L
Lee M.
Scout
ScoutLong Lake
Quiet spot by the lake
Easy access over washboard. Go past camping sign and vault toilet for more isolated locations. Be prepared for windy conditions after sunset.
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!
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Round 1 of 5
Best Camping Sites in Washington (2,133)
1. Deception Pass State Park Campground
112 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."
2. 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."
3. Cape Disappointment State Park Campground
92 ReviewsIlwaco, WAWebsite+1 (360) 642-3078$12 - $492 / 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
77 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
72 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."
"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
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. Fairholme Campground — Olympic National Park
55 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"
9. 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."
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
2568 Photos of 2133 Washington Campgrounds
Alaska Mike
Infidel Acres
Tracy E.
Swiftwater Farm
Boddy P.
Sheep Creek Campground
Joseph
Elkhorn Campground
Ryan L.
Enchanted Valley — Olympic National Park
Danielle S.
Deer Lake — Olympic National Park
Juice B.
Council Lake
Josh P.
Camp Schurman — Mount Rainier National Park
Danielle S.
Carbon River Camp — Mount Rainier National Park
Jill T.
Glacier Basin Backcountry Campsites — Mount Rainier National Park
Kayko S.
Westport Recreation Park
Recent Reviews in Washington
8560 Reviews of 2133 Washington Campgrounds
Michael B.
TravelerStraddleline Park
Calm weekend
I’m a tent camper, and messed up and reserved a RV spot. I paid for another spot more suited for tent camping and moved over. When talking to the campsite manager the following day, she offered to refund the 2nights at the wrong site. We declined the refund just because it goes to keeping the area put together and she was doing a fantastic job keeping everything clean and restocked over the short stay we were there.
Men’s restroom had 2 urinals three stalls and a shower, women’s restroom had three stalls and a shower. One larger stall in both.
Sarah R.Scoutriffe lake
Great Views!
Nice area near the lake that seems pretty popular. Arrived on a Thursday to a decent amount of campers here.
There are porta potties here, however they are in desperate need of some cleaning and emptying.
The views were great though.
David M.
GuideThousand Trails Oceana
Coastal campground
Nice layout. Facilities are clean and well stocked. Laundry machines work and use an app.
Cari W.ScoutAndersen's Oceanside RV Park & Cottages
Aggressive and Hostile Employees
My husband and I had a very upsetting experience here with an employee that left us feeling very unsafe.
We booked a four-night stay weeks in advance. While my husband was checking in, I took our two dogs out to a secluded grassy area to pee. They were on retractable leashes, and I let them off leash while they peed.
As I was walking toward the beach, the employee rushed up to me in a golf cart, stopped abruptly beside me, and immediately began yelling at me and accusing me of letting my dog poop in his grass and that he knew I knew it because HE kicked up grass afterwards.
I explained that my dogs had been peeing and that they are female, so peeing and pooping look very similar, and that one of them kicks grass after she pees. And I told him that if one of them had pooped and I somehow missed it, I would absolutely pick it up, as I always do.
Instead of simply asking me to check, he continued yelling, called me a liar, and when I asked him why he was actually yelling at me, he told me he didn’t want “disgusting people like me” staying at his RV park.
When I again pointed out that he was still yelling at me and acting irrational, he said we were being kicked out and that we had to “get the hell out of here.”
We completely understand having rules about pets and cleaning up after them. Our dogs go everywhere with us and we always pick up after them. We also spend a lot of time at RV parks and have never experienced an employee acting as mentally unstable or hostile as this person.
We no longer felt comfortable or safe staying there and were left without the four-night lodging we had reserved.
I would strongly recommend that anyone considering staying here be aware of our experience.
Marion Z.TravelerSol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground — Olympic National Park
Got a spot without a reservation
Checked the board in A Campground and secured a spot. Walked a short distance to the Hotsprings and soaked for about 40min.there is a 2 hour limit but they have great hot showers. Very small changing room area! Toilets were clean, clean drinking water to fill up! Go to Salt Creek for awesome tide pools, check the tide schedule
- Marion Z.Traveler
Hoh National Park Rainforest
Found a spot without a reservation
Great luck! Check the boards in B campground! The spot was not super quiet but I slept fine, close to clean flush toilets. Was rewarded with 2 Bambi deer when I opened my car door in the morning. Went to the evening Ranger Talk and learned a lot about the moss and banana slugs! The mosquitoes wereout in force, camp fires were allowed.
- RRobb H.Guide
Paradise Point State Park Campground
Ni c e camping
Nice place to camp with rv the only draw back is the freeway is to close and you can only stay 10 days
- JJen B.Traveler
The Waterfront at Potlatch
We’ll come back again and again
It’s so interesting to read past reviews before getting here and contrasting that with my experience. To be on the water, and be able to watch the tide move in and out every day on the beautiful and peaceful Hood Canal, is an absolute treasure. Yes, highway 101 is loud. There’s no doubt about that. But this small well-maintained RV park of only 16 sites, including full hook ups, is an absolute gem. We stayed here two weeks on site 16 and 11. (Much prefer 16 because it’s on the edge, how the sun is angled this time of the year, we quickly had loads of shade from our RV to sit in, and it’s by a little creek. But side 11 is also nice because there’s more opportunities to chitchat with people as you are in the middle of the campground.) We have met so many incredible people here and exchanged information so we can stay in touch. I will put this on my favorites list and absolutely intend return. In fact, many of the people we met here are people who come year after year after year. The only real downside in my opinion is the fact that there is nowhere that you can hike reachable by foot from the campground. So my husband, dog, and I did our daily walks at the marina parking lot nextdoor, where we would do loops, talk to the fisherman, and eat whatever blackberries ripened overnight. As we are full timers, I was absolutely content to sit outside our rig overlooking the water and work. If you are someone who needs a lot “to do “this may not be the campground for you. But if you are someone who loves to just be by the water and enjoy the tranquility and friendliness of fellow campers, this spot is for you.
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.
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