Best Beach Camping Destinations Without a Car.

One of the most accessible beach camping options from Seattle without a car is Manchester State Park. Here's how you can get there:

Now that you've seen how easy it is to reach Manchester State Park without a car, I'd love to hear your thoughts on car-free camping. Do you have any favorite destinations or tips to share?

Over to You: Share Your Car-Free Camping Experiences 🚶‍♀️⛺

Remember, car-free camping is not just about the destination, but also the journey. Whether you prefer to take public transportation, bike, or hike, you're sure to find a camping experience near Seattle that suits your car-free lifestyle. Happy camping!

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Avery Johnson

Avery is interested in social justice, environmentalism, and community building.

Avery is a journalist and author who has written extensively about car-free living. She is passionate about sharing stories of people who have found creative ways to get around without a car.