Best Camping Spots in Washington State: KÜHL’s Top Picks

Washington is known for many things. But its diverse and rugged landscape makes it a beacon for the ultimate American camping experience. 

With over 300 campgrounds, camping in Washington State comes in many flavors to cater to different campers. Whether you’re interested in RV camping by a lake, a plush glamping retreat near the beach, or the serenity of rustic tent camping under twinkling night skies, there’s no shortage of camping options in the Evergreen State. 

Washington also teems with free boondocking or dispersed camping sites for those who prefer getting off the beaten path.   

Pack up your RV or tent and get ready to experience our insider spots of the best Washington state campgrounds. 

Key Takeaways

• Summer is the peak camping season in the Evergreen State. 
• Dispersed camping in Washington state is allowed in some forests, BLM lands, Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds, and natural resources campgrounds. 
• In Washington, dispersed camping is limited to 14 days within a 28-day time frame.
• Most (not all) of Washington state camping grounds accept reservations six to nine months in advance. 

Top Camping Spots on Beaches Along the Washington Coast

Kalaloch Campground

As far as campgrounds on the Washington Coast go, Kalaloch is one of the best. Kalaloch, meaning “a good landing place,” is the largest campground in Olympic National Park. It’s three hours west of Seattle, right off Highway 101. 

Its key selling point is its location on a high bluff above the beach. Some camping sites offer a million-dollar ocean view plus the relaxing soundtrack of the crashing waves. But regardless of your site’s location, the campground has easy access to the beach. 

Kalaloch Campground has 170 reservable sites. The sites have picnic tables and fire pits with grates. Campground amenities include flush toilets (no showers), drinking water, and camping food storage lockers. 

Popular camping activities at Kalaloch Campground include visiting the Tree of Life, exploring tide pools, and watching sunsets. Brown’s Point and Kalaloch Creek Nature Trail are among the best hikes in Olympic National Park near this campground. Learn more about the best things to do in Olympic National Park.

Deception Pass State Park

Aptly nicknamed the Evergreen State, Washington is known for its natural beauty, and Deception Pass State Park is one of the best places to experience this beauty first-hand. 

This beautiful state park sits on two islands- Fidalgo and Whidbey. It’s nine miles south of Anacortes and nine miles north of Oak Harbor. 

Deception Pass State Park offers three campground options. Bowman Bay Campground, although the smallest with 20 camping sites, is the best for campers who want to stay near the perfect family outing areas of Bowman Bay. Cranberry Lake campground offers 200 sites and arguably the best scenic views. Campers who want to kick back and relax often choose Quarry Pond, which has only 50 sites. It’s tucked away from the main day-use areas, so there’s a bit of privacy.  

Cape Disappointment State Park

Don’t let the name fool you - Cape Disappointment is one of the best beach camping Washington destinations. This campground is located around three hours to the southwest of Seattle.

The mouth of the Columbia River flanks it on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, making it a great spot for campers who love outdoor activities, in particular. Think of ship watching, beachcombing, biking, birdwatching, boating, and hunting down lighthouses, among others. 

Cape Disappointment State Park campground boasts 220 mixed-use camping sites. They comprise 137 standard campsites, 60 full hookup RV sites, 18 sites with water and electricity hookups, and five backcountry camping sites. Yurts and cabins are available within the campground for outdoor lovers looking for added comfort. 

Top Camping Spots by Washington Rivers And Lakes

Lake Wenatchee State Park

About seven miles northwest of Plain, Washington, lies Lake Wenatchee State Park. Named after the glacier-fed Lake Wenatchee, this park is divided into two by the Wenatchee River- South Park and North Park. 

The south campground is the most developed, with around 100 camping sites and only two pull-through sites. It’s also popular thanks to its numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, stand-up paddling, and swimming. 

Although less developed, the north campground is a favorite for campers with large RVs and fifth-wheelers. The north campground has around 98 sites, including 42 large pull-through utility sites. 

Lake Chelan State Park

Lake Chelan State Park has been a summer destination for generations of families. And the best part is that it caters to all types of campers.

Whether you are a seasoned backcountry camper, you prefer the convenience and comfort of RV camping, or the adventure of boat camping, you’ll find it all here at Lake Chelan State Park. 

There are 144 camping sites at the beautiful Lake Chelan State Park campground. There are 109 standard campsites, 18 sites with water and electricity hookups, and 17 full hookup sites. The sites have picnic tables and fire rings with grates. There are hot showers, flush toilets, potable water, and an RV dump station at Lake Chelan Campground, WA.

Colonial Creek Campground

Camping at Colonial Creek Campground gives you a front-row seat to old-growth forests, alpine landscapes, and breathtaking lush valleys. Located in North Cascades National Park on the shores of the gorgeous Lake Diablo, this campground is remote and bustling at the same time. Actually, it feels lucky to secure a camping spot here. 

Colonial Creek Campground has two camping areas. The South Loop has 94 campsites, all reservable from late May to mid-September. The north loop has 41 sites. 

The campground has everything from standard nonelectric campsites to walk-to/hike-to and tent-only sites. However, none of the sites are spacious enough for larger RVs. 

Top Camping Spots in Washington Forests And Mountains

Cougar Rock Campground

The Cougar Rock Campground is in one of the best National Parks near Seattle. It offers great WA campsites for those looking to hike Mt. Rainier. This glacier-capped, active volcano is worth visiting thanks to its breathtaking beauty and varied ecosystems that offer a memorable experience to nature enthusiasts. Adventure seekers also appreciate its breathtaking scenic drives, hiking trails, and sunsets.  

Located right by the Nisqually River, the Cougar Rock Campground has 191 campsites under a canopy of Douglas firs, cedars, and old-growth western hemlocks. The sites allow tents, RVs, and trailers up to 35 feet. The campground also has five group campsites, enough to accommodate up to five families. 

Sol Duc Hot Springs Campground

If you harbor the idea of camping under the starry night of the Olympic Peninsula, we bet you’ll love Sol Duc Hot Springs Campground. This campground is located in the Sol Duc River Valley along the Sol Duc River. It’s south of Crescent Lake near Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. 

Sol Duc Hot Springs Campground offers 82 standard campsites sprinkled in lush woodland. The campground also has 17 RV campsites that accommodate 21-35-foot RVs. There is also a group campsite, one ADA campsite, and two ADA RV sites.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Campground is somewhat more remote, so it doesn’t get as busy as its neighbor, Fairholme Campground, on Lake Crescent. The campground opens mid-March through October and offers first-come, first-served and reservable options. 

Denny Creek Campground

Situated along Snoqualmie River inside Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Denny Creek Campground is a nature lover’s dream. This is among the oldest Forest Service Campgrounds in the area. It’s the perfect base camp for exploring the scenic landscapes of the Mt. Baker Wilderness areas. 

Denny Creek Campground in Washington has 33 single sites and one 20-50 group site. All sites are reservable and pet-friendly.

The campsites have standard camping amenities, including drinking water, picnic tables, and flush toilets. A handful of sites also have electrical hookups. 

Denny Creek Campground is a prime location for a variety of recreational activities. During summer and fall, crowds flock to the campground for horseback riding, fishing, and embarking on its many hiking trails. Wildlife lovers should also be on the lookout for mountain goats, pine marten, coyotes, and various migratory birds.

Dispersed Camping in Washington State

In addition to its paid options, Washington state has a ton of dispersed camping spots. Dispersed camping is a great alternative for camping purists who wish to save money, avoid the crowds, and get more immersed in nature. 

Dispersed camping in Washington is allowed in these national forests:

• Olympic National Forest
• Colville National Forest
• Gifford Pinchot National Forest
• Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
• Kaniksu National Forest
• Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
• Umatilla National Forest

Free camping in Washington state is also allowed in BLM lands, natural resources campgrounds, and Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. 

We don’t like playing favorites. But, of course, some free campgrounds in Washington are better than others in terms of size, location, attractiveness, and popularity. 

These are the best places to camp for free in Washington state. 

Crawfish Lake Campground

Crawfish Lake Campground may interest you if you plan to set camp in the northeastern region of Washington. This is a 19-site free campground in Colville National Forest. The adjacent Crawfish Lake offers excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing.

Unlike most free WA camping sites, Crawfish Lake Campground provides some amenities. Its sites have picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water.

Note that this campground fills quickly due to the limited number of camping sites and the short opening period (May to October). Plan to arrive early to secure a nice spot. 

Lion Rock Spring Campground

Lion Rock Spring Campground is a free camping area in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Park. Yes- this picturesque camping area in central Washington is near the famous Lion Rock, a rocky outcrop that resembles a crouching lion. 

Nearby attractions include hiking the Lion Rock trail, swimming, fishing, gold, and white water paddling. 

Lion Rock Spring Campground is a small campground with ten camping sites. While it’s considered primitive, its sites have picnic tables and fire rings. There’s a vault toilet within the campground. Bring enough drinking water or a reliable water purification system, though. This free campground in central Washington opens from May through October. 

Other Top-Rated Dispersed Camping Spots in Washington

• Money Creek Campground at Cascade Mountain Range/Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
• Napeequa Crossing Campground, Leavenworth
• Deer Point Campground at Chelan Ranger District
• Salmon La Sac Campground in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
• Entiat Sno-Park in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
• Fishtrap Recreation Area in Sprague

Washington State RV Campgrounds

Washington is home to over 800 RV campgrounds. Needless to say, this majestic state has an RV park to suit everyone’s vacation needs. Whether you want a secluded RV park in the mountains, in the desert areas of central Washington, or by the ocean, you’ll find it here.

Best RV Parks in Eastern Washington

• Columbia Sun RV Resort, Kennewick, WA
• Deer Park RV Resort, Deer Park, WA
• Wine Park RV Resort, Prosser, WA
• Granite Lake Premier RV Resort, Clarkston, WA
• Horn Rapids RV Resort, Richland, WA

Best RV Parks in Central Washington

• Crescent Bar Recreation Area, Quincy, WA
• Ellensburg KOA Journey, Ellensburg, WA
• Steamboat Rock State Park, Electric City, WA

Best RV Parks in Western Washington 

• Eagle Tree RV Park, Poulsbo, WA
• Silver Cove RV Resort, Silver Lake, WA
• Swinomish RV Park, Anacortes, WA
• Anderson’s RV Park, Long Beach, WA
• Timberlake Campground and RV, Stevenson, WA 

Reservations

Gone are the days of spontaneous camping. If you wish to snag one of the best campsites in Washington, you’ll be clever to reserve it well in advance.

The Evergreen State is a paradise for hikers and campers, particularly during summer. Without a reservation, you may drive for miles, hitting multiple campgrounds in search of an empty spot.

Luckily, most Washington State Campgrounds accept reservations 6-9 months in advance. You can reserve a camping site in any of the six national parks in Washington at recreation.gov.

Please note that Washington camping reservations attract an extra $9 per booking if you do it online and $10 if you decide to call the reservation center directly.

Not all campgrounds in Washington accept reservations, though. For the best camping in Washington without reservations, consider these campgrounds;

• Owhi Campground
• Colonial Creek Campground
• White River Campground
• Rock Island Campground
• Cape Disappointment State Park 
• South Beach Campground in Olympic National Park

Tips for Camping in Washington State

Best time for camping in Washington state

Summer in Washington officially starts in July. With warmer temperatures and sunnier days, this is the best time for WA state camping, and there are crowds to prove it.

By August, the heat on the east of the Cascade Mountains is unbearable. This is the best time for camping on the Washington coast. You’ll also be wise and lucky to have reserved a campground by the river. 

What to wear for camping in Washington

What to wear for your upcoming WA camping trip will depend on the season. Layers are key if you’re targeting the typical camping months of June, July, and August. Bring a pair of lightweight and quick-drying hiking pants, a pair of sports leggings (which can be great for hiking), a rain jacket, waterproof and breathable hiking shorts, and SPF long-sleeve shirts. 

What to pack for camping sites in Washington 

A reliable tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooler, camping chairs (especially for dispersed camping), and lanterns are essential items for any camping trip. You also need to think about camping food storage, particularly if you’ll be camping in bear country. As you park for Washington State Park camping, use this camping checklist and first aid checklist to get a better sense of what to bring. 

Final Thoughts

If Washington State Parks camping is next on your to-do list, your first objective is to identify a campground that fits your camping needs. We hope our list of the best campgrounds in Washington helps you achieve this. Consider how the different camping areas stack up in terms of location, amenities, and rates and prepare for an unforgettable camping vacation in the Evergreen State.

Featured image, the coastline at Cape Disappointment State Park by: Cavan.