12 Best Places to Camp in Washington State

The state of Washington is home to hundreds of campgrounds in both state and national parks. Whether you prefer the comfort of your RV or trailer or like to rough it in a tent, the Evergreen State has some of the best places to camp in the U.S. for the nature lover.

In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best areas for you to go for a camping trip in Washington. So, get your tent and camping equipment ready for a trip to remember!

1. Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

Renowned for its rare specimen of petrified wood, the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is labelled by many as one of the most diverse fossil forests in North America.

Here you will find an interpretive center with amazing views overlooking the Columbia River and Wanapum Reservoir, along with exhibits of petrified wood.

While the petrified forest areas of the park are designated for day use only, the Wanapum Recreation is a camping ground which is part of the forest. It can be found just three miles east on the Columbia River Gorge near Seattle. The campground has 50 full hook-up sites, with a day-use area, a boat launch and a 27,000 feet freshwater shoreline.. It's prone to high winds, so be sure to secure your tent.

2. Mount Rainier National

Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington and home to the popular Paradise and Sunrise Campgrounds. Due to its popularity, it’s always crowded during the summer. For more privacy, try Ohanapecosh Campgrounds with 188 individual sites and two group campsites. There’s also a hiking trail which follows the Ohanapecosh River and leads to the stunning Silver Falls – a real treat for campers looking to explore. It's open from late May to early October. Some sites in various Mount Rainier campgrounds can be reserved, but others are first come, first served.

3. Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Gifford Pinchot National Forest has dozens of campgrounds in the Cowlitz Valley in the north and the Mount Adams area in the south. You can also camp at the tranquil Paradise Creek campground or Iron Creek Campground to explore the far side of Mount St Helen’s. Most campgrounds are open from the spring to early fall and accept reservations.

This forest is a great location for anyone looking to escape and connect with nature, offering a space where you can seek solitude or camp with friends. With over 1.3 million acres of land, 1,200 miles of trails, 100 lakes and 30 established campgrounds, you’re sure to enjoy the time spent camping at this national forest.

4. Alta Lake State Park

With 174 acres of camping, Alta Lake State Park offers two miles of hiking trails and 91 tent spaces. Take some time to walk through the Beebe Creek Wildlife Area to encounter deer, raccoons, eagles, and other wildlife. The campsite can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 38 feet. Camping season runs from April 1 to October 31 each year.

5. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

East of Leavenworth in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, you can find Ida Creek Campground. With 140 campgrounds and picnic areas, this site doesn't require reservations, they operate on a first come first serve basis. Located where Ida and Icicle Roads intersect, the campgrounds feature several cabins and a lodge which is available for rent. The grounds also come equipped with potable water and vault toilets. Please note, there is a 14-day stay limit on the National Forest Campgrounds.

6. Pearrygin Lake State Park

This 1,185-acre park is perfectly geared for camping. Pearrygin Lake State Park offers 92 standard sites, 71 utility sites accommodating RVs up to 60 feet long, 50 full and 27 partial hook-up sites, with two primitive sites for really adventurous campers. Open only in the summer, this site has Wi-Fi, firewood, and ice, plus campers can get active with 6.5 miles of hiking trails.

7. Cape Disappointment National Park

Despite the name, Cape Disappointment National Park is one of the best places to camp in Washington State. This unique 2,023-acre camping park is close to the beach and fronted by the Pacific Ocean, so you can take in the breathtaking views and build sandcastles on the shore during your trip. Enjoy a concert at the amphitheater and gaze at the North Head Lighthouse before sleeping under the stars. Rent a yurt or one of 137 standard or 60 full hook-up sites.

8. North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest provides mostly reservation-only car campsites, with most of the remaining campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are 25 boat-in campsites in the Cascades backcountry as well as wilderness camping with access to 68 park trails and two national scenic trails. The park’s operational season takes place between mid-May and early September.

9. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Mount Baker, a glaciated volcano in the North Cascade Mountains, offers a stunning backdrop for kayaking and other activities. The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest offers dozens of campgrounds, from the secluded Red Bridge Campground to the Douglas Fir Campground near Mount Baker Highway. Most campsites open in April and close for the winter.

10. Wildwood Campground and RV Park

Washington state is known for its mix of federal and state park campgrounds, but it also has its share of independently owned and operated camping areas. Family-friendly Wildwood Campgrounds has clean showers, bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and all the comforts of home for new campers not used to "roughing it" in the wilderness.

With over 30 camping sites, the grounds are open for camping year-round and spots can be purchased on a nightly, weekly, or monthly basis. There’s plenty to do here too, like biking on Fox Mountain, fishing on the Fraser or engaging in some local sightseeing.

11. Beacon Rock State Park

A year-round camping park in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Beacon Rock offers 9,500 feet of freshwater shoreline and the 848-foot high rock that gives the park its name. Set up a tent in one of the main campgrounds or park a trailer in the equestrian campsite. Beacon Rock has 13 miles of bike and horse trails. Visitors can also take part in rock climbing, plus there are plenty of great sights like waterfalls and wildlife at this 4,458-acre park.

12. Spencer Spit State Park

Spencer Spit is one of the state parks in the San Juan Islands that is accessible by car. It’s named after the lagoon-enclosing sand spit that it rests on. The park is 138 acres in total and offers a campsite with 37 large, private tent spaces along with two restrooms and a dump station. There are no showers or hook-ups available.

The park is well-known for its clamming, crabbing and car-top boating facilities, so head over to the site if these activities float your boat!

Do you have a favorite camping spot in Washington State or elsewhere in the U.S.? Let us know on our Facebook page.