Camp Long

Name: Camp Long
Address: 5200 35th Ave SW Dawson, Seattle, WA 98126, USA, Seattle, WA, US
Telephone: (206) 684-7434
Rating: 4.6

4.6(86) Seattle, WA

Directions Website

About Camp Long

Camp Long offers a unique 'urban jungle' experience with sensational hiking opportunities, breathtaking mountain views, and pristine trails winding through native forest. It's highly valued for its extensive natural areas, cleanliness, and facilities like bathrooms and garbage cans. It's a versatile venue suitable for active families, dog walkers, school nature exploration, and even specialized athletic training.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families seeking an immersive nature experience and outdoor activity.Dog owners looking for extensive, natural trails for walks.Hikers of varying skill levels, including those looking for challenging routes.School groups or educational outings focused on nature exploration.Athletes seeking a unique outdoor training environment (if part of the club).

Why families love it

Sensational hiking experience with breathtaking mountain views and options for challenges.
Extensive network of pristine trails through native forest, offering many areas to explore.
Creek trails that go a long way, eventually leading to the Duwamish River & Puget Sound.
Environment is actively maintained to be clean, free of litter, and described as 'free of sketchy people, tents or needles'.
Specialized courses for highly-skilled athletes are available, though likely require club membership.
Bathrooms and garbage cans are conveniently located throughout the park.

Insider tips

Contact city officials prior to your visit, as their information is posted throughout the area.
Wear appropriate footwear and prepare for marsh-like conditions if visiting after rain.
Consider bringing a map or using a navigation app, as trail markings can be sparse or unclear.
Keep dogs on a leash at all times and pick up after them.
Verify the operating hours of the visitor's center before planning your visit around it.
Do not attempt to use the highly-skilled athletic courses without first checking club requirements or seeking permission.

Good to know before you go

Visiting immediately after heavy rainfall if you prefer dry trails and wish to avoid marshy conditions.
If you are uncomfortable with the presence of homeless encampments near recreational areas, particularly with children.
If you rely heavily on clear, abundant trail signage for easy navigation.
If your primary goal is to find trails with panoramic city views (these may not be available from all paths).
Attempting to use specialized athletic courses without prior arrangements or club membership.

Crowds: One reviewer described the place as 'pretty isolated', implying a generally low crowd level. However, the mention of 'limited' free parking could indicate that it does attract enough visitors to fill up parking spots during certain times, which might lead to moderate crowds on trails.
Value: Access to Camp Long and its extensive trail system appears to be free of charge, making it an excellent value for a family-friendly outdoor adventure. Parking is also free, which adds to its affordability, although finding a spot might be challenging due to limited availability.
Food: The reviews do not explicitly state a food policy. However, the presence of numerous garbage cans throughout the park suggests that bringing outside food and drinks for picnicking or snacking is permitted, provided waste is properly disposed of. No mention of restrictions or on-site food sales.
Accessibility: No specific accommodations for individuals with disabilities (e.g., wheelchair access for trails, sensory-friendly hours) were explicitly mentioned in the reviews. The primary activities involve hiking on natural trails, which typically require a certain level of mobility.
Safety: Reviewers note that park staff (or community members) 'take care of the land, keeping it clean & free of sketchy people', and explicitly state, 'You’re not going to find tents or needles or anything like that here'.

What parents say

Yogi Donovan

5.0

"A sensational hiking experience. Breathtaking view of the mountains, and options for challenges if you’re up to it. Please contact city officials prior to using area. Contact information is posted throughout. Also be aware that camp runs adjacent to west Seattle homeowners. Prepare for random marsh like conditions following rain but Eitherwise an “urban jungle” treasure"

12 months ago

Maria

5.0

"This is an amazing park with many trails to explore! The creek goes on a really long way, eventually leading to the Duwamish River & Puget Sound. It’s a great place for dogs (please keep them on a leash & pick up after them!). The people really take care of the land, keeping it clean & free of sketchy people. You’re not going to find tents or needles or anything like that here (I’m not saying people in tents are bad or that everyone in tents use needles- not AT ALL). There is a course through the entire camp for the highly-skilled athletes. I think you have to belong to the club to use the cou"

3 years ago

K M-V

5.0

"Great spot to take your dog for a quick loop walk. It’s also apparently a location for school kids to explore nature in a camp type setting. But they don’t mind you walking your dog on leash on the trails. I did spot a homeless camp which should be addressed if kids are exploring these woods."

2 years ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.