Are you ready to discover some of the best campgrounds in Washington State? You’re going to love the list of campground ideas below!
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Washington State is one of the most overlooked states to head on a camping trip. Lush temperate rainforests, rugged coastline, and pristine alpine environments are begging for you to come to explore. Whether you like to camp in a tent or prefer an RV, campgrounds in Washington are perfect no matter your outdoor interest. Whether you like hiking, boating, or fishing there is an outdoor activity for you year-round. Plan your outdoor adventure with this list of the best campgrounds in Washington State.
9 Best Campgrounds in Washington State
Cougar Rock Campground, Mt Rainier National Park
Cougar Rock Campground is on the southern flank of Mount Rainier and provides close access to the Paradise area of the park. Even with over 170 reservable campsites available, Cougar Rock often fills up fast during the operating season of May- October. The campsites are close together but the old-growth western hemlocks and Douglas firs growing in the campground help to give campers a sense of privacy between each site. This campground offers flushing toilets and potable water and there is an expansive amphitheater area that offers educational programming throughout the season.
Cranberry Lake Campground, Deception Pass State Park
Deception pass encompasses both Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands and also has a historic bridge spanning the two. One of the most popular state parks in Washington, you can experience dramatic views where the Skagit Bay meets the Strait of Juan de Fuca. In the 1930s Deception Pass was heavily developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and well before that, inhabited by Coast Salish tribes.
Today, this beautiful state park entices visitors year-round.
Hoh Rain Forest Campground, Olympic National Park
The Hoh Rain forest is an international tourist destination found on the Olympic Peninsula of western Washington. The unique temperate rainforest environment is found few other places in the world. The Hoh Rain Forest Campground has 78 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. With flushing toilets and potable water available, this popular campsite is also in close proximity to iconic trailheads in the area.
The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center is less than five minutes from the campground and visitors can find themselves wandering the Hall of Mosses, visiting the Spruce Nature Trail, or hiking along with one of the best hiking trails in Olympic National Park, The Hoh River Trail.
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Lake Wenatchee State Park has over 489-acres with 12623 feet of waterfront on glacier-fed Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River. This is a great place to camp while exploring the nearby Leavenworth area, but you can also have an action-packed weekend without even leaving the park boundary.
The lake has a sandy beach and a great swimming area for kids. There are also numerous trails for exploring, hiking and biking. This state park is also open for winter camping with designated areas for tent camping and RV’s as well as recreation access during the day.
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Spencer Spit State Park
Spencer Spit State Park offers a 138-acre marine and camping park that is located on Lopez Island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, just a short drive from the ferry. Spend a weekend on Lopez Island, surrounded by an endless beach. There’s a booth with kayaks, standup paddleboards, and bikes for rent, to aid you in your exploration of Lopez Island. Lopez is as close to flat as the San Juan Islands get, and if your family is up for biking on winding country roads, bring your bikes for a fun adventure!
Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment is a 2,023-acre camping park on the Long Beach Peninsula and is fronted by the Pacific Ocean, while looking into the mouth of the Columbia River. You can actually see where the Columbia River meets the Pacific ocean at the Columbia River bar!
Cape Disappointment has surf, dunes, forests, wetlands, rocks, trails, the ruins of old bunkers, and a wonderful museum, with nicely designed interpretive activities for the kids. Dogs are also allowed at campgrounds, hiking trails, and beaches. They must be on an eight-foot or less leash at all times and people are required to clean up after their pets.
Cape Disappointment offers 137 standard campsites, 50 full-hookup sites, 18 partial-hookup sites with water and electricity, 5 primitive hiker/biker campsites that are first come first served, 14 yurts, three cabins, one dump station, eight restrooms, and 14 showers.
Colonial Creek Campground, North Cascades National Park
Located in the North Cascades National Park, Colonial Creek Campground is one of the most popular bases to explore this rugged region of Washington. All 142 sites are suited for tent camping or small RV’s. All of the campsites have access to flushing toilets and potable water.
There is plenty to do in the area, Diablo Lake is a popular nearby spot too for outdoor recreation like fishing, boating, and swimming. If you like to hike, numerous trails can be found stemming from the campground.
Pacific Beach State Park
The Pacific Beach Campground at Pacific Beach State Park is great if you want to camp at the beach. This small camping park northwest of Aberdeen has waterfront tent sites, yurts, and RV hookups. Pacific Beach State Park has a 17-acre camping park with 2,300 feet of ocean shoreline.
The campground itself is pretty much a huge parking lot with a small patch of grass next to your site but it’s right on the sand and the beach is huge, making it a great place for kids and beach lovers to play. There is a small town within walking distance that has a small grocery store and several cafes. This is a great stopping point if you are taking a road trip down the Washington coastline.
The park is open all year long for camping and day use. Reservations are accepted year-round.
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Related: Most Important Items for Camping in the Woods
Seaquest State Park near Mount St. Helens
Seaquest State Park is a 475-acre, year-round camping park near Mount St. Helens. The campground has 88 single-family campsites and is located on the shoreline of Silver Lake right across from the Mount Saint Helens Visitor Center.
The easy hikes nearby and playground make this campground kid-friendly. A pedestrian tunnel connects lush, forested Seaquest State Park with the Silver Lake Mount St. Helens Visitor Center across the road. There is always lots going on at the visitor center, check out ranger talks, documentary film showings, naturalist-led hikes and much more!
What is your favorite campground to visit in Washington State? Let us know in the comments!
Guest Blogger
Adrienne Carrie-Hubbard blogs over at Hubbard Family Travels. She helps families plan better vacations and believes that adventure doesn’t have to stop once you have kids.
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