Overnight camping adventures abound in the state of Washington. Lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and pristine alpine environments wait to be discovered, as do wild and scenic rivers and the most diverse petrified forests in the nation. With such an array of landscapes, campgrounds in Washington appeal to every outdoor interest.
However, camping grounds fill up so quick in the evergreen state especially during the beautiful summer time. You usually have to reserve the camping spot one month beforehand.
Plan your next Pacific Northwest outdoor adventure with our list of the best campgrounds in Washington state.
1. Colonial Creek South Camping Ground
Located in the beautiful North Cascade National Park with famed turquoise lakes, this camp ground comes to the top of our list. This is also a beginner friendly camping ground with equipped facilities and clean bathrooms. No wonder you may have to book two months ahead to secure your camping spot during the summer time.
Many easy to medium level hikes are nearby the camping ground. Standing on top of the mountains, the views below are simply gorgeous. A quick dip in the lake after a sweaty hiking trip is the cherry on top of the sundae. If hiking is not your cup of tea, simply watching sunset with your loved ones can make you appreciate life and relieve all your stress from your weekdays.
Although it is 2.5 hours drive from downtown Seattle, this camp ground still does not lose its glamour.
Reservation Link: Colonial Creek Homepage
Requirement: America is Beautiful Pass
2. Hoh Rain Forest Campground, Olympic National Park
On the Olympic Peninsula of western Washington, the Hoh Rain Forest is an international tourist destination and unique environment found in a few other places in the world. While much of Northwest Washington is green, the Hoh offers endless shades of green, with ferns upon mosses in every inch of the forest.
The Hoh Rain Forest Campground offers 78 campsites to aid in multiple days of exploring this lush and inviting landscape. As of 2020, the sites converted from first-come, first-served to reservation only. No showers are available, but flushing toilets and potable water are nearby. And the real appeal of this popular campground is its proximity to iconic trailheads in the area.
From downtown Seattle, it will take 4.5 hours. Ewww… Disgusting, right? Not so fast. The scenic drive along the way and the ferry ride will make the drive so fun that you will be surprised by the time you are already there.
Reservation Link: Hoh Rain Forest Homepage
Requirement: America is Beautiful Pass
3. Cougar Rock Campground, Mount Rainier National Park
On the southern flank of Mount Rainier, Cougar Rock Campground provides the closest access to the stunning Paradise area of the park. This area of Mount Rainier is nothing short of it’s name, and with a 10-mile scenic drive from the campground, visitors can experience up-close views of Rainier and its many glaciers. Here, the Skyline Trail traverses the mountain meadows, babbling brooks, and surreal alpine environment that defines this scenic region of the park.
This camp site is 2.5 hours drive from downtown Seattle down south. An expansive amphitheater area at the campground offers educational programming throughout the season, and flushing toilets and potable water can be found nearby.
Reservation Link: Cougar Rock Homepage
Requirement: America is Beautiful Pass
4. Deception Pass State Park, Oak Harbor
Originally home to Coast Salish tribes and named by English explorers, who mistook the passageway for the mouth of the Columbia River, Deception Pass has been one of the most popular state parks in Washington for almost 100 years. Incorporating both Whidbey and Fidalgo Island, including the iconic Deception Pass Bridge, the Civilian Conservation Corps developed much of the infrastructure of the park in the 1930s. Much of that work is still on display today in the many hiking trails, interpretive displays, and camping areas of this top campground in Washington state.
Ninety miles north of Seattle, Deception Pass State Park features more than 300 campsites spread out over three locations, accommodating tent camping and RVs. The most campsites can be found at the Cranberry Lake Campground, including a collection of hiker/biker sites. Fun things to do from all the campsites include hiking the scenic trails, fresh and saltwater boating opportunities, and great tide-pooling at places like Rosario Beach. Shower houses, restrooms, and interpretive programs can also be found at Deception Pass, and with over two million visitors a year, camping reservations are recommended.
Reservation Link: Deception Pass Camping Homepage
Requirement: Washington Discover Pass
5. Cape Disappointment State Park, Ilwaco
Contrary to the name, there is nothing disappointing about this camp ground. Steeped in Pacific Northwest history and just over three hours from Seattle, Cape Disappointment is on the far southwest corner of the state, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Despite its dreary name, coined by explorer John Meares after his futile attempts to locate the Columbia River entrance, Cape Disappointment is a lovely place consisting of lighthouse views, ocean vistas, and plenty of adventure.
Over 200 campsites can be found at Cape Disappointment, catering towards tent campers and RVs, with yurts, cabins, and dedicated hiker/biker sites also available. Picnic tables and great views enhance the entire park, and other popular recreational activities include hiking, beachcombing, and exploring history at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
Reservation Link: Cape Disappointment Camping Homepage
Requirement: Washington Discover Pass
6. Kalaloch Campground, Olympic National Park
Want to camp right by the ocean? Imagine walking alongside the beach in the night where you can only hear the omnipotent pacific ocean roaring but cannot see what is coming, or imagine waking up for morning stroll as the early sun reflects off the water. If the scene enchants you, then Kalaloch is your best choice.
On the opposite side of the Olympic Peninsula from Seattle, Kalaloch is the largest campground on the rugged Olympic Coast. Open year-round and accommodating tent campers and small RVs, Kalaloch features 170 campsites all within earshot of the ocean. The sites feature walk-up access to Second Beach, and campers at Kalaloch can also reach the sterling Ruby Beach just a short drive north along the coast. Flushing toilets and potable water are available at Kalaloch, and reservations can be made ahead of any summer visit. Driving south from Seattle through Olympia, it’s just over a three-hour drive to reach the campground. With plenty to see on the Olympic Peninsula, it’s recommended to check out some of the other top campgrounds in Olympic National Park for an extended trip.
Reservation Link: Kalaloch Camping Ground Homepage
Requirement: America is Beautiful Pass
7. Lake Wenatchee State Park, Leavenworth
Within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Lake Wenatchee State Park can be reached via a scenic, two-hour drive from Seattle. The massive lakeside camping space at Lake Wenatchee is split between a north and south section with over 200 sites available. Recreation can be found throughout the year at Lake Wenatchee State Park including swimming, boating, and hiking throughout the warmer months, and cross-country skiing, dogsledding, and cold-weather camping come winter.
Showers, boat docks, and an amphitheater are popular facilities at the park, and a small camp store nearby provides last-minute supplies. For an extra adventure, the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, one of the best small towns in Washington, is only a half-hour drive from Lake Wenatchee State Park. It is great choice of camping ground during winter or summer.
Reservation Link: Lake Wenatchee State Park Camping Homepage
Requirement: Washington Discover Pass
8. Sequim Bay State Park, Sequim
Located within the Sequim rain shadow, this state park campground avoids the often-wet weather associated with the Olympic Peninsula. Typically staying dry, Sequim Bay also offers an inviting atmosphere, perfect for boating, hiking, and enjoying a meal outside. With a surplus of moorage availability and boat launches, water activities such as fishing are popular at Sequim Bay. Basketball courts, baseball fields, and horseshoe pits add to the on-land attractions, and the 120-mile Olympic Discovery Trail passes through the park on its route from Port Townsend to the Pacific Ocean. Over 60 sites are available at Sequim Bay, most catering towards tent camping, and a large rustic retreat center is also available to rent.
Reservation Link: Sequim Bay State Park Camping Homepage
Requirement: Washington Discover Pass
Is there any camping ground on our list that catches your eye? If so, book ahead so you can enjoy the beautiful nature of the PNW and have a relaxing get-away from your busy week. Give your mind a break! Give your kids a chance to build a habit of going outdoors!
If you need any help in planning your trip, visit us at lazycamper.org for more information!
