Best Tent Camping in Washington
Looking for tent camping in Washington? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Washington camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites in Washington (586)
1. Lake Chelan State Park Campground
Manson, Washington24 Reviews•67 Photos•367 SavesReserve your campsite early, wait for summer with growing anticipation, then join the ranks of visitors who make Lake Chelan a family tradition.
This social camping park pulses with life in the summer. Generations of families return to the blue lake every year; they even try to book the same campsite they've used since the 1960s and '70s. But, while they'll jockey online for their favorite spot, veteran Chelan-goers happily share this gem with first-timers, and many lifelong friendships begin there.
Lake Chelan State Park has a long, sandy beach, shaded picnic tables and a calm lagoon. The 50.5-mile lake, with a depth of 1,486 feet, draws boaters, sailors, anglers, water skiers, windsurfers and seasonal residents. The area features some of the finest hiking trails in Washington, and adventurous hikers make the park their base from which to explore the North Cascades. For visitors hoping to chill out in their camp chairs, float the lagoon in a raft and soak up the homey atmosphere with family and friends, this place cannot be beat.
Lake Chelan State Park is a 139 acre public recreation area and nature reserve located on the southwest shore of Lake Chelan, and on the east side of the Cascade Mountains. In 1942, Washington State made a large land purchase and allocated part of the land for Lake Chelan State Park. Today, the park attracts visitors from all over thanks to its range of camping, picnicking, hiking, boating, and water activities.
Unusual for Washington, this park is known for its expansive 6,000 ft sandy beach, shaded picnic tables and a large, crystal lagoon spanning 55.5 miles in area, with water as deep as 1,486 feet. Subsequently, the lagoon draws boaters, sailors, anglers, water skiers, windsurfers, and fishers as well. Without a doubt, Lake Chelan is the most famous part of this park. However, don’t let its splendor captivate you too long- because there area is full of amazing hiking as well.
In fact, the park features some of the finest hiking trails in Washington, from which adventurous hikers make the park their base to adventure in the North Cascades. If hiking isn’t your thing however, chill out in a camp chairs under a nice shaded tree, paddleboard out to the center of the lagoon, and then finish your day taking in the cozy atmosphere with at your campsite with family and friends. When it comes to fun for everyone, Lake Chelan State Park is sure to please.
While the park is open year round, it really comes alive during the summer. Visiting Lake Chelan is a long standing tradition for many local families and friends. Consequently, as soon as school retires for the summer, swaths of families return to the blue lagoon every year for their annual lake trips and family outings. And you better believe they have a preference for the “family campsite” that they’ve probably used since the 70s. You’ll want to reserve your campsite well in advance if you’re planning to join the ranks of Lake Chelan regulars.
Even then, veteran Chelan-goers happily share their beloved campground with newcomers, and a number of lifelong friendships are formed here. Get your family and friends together, and come make Lake Chelan a new tradition this Summer (or avoid the crowds and visit sooner!)
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- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Willaby Campground
Quinault, Washington20 Reviews•72 Photos•480 SavesOverview
With all campsites located near the shoreline of glacially carved Lake Quinault, visitors are sure to enjoy the beautiful shoreline and interpretive opportunities in the area. From old-growth trees in the surrounding rain forest to excellent fishing, Willaby Campground's location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Recreation
The forest features 10 miles of hiking trails and many waterfalls within walking distance of the campground. Lake Quinault is part of the Quinault Indian Nation As such,You must have a fishing permit and or boat permit through the Quinault Indian Nation. Both may be purchased through local merchants. Lake Quinault Lodge offers boat and kayak rentals as well as a number of interpretive tours.
Natural Features
The forested slopes of Olympic National Park provide a scenic backdrop across Lake Quinault. Towering conifers including Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, western hemlock and western red cedar provide dense shade for this beautiful setting. The forest floor is covered with lush rain forest plants including moss, ferns, false lily-of-the-valley and oxalis.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby, Lake Quinault Lodge offers a restaurant and gift shop. Short trails in the area include the Big Spruce Tree Trail, Forest Service Nature Trail, Kestner Homestead Trail and the Maple Glade Trail. Explore the ocean beaches close-by as well as the National Fish Hatchery. For a more adventuresome day, drive up the valley to hike along the rivers or climb the 4,200 ft. Colonel Bob Peak for expansive views of the mountains and valleys on a clear day.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (360) 288-2525.
Charges & Cancellations
Reserved sites must be occupied within 24 hours or the site will be forfetied for remainder of reservation.
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- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$25 / night
3. White River Dispersed Camping
Greenwater, Washington19 Reviews•58 Photos•727 SavesThe historic Mather Memorial Parkway (State Route 410) is the gateway to a recreational haven. On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Rainier. For more excitement, take a spin in the off-road vehicle area at Evans Creek, or zip down the slopes of Crystal Mountain Ski Area. Or if you prefer solitude, escape into the solace of the forest and leave the world behind.
Mather Memorial Parkway Created in 1931, this paved two-lane classic Cascades drive along Highway 410 from Enumclaw to the eastern edge of Mount Rainier National Park presents majestic views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks. More than 200 miles of trails accommodate hikers, horses and mountain bikes. Drive, hike or ride to the Suntop Lookout Cabin at the top of Forest Road 7315. Choose a primitive campsite along forest roads east and west of the parkway. In November buy a permit at the Enumclaw office and take the family out to the woods to cut your own Christmas tree. Most forest roads are unpaved and minimally maintained. Cell phones have limited coverage in the mountains.
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.
It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads is allowed where there is adequate space to safely park completely off the roadway and not on any vegetation. Whether car camping or backpacking, choose an existing campsite on bare or compacted soil. Unless signed as an area where a fee is required, dispersed camping is free. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed campgrounds and areas posted closed or no camping. Some designated Wilderness areas have additional restrictions.
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- Dispersed
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4. Camano Island State Park Campground
Greenbank, Washington20 Reviews•41 Photos•181 SavesClose to Seattle but a world away, Camano Island Camping offers a mellow, less bustling, but equally friendly alternative to its busier neighbor, Cama Beach State Park.
Forest loop trails provide cool, tranquil hiking, while shoreline strolls offer birding, shell and rock exploration and sweeping views of Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier.
Are you happiest in or on the water? Go boating, crabbing, saltwater fishing and sailboarding in Saratoga Passage. Curious about the restored 1930's fishing resort at Cama Beach? Hike the 1-mile trail to check out this neighboring state park.
After a fun day exploring the trails or cavorting in the water, you will probably want to kick back in your forested cabin, pitch your tent or get cozy in your RV. There, you can cook up the delicious crab you have caught, or your dinner of choice, and enjoy a bit of sublime R and R before heading back to the world.
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- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
5. Shi Shi Beach — Olympic National Park
Neah Bay, Washington15 Reviews•61 Photos•373 SavesWilderness Camping Permits are required for overnight stays at Shi Shi. Visit our Wilderness Backpacking Reservations page to learn how to obtain a permit. As of March 15, in alignment with the reopening of the Makah Reservation by the Makah Tribe, the coastal wilderness area north of Cape Alava (including Shi Shi Beach) has reopened. All food, garbage, and scented items must be stored—overnight and when unattended—in park-approved bear canisters along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast. A Makah Recreation Pass must be purchased in Neah Bay prior to arriving at any trailheads on the Makah Indian Reservation. Overnight parking for Shi Shi is permitted only at designated private parking lots. Utilize existing fire rings or build campfires on the beach to prevent damage to tree roots. Use driftwood only. Expect large crowds at Shi Shi Beach during summer months. There have been as many as 50 to 250 campers along Shi Shi Beach on busy weekends. Pets, use of weapons, and wheeled devices are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails.
Location and sites: Sites are scattered along the beach and in the forest. Toilet Facilities: Three pit toilets are available at Shi Shi Beach: one at the south end of the campsites in the woods at the park boundary; one behind the wooded campsites on south side of Petroleum Creek; and one near Willoughby Creek. Always use toilets. Water Sources: Petroleum Creek and Willoughby Creek. Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal streams and rivers; always filter or boil water. Iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium. Stock: Prohibited on all park beaches and beach trails.
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- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
6. Fort Ebey State Park Campground
Coupeville, Washington13 Reviews•52 Photos•179 SavesThe park has 39 standard campsites, 11 partial-hookup sites with electricity and water hook-ups, one water trail campsite available only to campers who arrive at the park in human-powered watercraft, one restroom (ADA), and two showers (one ADA). Maximum site length will accommodate most extra-large RVs (limited availability). There is no trailer dump station available at this park. The campground is open March 1 - Oct. 31 by reservation.
The park provides a group camp that accommodates up to 60 people. The camp is located on a bluff down the Point Partridge Road. A vault toilet and running water are at the site. Flush toilets and showers are a five-minute walk down an easy trail. Minimum number of people is 20 with a maximum of 60. Maximum number of cars is 20. The group camp is open April 1 through Oct. 31.
Planning a multi-day camping stay? You won't run out of things to do at Fort Ebey State Park!
Set on the western side of Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. Its battery was dug into a high bluff and is great fun for kids, adult kids and World War II aficionados. Don't forget your headlamp or flashlight. The park's concrete gun emplacements and underground rooms are great for exploration.
Emerging from the battery, you'll find 25 miles of mixed-use walking and bike trails. The bluff trail overlooks Admiralty Inlet and offers peek-a-boo views of Point Wilson Lighthouse across the bay. Douglas-fir and hemlock provide shade along forested trails sprinkled with pink big-leaf rhododendrons in season. One more thing: Fort Ebey sunsets are unbeatable on a clear evening.
Seaweed harvesting is allowed on the beach between April 16 and May 15; be sure to get a seaweed and shellfish license.
Into active outdoor play? Surfing is a popular beach activity, and paragliding is allowed. Paragliders like to take off from the former parade lawn on the bluff. For observers, it's a stunning visual to behold.
PARK FEATURES Fort Ebey State Park is a 651-acre camping park on Whidbey Island.
Automated pay stations: This park is equipped with automated pay stations for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass and boat launch permit.
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- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
7. Graves Creek Campground — Olympic National Park
Quinault, Washington13 Reviews•56 Photos•294 SavesLocated in the Quinault Rain Forest, relax near a serene stream at Graves Creek Campground.
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Alcohol
8. Deer Park Campground — Olympic National Park
Carlsborg, Washington12 Reviews•46 Photos•263 SavesAt 5,400 feet in elevation, Deer Park boasts mountain views and starry skies. With a steep and winding gravel access road, Deer Park is not RV accessible.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
9. Mowich Lake Campground — Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington13 Reviews•39 Photos•99 SavesThe campground at Mowich Lake is the smallest of the four camping areas within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park. The road is unpaved after the first three miles and may be rough. Also, this is a walk-in campground only and fires are not allowed. With all that said, however, it just may be the most pristine and beautiful place to pitch a tent you’ll ever come across, with one of the most magnificent views of the mountain that you’ll find anywhere.
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
10. Mountain Lake Campground — Moran State Park
Olga, Washington12 Reviews•26 Photos•84 SavesScenic views, hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing. On Orcas Island. FERRY ACCESS ONLY. No boat access to park itself and park has no saltwater activities. 33 mi of hiking trails. Visit Cascade Falls - a spectacular 70' drop. Drive the twisting road to the top of Mt Constitution with great views and a CCC era observation tower. On clear days see the Olympics Mountain range, The Cascade Mountains, and Mount Baker as well as the surrounding islands of the San Juans.
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- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews in Washington
6518 Reviews of 586 Washington Campgrounds
Nicholas G.
Guide
FS-2292 Dispersed
There was a ton of dispersed sites on this FR
The road was a little rough but my suv made it fine. No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view.
- Christina F.Guide
Millersylvania State Park Campground
Chilly Thanksgiving
After months of trying to get reservations for this popular campground, we finally got one for Thanksgiving weekend! The park is on their winter schedule so only sites 1-7 and 226-248 were open. It made for a nice, quiet weekend even though the open sites were 80% full. We had a pull-through site right across from the dumpster, bathrooms, and camp host. We had decent service for Verizon. There are ample trails throughout the park including a lovely trail along the lake, which is not far from the campground. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because our site had a huge mud puddle from the road going to the power and water hook-up. The thin layer of mud on the pavement made things quite slick as I was trying to get leveling blocks down.
Amber G.
Traveler
Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419
Amazing
Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night. It’s December so of course it’s a bit cold at night and I’d recommend at least AWD to get up here. Will be back.
Troy T.
Scout
Dayton-Pomeroy-Blue Mountains KOA
Very nice Mom & Pop run facility
Very pleasant stay, well run and clean.
SallyScout
Silver Lake Resort
Fall family time
It was great to go in the Fall as the summer rush is over, but there was still good weather. Place was clean and the staff was polite and helpful with our last minute reservation.
- SSeth J.Traveler
American Sunset RV & Tent Resort
Not busy during fall
Our friends have stayed here a few times for razor clam digging and seemed fine with it, so we tried it. We stayed 2 nights during a mid-November clam dig. There is a string of long-term campers and a string of short-term spots. It was really empty, so there were no close neighbors. I could see how it would be overly snug during a busy session with how close the sites are together. You literally have enough room for a slide out and 5 feet or so to the next site's picnic table. The covered fish cleaning station was very nice to clean clams. It's an older looking campground but we were happy with it.
- FFrankie S.Scout
Kayak Point County Park
Beautiful Campground Near Water
There is a trail that leads down to the water or you can hop in your car for a short drive. We did a walk up site and checked in late, the bathrooms were locked due to it being the off season. We had to stop in at the park station and ask the person working for the bathroom code. Peaceful and very pretty trees.
Lauren Hannah G.Guide
Flowing Lake Park & Campground
Nice sites
Lovely treed campground. Large sites!
Nate B.Scout
Lake Merwin Camper's Hideaway
Sold me a cabin that is uninhabitable and refused to help
Scammers and scumbags. I purchased a cabin here. When it came time to move in I discovered the fridge/freezer had gone out and rotten meat had festered there for weeks or months. It was completely uninhabitable. I spoke to the seller who was willing to void the transaction, but the sleazy salespeople at Camper Hideaway refused to give up their$8,000 commission. I'm talking to the Vancouver Free Legal Clinic to see if I can get my money back. Tread with caution.
Joshua W.Traveler
Fort Casey Campground
Great spot and quite park
Definitely a nice area to Visit for our first time. Quite and the ferry comes right past the camp ground. Ferry doesn’t blast its horn unless there is a boat in the ferry path. Definitely worth to check out and check out the fort. Showers and nice very clean park.
David T.Guide
Klipchuck Campground
Wonderful in late October !
I made an epic cross country trip. I stayed here on my first night out as I left the West Coast, and on my last night before I got home on my way back from the East. This campground is extremely quiet in October. All the facilities were shut down at that point, so in October, it's a perfect place for someone who doesn't need water and bathrooms. I've heard, however that the camp host does a really good job when the facilities are being maintained. It's far enough off the highway, that it's very quiet. There are hiking trails nearby. The sights are large with lots of trees. My second night there was one of the best camping nights ever. It was just before Halloween, and it snowed that night. What could be more special?
Allen K.Scout
Squaw Rock RV Resort and Campground
It's a good place but the owners
The camping is good but the owners are rude drunks I would not stay here the owners are always on site there mean to campers kids not good atmosphere
- ccindyGuide
Umtanum Campground - Yakima River Canyon
Beautiful autumn site
Spent overnight here. Many cars in the pkg lot—hikers & fishermen. By early evening, everyone was gone except for 3 of us campers. There is road noise which is close, but that quiets at night as well. The train is also close, but I don’t mind hearing trains. Overall, a lovely place to hang for the night and take in a hike right there at the site. Good pit toilets too!
- PPhil&Melinda O.Guide
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Campground
Nice location on the lake
Nice spacious sites. Lots of privacy between sites. No dog park. Great view of the lake from your door. We took a 4 mile, one-way, bike ride to the town of Vantage and then to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest. The town of vantage is very small with a lot of closed shops. Has a gas station and convenience store. That’s about it. Very scenic area and quiet and relaxing.
- DDougScout
Lodgepole Campground (washington)
Great campground we have stayed at several times.
This is a newer campground with spacious and private sites away from the river. Sites at riverside are narrow, long, flat, but not so private. While the outhouses in general are pristine, by late summer those in the lower loop are usually over full, you would be better of with a bucket. That said, we need an ADA site and the ADA and a few of the other accessible sites here are very good. This is always on our short notice list of great places to relax.
- JJason S.
Ranger
Bumping Lake Campground
Beautiful lake with nice swimming areas
Stayed here a few days a couple years ago and it was a great place. The campsites are nice and spacious with good privacy from other campers. The lake level was pretty low when we were there so you had to walk out a bit of distance to get to the water. But it's a nice sandy shore so great for the kids swimming and the water is so shallow for a long way out so you don't have to worry about the kids. It's a beautiful lake and nice area.
- TTricia O.Traveler
Cape Disappointment State Park Campground
Expensive
Unless you manage to get one of the nice spots, you’re essentially paying a premium to park on grass with no privacy. It’s a beautiful area: but pick your site wisely.
- TTricia O.Traveler
Middle Fork Campground
Quick Escape
Glad they reopened this campground - it’s a nice quick escape from the city with plenty of accessible / semi accessible trails nearby. Sites are pretty basic, but have a bear locker.
Minecraft A.Scout
Game Farm Wilderness Campground
Game Farm Wilderness Campground
Game Farm Wilderness Campground is like a real-life Minecraft experience. Just like building and exploring in Minecraft for PC, you can craft your perfect outdoor adventure here, surrounded by nature, and enjoy endless fun and exploration. For More Info: https://www.minecraftapks.com/minecraft-for-pc/
- David T.Guide
Early Winters Campground
Quiet and empty in October
I'm doing a cross-country trip, and this was the first campsite I stayed at. I just saw a sign for it on the side of highway 20. I pulled off about a mile from the highway, and there it was. There was nobody there in October when I was there.
- JJason S.Ranger
Windy Point Campground
Pretty river and waterfall camping
We stayed here a few days in July and loved it! The river is so beautiful with the waterfall cascading down into the river directly across from the campsite. There is a shallow part near the shoreline where the kids had a great time playing in the river. The river itself is wide and very fast moving. The campsite we stayed in was fairly close to the next one, but we were camping with friends in the next one so it was fine. But be aware, some campsites are very close together. There is some road noise, but mostly you just hear the river.
- JJessica S.Traveler
Spokane KOA Journey
not great but there aren’t many options in the area
After camping on BLM lands & staying at smaller campgrounds, we were excited to stay at a KOA. It was a good price & the grounds were decent; we stayed in the fall & the changing trees everywhere were beautiful. The amenities on the other hand… The laundry room floor looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in a LONG time & half of the washing machines were out of order. The showers weren’t aesthetically in great shape & the drains clearly needed to be cleaned as I was quickly standing in inches of water (picture taken). Then there’s the topic of the trains… The person who checked us in at the front specifically told us we were in a quiet spot in the back.. yes we were away from other campers but the heart attack from the blaring horn at 2:30am was rough. Then we were woken up at 6am by RVs coming in/ out. All that being said, we will be finding another option for the rest of our trip. I always hate leaving bad reviews, but hopefully sharing our experience is helpful to others.
EDIT: Wrote this review before we went into Spokane (we’re here to visit family who goes to GU) & after searching for hours, realized this is probably the best option in the area, so I’m humbled to say we did in fact have to come back for another night but are staying in a spot further away from the train
- BBlaine R.Guide
Heart O' the Hills Campground — Olympic National Park
Amazing spot.
Great spot! What a place.
- BBlaine R.Guide
Ozette Campground — Olympic National Park
Great camping
It was fantastic not crowded, it was late in the season. Shutdown except for campground and pit toilets. Still a great place.
- SSophia S.Traveler
Minnie Peterson Campground
Beautiful and easy!
Didn’t know what to expect. Needed a place to sleep on the way to the Hoh Rainforest. Site is free with a discover pass which is $30. The site was east to find off the road in the dark. There was only one other group of campers when we arrived, and they’d left by the time we got up. Lots of beautiful old trees draped in moss, nice fire pits, clean pit toilet. It drizzled almost the whole time which was what we were expecting mid October. 10/10 would come again!
I will say we were right off the road which could be more annoying in peak season.
- JJason S.Ranger
Olallie Lake
Mt Adams views galore!
The paramount feature of this campground is the beautiful Mount Adams directly across the lake. The sites are adequate, flat places to pitch a tent or park a small trailer, but the view of Mount Adams is magnificent. However, the lake is marshy and there's not really a good place for swimming. It's quiet and peaceful wilderness camping.
- JJason S.Ranger
Council Lake
Beautiful lake, quiet and peaceful
This is a lovely lake campground in the forest with gorgeous views of Mt. Adams. The campsites are private and separated. There was a few mosquitoes when we went, but not too bad. It's a quiet a peaceful location and is highly recommended. A jeep trail / atv trail goes steeply up council bluff to a beautiful view overlooking the lake and surrounding forest. Overall, a great location! We originally intended to camp at Lake Takh lakh but when it's already full, this place is an excellent backup plan.
Guide to Washington
Tent camping in Washington offers a diverse range of experiences, from serene lakeside spots to vibrant state parks, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Tips for Tent Camping Near Lake Chelan
- Enjoy the beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities at the Lake Chelan State Park Campground, which features clean restrooms and friendly staff.
- Take advantage of the calm waters for kayaking and swimming, as well as the nearby bike trails for a fun day of exploration.
- The campground is well-equipped with amenities like picnic tables, firewood, and drinking water, making it a comfortable choice for families.
Local Activities at Owhi Campground
- Experience stunning views and excellent fishing at Owhi Campground, located right on Cooper Lake, perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Hike the nearby trails that lead to breathtaking vistas and access to the river, providing a great opportunity for wildlife spotting.
- The campground's peaceful atmosphere is ideal for relaxing evenings by the campfire, surrounded by nature.
Attractions Near Crescent Lake Campground
- Visit the picturesque Crescent Lake Campground, known for its turquoise waters and abundant wildlife, including deer and eagles.
- Explore the nearby Boundary Dam Vista House for stunning views of the Pend Oreille River and the surrounding mountains.
- Enjoy a rustic camping experience with well-maintained sites that include picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for a cozy night under the stars.