Are you planning a tent camping trip to Washington? We've got you covered. Find the best information on tent campgrounds in Washington, including sites, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Washington tent camping excursion.
Reserve 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!)
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.
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.
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (360) 288-2525.
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.
Reserved sites must be occupied within 24 hours or the site will be forfetied for remainder of reservation.
$25 / night
The 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.
Close 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.
Wilderness 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.
Adjacent to Lake Ozette, this small campground is great for those that enjoy lakeside camping and water activities
The 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.
Located in the Quinault Rain Forest, relax near a serene stream at Graves Creek Campground.
At 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.
The 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.
Not a bad find that doesn't require any permit of any kind which was great! Would stay here again I pitched a tent which was nice and found a spot right by the river.
We love this campground our kids love it too. The kiddos always want to go camping here when we ask them!! Great staff really nice campsites. Beautiful beach bring the kites
Sites are close to beach, beautiful. On the other hand are the sites spaced close together. The bathroom is not what you expected if you pay more than 75 dollar. You had even to pay for a shower.
You are supposed to have a Washington State Discovery pass to stay here, also they want you to fill out self registration once you arrive, fyi there are no pens onsite to do so.
This was a nice spot to stay the night, clean, nice picnic tables and fire pits, one pit toilet.
One sign says open another says closed.
Easy to get to. Just 1 mile from the Mount St Helens visitor center. Right on Silver Lake with a perfect view of Mount St Helens. The place was clean and quiet. Employees were helpful and courteous. Lots of ways to stay. Motel rooms, cabins, RV and tent spaces.
Sweet little campground, maybe 10 sites, plus a hiker/biker area, just outside the Hoh section of Olympic National Park. It’s free but you must have the Washington State Discover Pass ($30/year). You’re right in the rain forest and everything is so lush and green and peaceful.
Site #4 is for handicapped use only, until after 6pm when it’s open to all users. So maybe something to check out if you’re don't need a handicapped spot and are arriving late and aren’t sure if there will be any sites. We arrived early afternoon on a Tuesday in mid September and there were 3 or 4 other campers here.
There is no water and no trash service. There is a pit toilet that was so nasty inside- yech. People had also left their garbage bags in the bathroom instead of taking it with them, so disappointing how selfish people can be.
The Verizon phone had absolutely zero reception (most of the area driving in and all of the National Park as well). I didn’t try the cell booster but I suspect it wouldn’t have helped. The ATT phone had weak reception, ok for some slow motion browsing and texting but not enough to stream.
You’re on a moderately busy road that leads to the National Park so there’s some road noise. Very little sun or open sky for solar power or starlink (we don’t have starlink so I don’t know if it would work here).
This campground is part of the Olympic National Park, it’s FCFS only, and very bare bones. There are flush toilets, but no sinks or showers or water spigots- don’t forget to bring your own water!
It’s $20/night, and you pay when you arrive after you select a site. You pay either via a QR code with PayPal or a credit card(if you have cell reception), or fill out your credit card information on a slip that you drop in a deposit box. No cash and no checks accepted. No campfires allowed at this time. The ATT phone had decent reception, the Verizon phone was very weak and basically unusable.
There is a row of sites along the edge that are the primo sites- full ocean view. Everyone else can make do with the ocean views they get from in between all the other campers. The waves are calm and steady all night, very relaxing and nice for drowning out generator sounds. There are trash bins but no recycling bins. Each site is attached to a numbered picnic table. If there’s no free picnic table then it’s not a site (we were confused by this big open area that would have easily fit us, but it wasn’t actually a site. Look for the picnic table).
There is a host on site. There are trails down to the beach, after climbing over driftwood and rocks, but otherwise no trails or hiking or anything else to do directly from the campground. We stayed one night.
Really nice, mellow, low key RV & tent campground..“nice” as in comfortable and welcoming to all, not as in the amenities. The place itself is somewhat run down, but still functional and fine. We got spot #30, which was an unlevel back-in site. We were told all sites are FHU, but I couldn’t figure out how to get the sewer cap off, if that’s what it was. I didn’t bother to ask about it, as we didn’t need to dump yet.
With taxes and all we paid about $50 for a night for that site. We didn’t have reservations and there was plenty of availability. Free showers, which we didn’t use, laundry is $1.50 for wash and $2.00 for dry. There are also cabins on site, a huge rec room with an arcade game, a TV, kitchen, and a book exchange. Cell service was a little weak but their free wifi was nice.
They also bake bread on site! Not sure what that was about or if it’s for sale, but they were baking when we walked in to the office and it smelled great. The walk to the beach was a pleasant roughly 0.25 mile one. Cars drive straight on the beach so watch your dogs.
There is recycling here and they do take glass but cans must be uncrushed and bar code must be readable, and no soup cans accepted :(
We stayed in loop D, site 189, which I chose because I thought it would be nice to have a spot right on the lake. I wish I’d chosen one of the sites in the little off shoot roads though, because the lake was not visible and not very accessible, and the entire row of sites are just sites side by side with zero privacy. It was fine though.
Cell service was very iffy for both Verizon and ATT, but the weBoost helped a lot. Lots of nice hikes here in this park, and the beach is a short walk away. The bathhouse for this loop has flush toilets and one shower for the whole loop. The shower was free and the water was nice and hot. The shower was so dirty and gross but what are you gonna do.
Water spigots throughout campgrounds and there’s a free dump and water fill station in the park.
The campground itself is nice, but there's the near constant hum of interstate I-5 traffic less than a hundred yards away.
Good place for families that looks to be kept really clean. The spaces are packed in fairly tight with no dividing barriers of trees. Campsite 10 looks to be the best as it has a little canopy tree and is in the corner without obstruction for a view of the Puget Sound. Water and electric hookup, picnic table, fire pit at each site with additional bathroom with a shower for the grounds. There is a ship playground for the kids and beach volleyball court. It is nestled back through an area of homes that back up to sites 1-8.
The site offer approximately 10 sites that can be used for tent or RV camping. Moderately spaced from the other sites. Parallels the river. The tent areas are all level, ground mainly dirt/gravel. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. We did not hear the road noise. Can’t speak to the condition of the toilets as we didn’t use them. This is a favorite of the locals for fall fishing so you need a reservation…
Nice little spot along the river off Icicle Road…approximately 2 miles west of eight mile campground. Though the water level was low due to the time of the season, this spot still offered the tranquil sound of river flowing over boulders. Doors open on a brisk morning with clear skies made it that much more beautiful.
What an amazing spot. Many of the spots are RV accessible a decent gravel road goes through the entire area. Very little traffic people seem to care about the area cuz it's really clean. No hookups excellent phone service cell phone towers just around the corner. No traffic noise. Depending on where you are in the camp you will hear a train come by every couple hours. It's not too close I'm not too loud. Around 2:00 a.m. every morning the coyotes have a 2 to 3 minute party. It's amazing to hear him. Never saw one though they keep away.
Really liked the park. Everything was good about it. The only thing for me was that we have a rv, and there is electrical hookups but no water hookups.
Wife found this place on internet.
You pay a $5 “road use” fee to access the property.
You drive down to a huge gravel bar solidly packed down.
There are many sites right next to the Hoh river, and it’s beautiful.
We talked to some great other campers and had a peaceful stay.
Our daughter told us about this place. You have to climb up a narrow gravel road to get here. A drive leads out to a flat area with a fire pit It was raining when we pulled in, so views were limited. In the clear morning, we got a beautiful view of Mount Rainier. We got decent Starlink signal with a bar of Verizon. Spot would be perfect except prior campers left toilet paper around a bush.
This is a stunning spot that can be accessed via the Badger Valley Trail, leading through alpine meadows and mobile executor descending steeply into Grand Valley.
Lots of flat, wooded sites are a short level walk to the beach on a really beautiful lake. Across the main road from the campground is a 3+ mile trail to popular hot springs.
The best sites for view are 34, 37, 38, 39. We stayed in 46, and loved it because it is very close to the beach. 47 and 44 are also very nice and close to the beach.
The campground reservation site did not have a good map of the campground. I finally found one on the forest service site https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5308652.pdf
The reservation site said site 46 could only accommodate a vehicle up to 15 feet in length, but there was plenty of room.
If you enjoy hiking, this is a great campground with many beautiful trails to explore. The bathroom is clean and there's free hot shower. There's a country store 2 miles west of here you can get firewood and some supplies. Sites are a little less private and occasionally I heard train passing by from the nearby railway (bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper). Check our videos for details: https://youtu.be/BrSpGhdefQ0?si=dVS7YPTZX8AplUVL
We are here in a 30 foot 5th wheel with no problem. But only maybe 3 sites could accommodate this size.
T mobile 5G. Dead fish and algae in the lake- green speckles. The water is green. The picnic tables are partially buried in the sand. The discovery pass including the processing fee was $13. The sites are big and well spaced along the reservoir shoreline. Saw about 3 Pit toilets equally spaced along the shore line. Nice old trees providing shade. Nice breeze to close the day. Can't see any flies.
I travel for work and I stay here almost every week to save money on hotels. I’ve also taken my family here over the summer for camping and hiking. We all love it. Very quiet. Weekends can get kinda busy due to hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts. I suggest coming up early if you plan to stay the weekend. Many beautiful views. There is even a waterfall I sleep across from. On clear nights you can see all the stars. Which is my favorite! There are lots of sites to camp. In car/tent/RV it’s pretty accessible. There are some rougher spots where you probably should have four-wheel-drive or at least a higher stance vehicle.
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Came to stay 4 nights and camp with family.
Sites are nicely sized but any rig over 25foot would have trouble getting into.
Absolutely no cell service.
In Site 25 we had enough of an opening to get Starlink to work ok.
In the reserved loops bathrooms are flush toilets and kept clean.
Forest is thick
There is a dump site which says it costs $5.
Potable water throughout.
After someone stole my original site at a campground, I stumbled across Allen’s (sand)bar. I was hesitant at first because it’s far back on someone’s property but I took a chance and found paradise! The water, the sunset, and a bunch of people minding their own business. I’m keeping this spot a secret, but incase you’re a SFT, I gotchu.
Details: you must be self contained (no tent camping) and you have to use the woods.
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!
