Best Campgrounds in Washington

Exploring the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest means choosing between beaches and deserts, forests and volcanos, lakes and prairies. Camping in Washington is a chance to greet nature up close and sleep in some of the most beautiful land in North America. The biggest challenge? Deciding where to start.

The Cascade Mountains run down the center of Washington like a spine. A handful of highways cross the crest in parallel lines, all running from the evergreens of the west side to the wide open grasslands of the east. Camping in Washington is available along every route, like the state parks that dot I-90 and North Cascades National Park that hugs Highway 20.

Take Highway 2 over Stevens Pass to find old-growth trees around each spot at Money Creek Campground, plus a view of a classic metal train trestle. Fill each day with hikes through the Cascade forest, perhaps on a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail where it passes the Stevens Pass Mountain Resort ski area. Head east of Stevens Pass to verdant Lake Wenatchee State Park for wooded campsites near the shores of a placid mountain lake and a stable inside the park offering trail rides through the summer. BYO kayak or rent one here.

Sometimes camping in Washington means getting off the beaten track to explore the quiet corners of the state. Take a forest road in Olympic National Park to find a green haven of mossy logs and curious chipmunks, or head north around Mount Baker, the Cascades’ northernmost volcano, for boat-in campsites around Baker Lake. In winter, the snowy expanse of Artist Point near Mount Baker' offers killer views of rugged glaciers for intrepid snow campers and backcountry skiers.

There are spectacular overnights to be had in the Pacific Northwest’s national and state parks, not to mention the remote U.S. Forest Service lands that blanket this corner of the country. Stock up on s’mores and firewood (when and where rules allow) and pitch a tent under the stars and go camping in Washington for the trip of a lifetime.

Best Camping Sites in Washington (2,016)

    1. Kalaloch Campground - group — Olympic National Park

    109 Reviews
    Taholah, WA
    Website
    +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

    109 Reviews
    Anacortes, WA
    Website
    +1 (360) 675-2417

    $12 - $40 / 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

    86 Reviews
    Ilwaco, WA
    Website
    +1 (360) 642-3078

    $40 / 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

    72 Reviews
    Federal Way, WA
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / 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

    67 Reviews
    Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA
    Website
    +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."

    "March 23 - October 28, 2018 Located along the Sol Duc River in magnificent Olympic National Park, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is on the “edge of the backcountry in the heart of the Olympic National Park"

    6. Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    58 Reviews
    Longmire, WA
    Website
    +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. Salt Creek Recreation Area

    51 Reviews
    Joyce, WA
    Website
    +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."

    8. Mora Campground — Olympic National Park

    52 Reviews
    La Push, WA
    Website
    +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

    52 Reviews
    Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA
    Website
    +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. Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Leavenworth, WA
    Website
    +1 (509) 763-3101

    "The campground is divided into two parts by a crisp clear and cold Wenatchee River, flowing out of Lake Wenatchee, locat d in the central Cascade Mountains of Washington."

    "_We love camping in this area of Washington. There are so many campsites and each one is just far away from the nearest town which is so nice to know that you won't be bothered by the busy road."

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Recent Reviews in Washington

7884 Reviews of 2016 Washington Campgrounds


  • Carol & Ed V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Bogachiel State Park Campground

    Beautiful location in rainy location

    We actually ended up here because they closed the NP Mora site due to forecasted heavy winds. Plenty of sites available but online system wasn't clear. Had to call to confirm if there was availability but even then it was complicated to figure out if we could claim a site. Host was very helpful. Spigot water had some rust in it so wouldn't use it for drinking. Proximity to Hoh and Rialto beach made it well located.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Old Quarry by Sulphur Creek

    Unofficial Forest Gun range

    This is exactly as described in the title of this review. It’s set up as an unofficial forest gun range. We came on a Wednesday evening where it wasnt occupied or being used, but we’ll probably just stay here one night and find something better. The roads have lots of potholes getting here… probably won’t stay here again, but starling does work well considering it is a big open spot.

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Spokane KOA Journey

    KOA Stay

    Campground itself was nice. We were driving from Glacier NP to North Cascades NP and decided to stay here to have use of amenities. Typically we stay at free spots, but the showers, coin operated laundry, water, and dump station was all needed and appreciated. Its in a busy neighborhood, so its noisy and theres a train that goes by, but i expected the noise when seeing where it was on google maps so it is what it is. I would stay here again if i was in the same situation.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Spokane KOA Journey

    Spokane KOA Journey

    This KOA was a convenient location for us as we travel after an "errand day" in Spokane. Other than for convenience, I wouldn't make a vacation destination out of this place. The restroom facilities are clean, the cell service is great, standard KOA set up (sardine rows for RVs, tents/cabins, back-ins along the edge). However, this KOA is surrounded by residences and businesses, and also right next to very active train tracks. The trains have been quite frequent day and night... and for some reason so has a rooster (all morning, day, and evening... it's crazy). The grass here is beyond dead, so tent campers beware: if it rains, you'll be all mud. All in all, the KOA itself is well-maintained, has the amenities you want, and a convenient spot if you need something near the city... but this is NOT a place to sit back, relax, and get away from it all.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Top of the Hill camping

    Top of the hill camping

    This is actually a really secluded, pivate location with a beautiful view! The road is fairly easy to get up to this spot but really just room for one vehicle. I guess the last people used it as the dumb spot when they were leaving because there’s a grill and a TV screen there… we did not stay and camp here, but we did check it out and if we didn’t have a trailer, I would definitely have claimed the spot!

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    FR27 Landing

    fr27 landing

    Great large flat spot for camping. Could easily fit about 5 cars here. About 4 fire rings set up and the road is pretty easy getting here.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    NF-27 Tunnel Creek

    Pull through site

    This is a great spot to stay for a bit if you’re looking to do that OR just stay for a night. It’s like, a big circle that you pull in and out of. There’s a trail from this site that leads to a great tint site as well. Plenty of space if you have a decent sized group. Easily accommodating 3 cars. We have plenty of space with our rig. Star link works great here!

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Goose Creek RV Park & Campground

    Goose Creek RV Park & Campground

    Quiet little RV Park in a quiet little town. Warm showers and laundry facility on site. RV park wi-fi was pretty bad. AT&T cell service worked great when 5G was shut off and used LTE instead.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Pasco Tri-Cities KOA

    Clean and friendly

    Sites are clean, level and well manicured. Showers are clean and spacious. Staff are friendly and very accommodating.


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?

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?

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?

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?

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.