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.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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"
$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!"
$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."
$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."
$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"
$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."
RangerAfter a punishing drive down from packwood, I arrived to find this site a bit...no, a lot deceiving. Explanation in the video. Short version: that ain't St Helen. It's Mt Adams.
RangerAfter a couple miles of gravel incline... watch out for the wheel killers cuz they sneak up on you... found this spot deep in the woods SE of Rainier. River is almost too far below to hear. Two sites just before the bridge, and a slip big enough for a camper van just past. Spots on the way in as well.
GuideThis site is clean and there are good level sites available. However, it’s quite dense and you will have no privacy if you have neighbors.
LegendGeneral: 230-site RV park. Some sites are back-in, some pull-through. Some are lakefront. All are FHU. There is also one yurt.
Site Quality: Paved camper pad on level sites. Unlike most other RV parks, there is some foliage separating the sites, providing a modicum of privacy. We chose a lakefront site, but I think the pull-thru sites in the far rear of the park might have been a better choice (less geese traffic!).
Bath/Shower: There is a large main bathroom with showers near the office. At the rear of the property, there are five bathrooms, each with a toilet, sink, and shower; one of these is ADA accessible. When we arrived late Saturday afternoon, two of these had no toilet paper, and one had no soap. I did see they were being attended to in the evening. Also, no hooks or shelves to put toiletries on. There was often water on the floor in these units, I’m guessing from the showers. The main bathrooms at the front are MUCH nicer, but about a third of a mile walk from the rear sites.
Activities/Amenities: Catch and release fishing. A couple of miles of hiking trails around the perimeter of the campground. These are paved, gravel, or grass, and hilly! The road around the campground is just about a mile and flat, so it was good to run laps if that is your thing (good for me!). Amenities include: a playground, laundry ($2 each for washer and dryer), recycling, a library (I was happy to pick up a book on my to-read list), a dog run, and propane. The lake is nice, but there is a lot of algae, and swimming is not allowed. There are about two dozen geese that roam freely around, leaving goose poop wherever they go! I did see someone watering down the goose by-product on Monday morning, so the staff does work to mitigate this situation. Also ducks, birds, and even bunnies and snails.
As far as RV parks go, this is one of the nicer ones we have stayed at (and less expensive than some). It is convenient to the Seattle area. It is well-tended to; there are flower baskets throughout the property. One star deducted for the bathrooms at the rear of the property.
TravelerFor $50 a night I would have thought i would get FHU. It was being mowed when I arrived and it looks like they keep the sites clean. I didn't check the bathrooms. I was the only one at the park, but there was foot traffic going to the river.
TravelerWonderful people and a wonderful place to stay! We had a horrible night at Cedar to Surf campground(never stay there) and switched campgrounds to Andersen’s Oceanside and it was like a breath of fresh air and restored our faith in humanity! Highly recommend if you want a relaxing fun trip.
TravelerWhatever you do, do not stay here. They are horrible and our group stayed one night and chose to go elsewhere. 4 different workers told us to move our truck 4 different places as we were trying to get set up, every time we did it nicely but it was frustrating. They yelled at the 7 year old autistic boy for stopping his bike with his feet. We chose to leave, but they said if they could rebook our sites we would get a refund. They did rebook, but now they are fighting it and being horrible. We stayed at Andersen’s Oceanside instead and they were wonderful. We ended up having a wonderful time there despite our awful start at Cedar to Surf. Do not stay here!!!
ScoutThis place has a bad vibe for a good reason. We didn’t stay. We walked around and checked it out. There was an encampment around site 4 that took up 2 sites. There was trash all over it. There was a tree half cut down and they were still working on it even though it says not to cut down trees. They were yelling at each other the entire time. It was very concerning. You could almost hear the banjos playing if you listened close enough.
ScoutNice and clean. Dog and people friendly. Clean restrooms and a quiet walk to the river.
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.
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.
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