Best Tent Camping near Burlington, WA
Several tent campgrounds surround Burlington, Washington, with options ranging from secluded backcountry settings to established sites in conservation areas. Cedar Groves Rural Campground offers tent-specific sites with picnic tables and fire rings among dense forest, while primitive tent camping is available at Pine and Cedar Lakes just a short hike from trailheads. Lily and Lizard Lakes provides additional backcountry tent camping options with minimal facilities but scenic mountain views within the region.
Most primitive tent camping areas in the Burlington region require hikers to pack in all supplies, as drinking water is rarely available at campsites. Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping features basic tent sites accessible only by hiking trails, with no drinking water or facilities beyond fire rings. One camper noted that "it's a high hike, straight up" to reach Cedar Lake's primitive tent sites. Cypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area offers boat-in and hike-in tent camping with slightly more amenities, including picnic tables and permitted campfires, but campers must still bring their own water and supplies. Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly in the more remote backcountry tent areas.
The tent camping experience near Burlington varies significantly by location and season. Areas like Lily and Lizard Lakes feature limited sites with fire rings and benches, creating a true backcountry tent camping atmosphere. "There are only a few spots so it's good to get there early," reported one visitor about securing primitive tent sites. Several locations feature lakeside camping opportunities, with Cedar Lake offering two small, primitive tent sites on opposite sides of the lake. Pine and Cedar Lakes provides multiple tent pads surrounded by dense forest with some lake views. Campers regularly report wildlife sightings and appreciate the solitude of these backcountry tent camping locations, despite relatively short hiking distances from trailheads. Most primitive tent sites in the area remain uncrowded except during summer weekends.
