Best Tent Camping near Mount Vernon, WA
Tent campers can choose various campgrounds near Mount Vernon, Washington, ranging from established sites to primitive backcountry areas. Cedar Groves Rural Campground offers tent-only sites surrounded by tall dense trees with abundant wildlife, while Lily and Lizard Lakes provides more remote tent camping experiences. Several tent campgrounds in the area are accessible via hiking trails, with some requiring permits for overnight stays.
Most tent sites near Mount Vernon feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Cedar Groves provides drinking water and toilets, while more primitive areas like Pine and Cedar Lakes have no facilities. According to one visitor, "The campsites at Cedar Lake are better (bigger and flatter). Log benches mark the campsites as well as the remnants of past fires." Campers should check current fire restrictions before planning trips, as bans are common during dry summer months. Many tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly at primitive sites, though some like Fort Ebey State Park require reservations.
"The sites were extremely well kept, bathroom facilities very clean, and you can't beat the views from the bluff," noted one camper about Fort Ebey State Park, which offers tent camping with more amenities. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for day hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Sites at Lily and Lizard Lakes feature fire rings, benches, and flat areas for tent setup, though they're positioned close together, limiting privacy during busy periods. The hiking trails connecting many tent camping areas provide opportunities for multi-day backpacking trips. Water sources at primitive tent sites often require filtering, as they come directly from lakes or streams. Campers seeking solitude should consider weekday visits or shoulder season camping when tent sites throughout the Mount Vernon area see fewer visitors.
