R
Rhiannon C.
Scout
ScoutHome Valley Campground
Absolutely lovely
The hostess is very sweet. Campsites are clean and well marked. Showers are fantastic, clean and free
Explore the Best Campgrounds in Washington
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Washington's diverse camping landscape encompasses everything from coastal campsites at Cape Disappointment State Park to mountain retreats near Mount Rainier. The state boasts a variety of accommodation options including tent sites, RV camping with full hookups, and cabin rentals at locations like Lake Wenatchee State Park. Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout national forests and on public lands, providing alternatives to established campgrounds for those seeking more remote experiences. Washington offers some of the most scenic camping destinations in the Pacific Northwest, with options ranging from rainforests to alpine meadows.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping accessibility in Washington. Many campgrounds in national parks such as Olympic National Park operate seasonally, with sites like Cougar Rock Campground available only from May through October due to mountain weather conditions. Winter camping remains possible at lower elevations, particularly at state parks like Deception Pass and Cape Disappointment which operate year-round. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly during rainy seasons, especially on forest service roads leading to dispersed sites. "The godson's mom told me she went to this area when she was young and then I saw it here on The Dyrt. Make sure you follow the written directions - just follow Sand Canyon all the way out," notes one camper describing access to a North Fork Chewelah Creek site.
Campers consistently rate waterfront locations among their favorites, with Salt Creek Recreation Area receiving particularly high ratings for its coastal views. State parks tend to offer more amenities including showers, flush toilets, and electrical hookups, while national park campgrounds like Kalaloch and Mora provide more rustic experiences with the benefit of exceptional natural surroundings. According to a visitor to Bear Creek Campground, "Mossy green trees, ferns, and lots of other vegetation all over the area. Definitely mosquitoes out and about but, to be expected in such a wet climate." Reservations are essential during summer months, especially at popular destinations near Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier. Some dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles to access, with several reviewers noting challenging road conditions leading to the most scenic backcountry sites.
Campground Showdown in Washington
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
OR
Round 1 of 5
Best Camping Sites in Washington (2,116)
1. Kalaloch Campground - group — Olympic National Park
110 ReviewsTaholah, WAWebsite+1 (360) 565-3130$24 - $48 / night
"Proximity to the beach makes this a necessary stop while exploring the Washington coast."
"Nestled between the highway and the ocean, this park is five stars for location, but three stars for the disparity in sites and limited bathroom facilities."
2. Deception Pass State Park Campground
111 ReviewsAnacortes, WAWebsite+1 (360) 675-2417$12 - $167 / night
"Some trails walking distance from the campsite to gorgeous beaches while others we drove to get to other trails and scenic lookouts. I loved every minute staying there."
"This is one of the most popular locations in Washington State and easy to see why. Both fresh and salt water experiences are within a few steps away with amazing sunsets and breathtaking views."
3. Cape Disappointment State Park Campground
92 ReviewsIlwaco, WAWebsite+1 (360) 642-3078$12 - $373 / night
"This state park on the edge of Washington is absolutely beautiful and wild. It’s best to visit in the summer of course as the weather can be very unpredictable the rest of the year."
"This campground is all about location. The sites are not huge or fancy, but the view and the hiking make up for any complaints."
4. Dash Point State Park Campground
76 ReviewsFederal Way, WAWebsite+1 (888) 226-7688$31 - $91 / night
"Firstly, I just have to say what a positive and amazing experience I had at this campground. The volunteers were friendly, kind and absolutely awesome to interact with."
"The campground itself is tucked into a beautiful, forested area with plenty of trees and privacy between sites. Ours had a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table."
5. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground — Olympic National Park
70 ReviewsSol Duc Hot Springs, WAWebsite+1 (888) 896-3818$40 - $65 / night
"This site is listed as being a 35’ back-in, but it really is just a shared parking lot between this and the site next to it (37) across from the central restrooms."
"The surrounding woods are wonderful. There’s a trail to an amphitheater and an easy walking path to the hot springs"
6. Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
60 ReviewsLongmire, WAWebsite+1 (360) 569-6626$20 / night
"If you are looking for an volunteer opportunity while in the park, check out the Washington Train Association also know as the WTA."
"Large campground located near the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier. Many sites tucked into large trees. Some loops close to main toad so the noise can be an issue, but overall beautiful!"
7. Hoh Campground — Olympic National Park
56 ReviewsSol Duc Hot Springs, WAWebsite+1 (360) 565-3130$24 - $48 / night
"Steps away from the rainforest trailhead, so a great one night stay to hike the trails. It's a rainy place as you can imagine. Washington State itself sure is."
"We are Washington residents and camped in early October of 2024. Our dogs loved the area and access to the river. The campsite had a lot of room and the facilities were clean."
8. Mora Campground — Olympic National Park
55 ReviewsLa Push, WAWebsite+1 (360) 565-3130$18 / night
"This campground is close to forks Washington. We were able to get a spot at 5:30 in the afternoon."
"Campsites were easy to locate, in an accessible loop, and the cleanest facilities I've seen - plus, each site is surrounded by a good deal of treeline to give you a bit of privacy."
9. Fairholme Campground — Olympic National Park
54 ReviewsSol Duc Hot Springs, WAWebsite+1 (360) 565-3130$24 / night
"Pros: beautiful lake view and access -free food storage containers, no need for bear canisters -plenty of trees at campsites for hammocking -walk in and drive in sites -choose your own site -proximity"
"This dense verdant rainforest is dripping with moss, lichen, Goliath trees, flowers, fungus, fauna, cloudy light beams straining to reach the forest floor, trails and oxygen; all adjacent the mysterious"
10. Salt Creek Recreation Area
52 ReviewsJoyce, WAWebsite+1 (360) 928-3441$45 / night
"Like a number of Washington State Parks, the plug-in sites are in a large field, with very few trees around and kind of look like a lot of other standard RV parks with three or so levels of close parking"
"We live on the nearby Kitsap Peninsula and this campground is our favorite Washington campground. The views are amazing and the crashing waves are the perfect soundtrack."
Recent Camping Photos in Washington
2559 Photos of 2116 Washington Campgrounds
Danny C.
Spencers Camp — Ross Lake National Recreation Area
Hubbard G.
Panther Camp — Ross Lake National Recreation Area
Shari G.
Pelton Basin — North Cascades National Park
Niki A.
Gothic Basin
Megan D.
Park Butte Trailhead
Dani H.
Ahtanum Meadows Campground
Luke B.
Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed
Brooks H.
NF-65 National Forest Dispersed Site
theresa A.
Sauk Park Campground
Eric O.
Forest Road Dispersed Site
Angela S.
Barrier Dam Campgrounds
Angel R.
Ocean Breeze RV Resort - KM Resorts
Recent Reviews in Washington
8427 Reviews of 2116 Washington Campgrounds
- MMelissa C.Scout
Jansen Creek Beach Dispersed Campsite
Pullout next to beach
I just got here, but this is where I’ll spend the night. It’s a pretty big size car pullout on the ocean side of the road and less then a minute walk to the water.
- KKatya K.Scout
Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead
Wild wonder
when you enter there’s spots to pull off to right away. Haven’t seen the rest of it so I’m not sure how big this place is. Has public bathrooms, but no where to throw away trash. Would be more convenient to have garbage services, since I noticed not a lot of people care about the environment.
Bryce T.ScoutNF 3040 Dispersed Camping
Not Accessible: Rockslide
I went here and it's not passable at about .4mi away from the coordinates. Very overgrown path scratched my vehicle up real good. Between this and Sadie Creek DNR there are a couple spots that are easy to access.
Why is this on the map here? Idk.
charles A.ScoutSmall Site but Million $ View!
Worth the trip
Lots of potholes on the way up but we managed with a sienna minivan, only saw one other group of people who passed us trying to get the spot after we had set up tents. 10/10 view and truly a magnificent view of rainier
Angel K.ScoutDash Point State Park Campground
Workation
Loved this place, clean showers
Elise A.
GuideOllalie Creek Camp
A Hidden Gem Worth Every Mile
Olallie Creek Campground was one of the absolute highlights of our trip through Mount Rainier. We came in via the Cowlitz Trail on the very first weekend the park opened to backpackers. It was a tough route, spotty markings, no cell service, and a pretty long dry stretch. Definitely bring enough water, a reliable map, and a satellite communicator. Bear spray is a must too. Once you're there though, it's magic. Crystal clear, ice cold creeks that converge around what feels like a little island. The group site is roomy. We set up 2 tents comfortably, and the bucket toilet is tucked away for privacy. Thunderstorms rolled through but only added to the atmosphere. We didn’t see another soul. Just pure quiet. We filtered water, soaked our feet in the creek, and played cards before bed. It’s not luxury, but if you want real backcountry solitude in a beautiful setting, it's hard to beat. It stuck with me, and I can't wait to go back.
- Elise A.Guide
Paradise River Camp
Creek side solace
Paradise River Camp was one of the most memorable campsites from our time on the Wonderland Trail. The camp was set beside a creek that provided convenient and reliable water access, making it easy to refill and filter water without having to travel far from the site. The sound of the creek also added to the peaceful atmosphere without being overwhelming. The campsite felt scenic, quiet, and immersed in the landscape. Its location along the Wonderland Trail made it a rewarding place to stop after a day of hiking, and the site layout offered a welcome sense of privacy and separation from other campers. We did not encounter any major drawbacks during our stay. Overall, Paradise River Camp was an excellent and memorable campsite, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. We would gladly stay there again.
- RRae F.Guide
North Fork Chewelah Creek
Large rig approved - Private creek access
I had a great time here with my huskies and my cat. I updated the location here on The Dyrt app. The exact address is 3399 Sand Canyon Rd, Chewelah, WA. There are at least 10 dispersed fire rings. Many of the sites have direct access to the creek. There are multiple trails that go up and down both sides of the creek and many logs that have fallen over it so you can walk across to the other side. The entire creek is fully shaded by trees and doesn’t get much sun. It only gets to about knee-deep in some parts - it’s July right now. People use this area for snow activities in the winter. There are many large areas with hard packed dirt that are relatively level and good for big rigs. There is one pit toilet bathroom that I can see and a few picnic tables. This is an active logging road right now so trucks go by every hour or so. There is definitely wildlife out here. Be cautious for bears and other large predators. I have seen wild turkeys, squirrels, tons of different birds, butterflies, and something large ran behind our campsite last night. There is plenty of shade and also plenty of open areas for setting up solar panels with all day sun. There is no cell service up here, but Starlink works great. The creek is beautiful and clear and cold. So refreshing and if you really needed to drink it, you probably could. I have not seen any hiking trails per se, however, you could walk up and down the logging roads and explore the forest line pretty easily in many parts. If you go up the logging road to the right, there is an old mine that you can access. There seems to be little pathways spread out randomly through the forest as you continue down the road. This is the perfect spot for boondocking, unless you’re worried about cell service. I’ve been able to leave my dogs off leash and they are so happy to run free through the creek and around the fields and through the forest. This place really does have so much to offer. We’re here by ourselves right now, so we have the luxury of privacy and perfect quietness to enjoy the sound of the creek and the bugs and the birds.
Guide to Washington
Camping in Washington offers a mix of stunning landscapes and diverse campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly spot, there's something for everyone.
What to do
- Explore the lakes: Many campgrounds, like Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground, provide access to beautiful lakes. One camper mentioned, “The only sounds that could be heard were the wrestling of leaves, the gentle lapping of waves, and the nightly screaming of elk in the distance.”
- Hiking and biking: Trails abound in places like Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground. A visitor noted, “This is a good basecamp for exploring the North Cascades.”
- Water activities: Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular. At Lake Chelan State Park Campground, one reviewer said, “We did a lot of kayaking early and later in the day and had a wonderful time.”
What campers like
- Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One said, “The scenery is amazing with lots of river and mountain views” at Johnny Creek Campground.
- Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, like Lincoln Rock State Park Campground, are noted for their cleanliness. A camper remarked, “Bathrooms are clean and showers are hot.”
- Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds like Leavenworth-Pine Village KOA offer playgrounds and activities. One family shared, “There was a great shallow area for the kids and Dog to swim around.”
What you should know
- Mosquitoes can be a nuisance: At Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground, one camper warned, “The amount of mosquitoes were off the chart.”
- Crowded during peak season: Some campgrounds, especially KOAs, can get packed. A visitor at Leavenworth-Pine Village KOA noted, “If you were looking for a quiet experience, this place is not for you.”
- Limited privacy in some areas: Campers at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park mentioned, “The camping itself is the standard state park experience, sites close together, not much for privacy.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose campgrounds with activities: Look for places like Lake Chelan State Park Campground, which has a playground and swimming area. One parent said, “Great for families. Everyone around seemed very respectful of the quiet times.”
- Pack for the weather: Be prepared for changing conditions. A camper at Alta Lake State Park Campground advised, “Bring a lot of water and finish hiking before 10:00 am in the summer!”
- Look for spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer more room for kids to play. A visitor at Klipchuck Campground noted, “Most sites are relatively private.”
Tips from RVers
- Book early for the best spots: Popular campgrounds fill up fast. A reviewer at Beckler River Campground said, “Get there early or it will be hard to find a spot for an RV.”
- Check site dimensions: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Leavenworth-Pine Village KOA mentioned, “The sites were so tight that we could barely fit the provided picnic table next to our trailer.”
- Utilize amenities: Many campgrounds have electric hookups and dump stations. A visitor at Lincoln Rock State Park Campground appreciated, “Full hookups and all the opportunities and drawbacks that come with such a place.”
Camping in Washington state is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any good private campgrounds in Washington State?
Are there any good private campgrounds in Washington State?
Washington offers several quality private campgrounds that provide amenities not typically found at public sites. Mistequa Casino Hotel RV Park offers spacious sites positioned in an open field next to the casino, with convenient access from the highway and an international car museum across the path. Private campgrounds in Washington typically provide full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and often feature additional amenities like swimming pools, game rooms, and organized activities. Many private campgrounds are open year-round, unlike seasonal public options. Look for private campgrounds near popular destinations like Mount Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Columbia River Gorge. Prices generally range from $30-60 per night depending on location and amenities, with discounts often available for extended stays.
Where can I find the best tent camping sites in Washington State?
Where can I find the best tent camping sites in Washington State?
Washington's diverse landscapes create exceptional tent camping opportunities. Colonial Creek South Campground in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area offers spacious tent sites with excellent fishing access and beautiful forest surroundings. The sites are well-spaced, providing privacy rarely found in Western Washington campgrounds. For dispersed camping enthusiasts, Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping in the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest provides a more primitive experience with fewer crowds. This area offers countless locations for tent camping with minimal traffic. Additional excellent tent camping can be found in the Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier regions, and along the dramatic Pacific coastline. Most tent sites have access to basic amenities like pit toilets and water sources.
What are the best campgrounds in Washington State for families?
What are the best campgrounds in Washington State for families?
Washington offers excellent family-friendly campgrounds with activities for all ages. Deception Pass State Park Campground stands out with its beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and swimming areas that keep children entertained. The park's diverse landscape provides endless exploration opportunities while maintaining well-maintained facilities. Silver Springs Campground is another top choice, featuring spacious sites along a river where kids can splash and play. The well-distributed campsites provide privacy, and the riverside locations offer natural entertainment. Both campgrounds provide clean facilities and are easily accessible by car, making them perfect for families with young children. Look for sites that offer Junior Ranger programs, interpretive activities, and easy hiking trails to maximize the family camping experience.
What are the most beautiful Washington State Park campgrounds?
What are the most beautiful Washington State Park campgrounds?
Washington State Parks offer some of the most scenic camping experiences in the Pacific Northwest. Beacon Rock State Park Campground in the Columbia River Gorge features incredible views and a well-built trail leading to the summit of the iconic rock formation. The panoramic vistas of the gorge make this a photographer's paradise. Seaquest State Park Campground is known for its beautiful forested campsites that provide a peaceful setting for forest bathing and nature immersion. The traditional tent sites are surrounded by trees, offering a genuine woodland experience. Other notable state parks include Cape Disappointment with its dramatic coastal scenery and lighthouses, and Dosewallips with its unique blend of mountain and saltwater shoreline landscapes. Most state parks require reservations during peak season.
Keep Exploring