Camping in Minneapolis?

Is there any free or very cheap camping near Seattle Washington?

• We're visiting Seattle in a few weeks to look to move out there from Minneapolis and are on a very tight budget so camping is the only option. We would like to camp free somewhere or very cheap, not these places that charge $40 a night for a tent site. This will also be our very first time camping so somewhere that makes camping "easier" would be great. Thanks

• Answer:

  You have several options, but cheap and "easy" camping for first-time campers is a difficult combination. The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is within an hour to the east of Seattle off of I-90 and northeast on Highway US 2. You can go into the forest on old forest service logging roads and find all sorts of places where you find a place to camp for free. If you get a book on hiking in the northwest you can usually find places where you can park and make a camp near many of the backpacking trailheads. However, there will be no amenities like water, picnic table, campfire ring or restroom faciilities. There may not be anyone nearby for miles if you forgot something important, get lost, have a medical emergency, mechanical problems with your car, etc. Cell phone service isn't always available if you need to call for help. I do it all of the time, but I've lived and camped in the area my entire life. I wouldn't recommend it if you are unfamiliar with the area and first time campers. There are several "developed" campgrounds in the national forests that are within an hour or two from Seattle. The cost to camp is about $14- $25 per night depending on how many facilities they have in the campground. For example, campgrounds with flush toilets cost more. There are several Washington State Parks with overnight camping within an hour or two of Seattle. A tent site costs about $20 per night. The closest is probably Dash Point State Park - Some other state parks within a couple hours away from Seattle with overnight camping include: Kanasket-Palmer Federation Forest Lake Easton There are also county parks with overnight camping. The closest to Seattle is Tolt MacDonald County Park - overnight tent camping is $20 per night. Snohomish County to the north of Seattle also has several parks that have camp sites. Tent camp sites are about $20 per night Most of the camgrounds close to Seattle fill up. If you know the dates you want to stay at a campground reservations are recommended. See all of the links below for more information. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your first camping experience!