From old-growth forests to freshwater lakes framed by sky-scraping peaks, Washington’s varied landscapes supply pristine grounds for camping. You’ll find campsites with a range of amenities, from traditional and partial hookup sites to those with full hookups and group options.
Camping is incredibly popular in Washington, especially during the summer months. During this time, many campgrounds require reservations be made in advance.
If you intend to stay at a first-come, first-served campground, be sure to arrive as early as possible and aim to stay during the week. It’s also a good idea to have a nearby campground in mind as a backup if your first choice is full.
Here are just a few spots to consider for your next camping trip in Washington.
Lakeside Retreats
Colonial Creek South Campground
Location: North Cascades National Park near Newhalem
Number of Sites: 96
Pitch your tent in old-growth forest along the shores of Diablo Lake, a blue-green beauty with excellent opportunities for fishing. Tackle the nearby Thunder Knob Trail for an awe-inspiring viewpoint of the lake. Reservations are required late May to September.
Moran State Park
Location: Orcas Island
Number of Sites: 151
Five campgrounds are available at this park on Orcas Island. The Mountain Lake area offers seclusion, while the Southend area has tent spots on the shoreline. Hike or drive to the summit of Mount Constitution for sweeping views, or explore one of the freshwater lakes where you can swim, kayak, or fish for rainbow trout.
Near the Beach
Kalaloch Campground
Location: Olympic National Park near Queets
Number of Sites: 166
While these campsites are not located directly on the shoreline, several have ocean overlooks and beach access is available nearby. Explore the Olympic Peninsula’s southwest coast, where crabs, sea urchins, sea otters, and whales delight wildlife watchers. Reservations are available in advance for the busy summer season, while campsites are first-come, first-served during the off season.
Cape Disappointment State Park
Location: Long Beach Peninsula near Ilwaco
Number of Sites: 210
Access to coastal hiking trails, fishing, crabbing, and a lighthouse make Cape Disappointment anything but disappointing. Camping is available year-round, and reservations can be made online. Don’t want to rough it? Book one of the state park’s 14 furnished yurts, which are also within walking distance of the beach.
Family Favorites
Lake Chelan Campground
Location: Lake Chelan State Park
Number of Sites: 138
Water activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing make this spot on the south shores of Lake Chelan ideal for families. Kids can burn off energy at the playground or set up a Frisbee game on the grassy field. Chelan is extremely popular, so plan to make reservations in advance.
Salt Creek Recreation Area
Location: Olympic Peninsula near Port Angeles
Number of Sites: 92
Children adore the amenities here, including a playground and basketball, volleyball, and horseshoe courts. The sea-critter-filled tidepools at Tongue Point Marine Sanctuary are also fun for the whole family to explore. Tent sites 1–49 have awe-inspiring views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Some sites are first-come, first-served, while others can be secured in advance.
Fun in the Forest
Ohanapecosh
Location: Mount Rainier National Park near Packwood
Number of Sites: 188
Ohanapecosh is a less crowded option for those looking to stay at one of Mount Rainier National Park’s campgrounds. Nestled along a peaceful river on the southeast corner of the park the site allows visitors to experience the wonder of an old-growth forest rife with 1,000-year-old firs, red cedars, and western hemlocks. Learn more about planning a trip to Mount Rainier National Park.
Hoh Campground
Location: Olympic National Park
Number of Sites: 72
The magic of a temperate rain forest surrounds this campground as visitors slumber amid ancient trees and emerald-green mosses and ferns. The short Hall of Mosses Trail is ideal for hikers of all abilities and offers a close look at the area’s wonders, including thriving epiphytes (plants growing on other plants). Reservations for the busy summer season can be made in advance online.
Convenient Basecamps
Seaquest State Park
Location: Castle Rock near Mount St. Helens
Number of Sites: 88
Perfectly situated within walking distance of the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, Seaquest State Park’s campground is a fantastic home base for exploring the land around Washington’s famous volcano. Other nearby activities include swimming and fishing at Silver Lake and hiking and biking on more than 5 miles of trails.
White River
Location: Mount Rainer National Park near Sunrise
Number of Sites: 112
Views of Mount Rainier’s snowy summit and proximity to the national park’s scenic Sunrise area make a stay in this busy campground worthwhile. Campsites are available on a first come, first served basis, so aim to visit during late spring or early fall for fewer crowds.
Excellent Fishing
Tucannon Campground
Location: Umatilla National Forest near Pomeroy
Number of Sites: 35
Tucked within southeast Washington’s Umatilla National Forest, Tucannon is near several ponds stocked with trout by the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife. Sites are first-come, first-served at this intimate campground, so arrive during the week to claim the best spots.
Pearrygin Lake State Park
Location: Methow Valley near Winthrop
Number of Sites: 173
Pearrygin Lake is an angler’s haven that’s heavily stocked with rainbow trout. Visit in June and September for the best fishing. Two boat ramps are available, and kayak and watercraft rentals are available at Silverline Resort.