Washington offers a diverse range of tent camping options across its varied landscapes, from coastal beaches to mountain forests. Lake Chelan State Park Campground provides established tent sites with amenities like drinking water, fire pits, and picnic tables for campers seeking convenience, while more adventurous options exist at primitive locations like White River Dispersed Camping where permits are required but fees are waived. Shi Shi Beach in Olympic National Park offers highly-rated walk-in tent sites accessible only by hiking trail, attracting those seeking more secluded experiences.
Most walk-in tent sites in Washington's wilderness areas lack amenities like running water or developed facilities. Sites typically feature minimal improvements beyond occasional fire rings and flat tent pads. Campers must carry in all supplies including drinking water and pack out all waste. Primitive tent campgrounds throughout the national forests operate under pack-in, pack-out principles with dispersed sites often unmarked except for simple fire rings. A visitor commented, "Complete view of the majestic mountain. Lots of room and even some flat spots. Idea for any rig, tent camper, hammock camper it vehicle. Road is rough in some spots but any vehicle can drive it."
Backcountry tent camping experiences vary significantly by region and elevation. Forested sites provide natural shelter and privacy while alpine areas offer expansive views but limited protection from elements. One camper noted, "We found a spot right along the river to stop for the night heading up to Blue Glacier. Plenty of privacy and picturesque views." Tent campgrounds near popular recreation areas like Mount Rainier tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, making midweek visits or shoulder season camping preferable for those seeking solitude. National park backcountry tent sites often require advance permits with limited availability, particularly during peak summer months when competition for these coveted spots intensifies. Many tent-only areas provide direct access to trail networks, allowing hikers to establish base camps for day adventures.
"Right outside the entrance to Mt."
"If you come here you must leave no trace."
$12 - $41 / night
"This is a great park and a premium camping location on the popular Lake Chelan. A favorite location for west siders to escape the rain for some guaranteed sunshine in Central Washington."
"We camped in the tent camping side towards the lake (site 89) and had a decent amount of privacy."
"It was a concrete pad so set up for the teardrop was easy. We were the only campers that we are aware of; very quiet night. No trash on site."
"We tent camped at the very end of the road at the top. Unfortunately we could see nothing but clouds this visit, but I would still come back! No photos since it was so foggy and misty."
$25 / night
"We were in site 15, right on Lake Quinault, and really enjoyed everything we saw and did here. "
"This beautiful lakeside camping spot is perfect for a weekend at Lake Quinault!"
"This is a hike in primitive camping with no amenities other than one pit toilet."
"Does tend to be windy so plan on camping behind the trees, plenty of beautiful sandy beaches to walk on, with tide pools to explore."
"First, the creek is clear and provides a peaceful white noise for falling asleep. I was in campsite #1 which is next to the creek, with easy-ish access."
"This campground is one our favorites close by spots."
"Right on lake wenatachee, 18 a night. 4 vault toilets and plenty of sites, picnic tables, water access and fire rings. we had the entire camp ground to ourselves very romantic, slept right on the beach"
"The first few sites had space for RVs, but after that it's primarily hike-in sites, but a one or two sites for a camper van to pull into (which is the option we chose)."
"Deep park is located on a 7 mile long gravel road. The drive up is tight and not suitable for any type of trailer. The campground has level tent sights that offer a fantastic 360 degree view. "
"Luckily I went and talked to the ranger and he told me of a spot that might still be open…IT WAS! We were there for the weekend."
$12 - $23 / night
"The way the campsites are tiered allows for a sense of seclusion even with neighbors on all sides. "
"We were in site 22, right on the water (but also right next to the access road.) There is a lovely 3 mile hike around the lake with a fun bridge to jump off of to swim."
"The lake is absolutely beautiful and there are so many different trails branching off of it."
"The sites were your standard, with a picnic table, fire ring, and plenty of trees for shade and cover. There are lots of things to do in the area."
TravelerEasy first time setting up with a RV rental on travels cross country, stayed one night. Did call number at self check in registry box to confirm proper payment method/checkin, paid with cash but card available upon request.
GuideBeautiful sites right on the water. Not privacy though. Can’t beat the view though.
GuideJust barely outside of "downtown" with easy access from W260 or US395. It can be a bit noisy, as it sits inside the 260 on-ramp to 395. Multiple shower units, and laundry facilities. Definitely recommend reservations. Sits 1/2 a block away from a Dollar General and an Ace Hardware. They also have a book & DVD library in the main office.
The pull-thru sites are a bit close in the middle section. Two opposite rigs share utility hookup access (individual though) with the door side having a much larger space sharing opposing patios. The back in spots around the edge seemed more spacious but not as deep.
Many full-timers and roaming contractors. Dogs are welcome, and they offer a mil/vet discount. Camp host was really personable and has been there quite a few years.
I'd definitely stay again.
ScoutStayed here for elk hunting, and everything was quiet and the host even gave us some info on the area
TravelerNice spot, 6 sites, 2 closish to the river. Not much road noise but the occasional train. Not much room for an exercise walk.
RangerA beautiful campground located just beyond the North Cascades NP visitor center. We were in loop C, site 103 (a pull thru). Quiet and peaceful, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Easy access to the highway 20 corridor leading to Diablo Lake, the Ross Lake Rec Area, and unlimited things to do. Nearby Newhalem has shops, information, and the awesome Trail of the Cedars nature trail. We really apppreciated how dog friendly NOCA is. A rarity for national parks, and our good girl BARK Ranger goldens appreciated being able to participate in our walks. It was pretty smoky smoky thanks to nearby fires but still a very beautiful place to visit.
RangerWe were in loop B, site 004 in this well established campground. While the site was roomy enough, it took advanced backup skills to maneuver between the trees to get into the site. Once there though, this was a beautiful place to make our base camp. For Michiganders it was awesome to be able to walk through a deep forest and come out onto an ocean beach! Some sites directly overlook the beach, our side of the loop was in pretty deep shade. Roads and spurs are blacktop. Good AT&T cell signal. Very close to Ruby Beach, about 30 minutes from the Hoh rain forest. Kalaloch Lodge, restaurant, and store is just south of the campground.
RangerThere are limited sites here, but we managed to snag one with a fire ring at the last minute. I gave this place five stars because it’s exactly what I picture when I think of a classic riverside campsite: tucked under the timber, cozy, warm, and well maintained. There’s a clean outhouse, bathrooms, and fire rings, with easy access to walk down to the water and enjoy the river.
Worst-case scenario, which seems to happen pretty regularly, is that all the campsites are full. Fortunately, there’s a larger parking lot nearby where you can camp if you can’t get one of the designated sites. We also noticed people pulling off along the access road and parking overnight for a place to sleep.
If you’re hoping to stay a few days, you could always arrive, find a place to park for the night, and check for an open campsite the following morning. The larger parking lot also gets a little more sunlight for solar, although most of the campground is tucked nicely under the timber.
This is a paid campground, but it was only around $14 per night. For that price, the setting and amenities make it a great little spot.
ScoutThis place covers your basics. Electric and water hookup, tight parking with neighbors less than 1ft away on both sides. The rating I gave is mostly a reflection of the staff though. The staff were not friendly, seemed annoyed that I was booking with them and provided incorrect information on how to park/setup so I had to turn my 33ft rig around 3 times in these very narrow driveways.
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.
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