Camping at Tolt-MacDonald Park: A Riverside Retreat in Carnation, WA
Camping at Tolt-MacDonald Park: A Riverside Retreat in Carnation, WA
Situated at the confluence of the Snoqualmie and Tolt Rivers, Tolt-MacDonald Park spans 575 acres of lush Pacific Northwest landscape, offering a diverse array of camping experiences just 40 minutes from downtown Seattle.
Camping Options
RV Camping
- Sites: 16 pull-through sites equipped with water and electrical hookups (20, 30, and 50-amp service).
- Amenities: Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring.
- Access: Convenient drive-up access with proximity to restrooms and showers.
Tent Camping
- Sites: 22 individual sites, with 11 located across the 500-foot suspension bridge over the Snoqualmie River.
- Amenities: Each site features a picnic table and fire ring; two sites offer three-sided shelters.
- Access: West-side sites require a walk across the suspension bridge; wagons may be available from the campground host to assist with gear transport.
Yurt Camping
- Description: Six yurts furnished with double/single bunk beds, nightstand, heating, electricity, deck, picnic table, and fire ring.
- Capacity: Each yurt accommodates up to six people.
- Access: Located on the west side of the park, accessible via the suspension bridge.
- Pet Policy: Pets are permitted in Yurts #4 and #6 with prior authorization.
Group Camping
- Large Site: Accommodates up to 60 people; includes a covered shelter, picnic tables, and raised fire pit.
- Small Site: Accommodates up to 40 people; features an A-frame amphitheater with fire pits and picnic tables.
- Access: Both sites are walk-in only, requiring crossing the suspension bridge.
Reservations and Fees
- Reservations: Available online; advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
- Fees: Vary by site type; consult the King County Parks website for current rates.
Park Amenities
- Trails: Over 12 miles of forested and riverside trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking.
- Suspension Bridge: A 500-foot bridge offering scenic views and access to west-side camping areas.
- Picnic Shelters: Two large shelters available for day use or reservation.
- Restrooms: Equipped with showers; located near camping areas.
- Playground: Provides recreational space for children.
Activities
- Fishing: Opportunities in both the Snoqualmie and Tolt Rivers.
- Wildlife Viewing: Seasonal salmon spawning and bird watching, including eagles and osprey.
- Events: The park hosts annual events such as the Timber! Outdoor Music Festival and Beat the Blerch running event.
Location and Access
- Address: 31020 NE 40th St, Carnation, WA 98014
- Directions: From Seattle, take I-90 East to WA-202 East, then continue on WA-203 North to NE 40th St.
- Parking: Day-use and overnight parking available; gates locked nightly at 10 pm from May through Labor Day, and at dusk from September through April.
Tolt-MacDonald Park offers a tranquil retreat with diverse camping options and abundant recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
Reviews
J H9 months ago
What a Beautiful place to take your family, we love coming here to just get away on a short trip. The trail is mainly flat and perfect for walking & bike rides. The River is so peaceful and beautiful to just gaze at. If you are looking for a trail you can easily walk, run or ride a bike, this is the place. Be sure to pack some water and enjoy this wonderful experience.
Remlinger Farms is right next store, grab some lunch at there amazing restaurant for a home cooked meal to end your trip!
Have fun!😎
Scott Younggrena year ago
Very pretty park with excellent amenities. Lots of parking, play fields are kept in great shape and the river makes for relaxing feeling. Lots of shade trees if you want them. The big barn makes a nice area for groups and the adjacent bbq is a nice touch. Today the Porsche Club of America was having a group event here which seemed very fitting for this upscale facility.
Ian Atwater6 months ago
Great park for day hike trails and car camping for a short weekend.
We also received excellent assistance from the county office and on site resident, very pleased with the outcome.
There are wagons available to help campers transport materials to their site, as well as installed locking containers at some sites to protect your food from local wildlife.
Valerie Nuttall4 months ago
We stayed two nights in July, which was all I could get on short notice. Will book farther ahead next time and there will be a next time! Sites are well spaced, so it doesn't feel crowded, even when full! Hiking and mountain biking are on the other side of the river across the foot bridge. So close to town that you could walk. Great park that's well taken care of!
Heather A Adamsa year ago
I came here for a retreat weekend, so the park was closed and we had it all to ourselves in a fairly small group. Otherwise, I can imagine it possibly being very busy because it was lovely and somehow still had green grass deep into a dry summer. There were great big trees of all types for shade and open meadows for games and activities. The best part about this park is the fact that there is a trail head with lots of different trails of all types, but the biggest thriller was the water access. There is a large and lovely river right off this camp area. The water is super cold, but you’re able to get used to it and actually enjoy it on a hot day. The shore is rocky but could use chairs if you want to stay all day. There’s a beautiful bridge spanning the expanse of the river. This is a really awesome place as well because the town of Carnation, directly outside the park has, shopping, coffee, groceries restaurants, gas, and supplies. But somehow when you’re in the park, it seems like everything like that is far far away. It’s truly a magical place. Very curious to see how it is in normal operations.
