Washington State’s Best Campgrounds

Washington State is blessed with a great diversity of ecosystems. From arid deserts to pristine coastlines, through all the forests, mountains and alpine lakes, this is a paradise for nature lovers. With three national parks and over a hundred state parks to explore, camping is the best way to experience the wonders of nature. When choosing your next adventure, make sure these ten best camping locations in Washington state are at the top of your list.

Elkamp-Eastcreek

Located at the foot of Mount Rainier, Washington’s tallest mountain and one of the world’s most prominent volcanoes, Elkamp Eastcreek is an unbeatable camping spot. In fact, it has received several camping accolades, including being named one of the best campgrounds in the United States and for its thoughtful design. It offers a quiet escape for rest and rejuvenation, as well as easy access to some of the state’s best nature trails and sites.

The name, Elkamp, ​​is a nod to their mission: elevated camping. They provide a safe and comfortable campground to commune with nature no matter the weather, which is known to be unstable in Washington. And because the campsite has no season, it is open all year round. Whether you’re looking for sunny summer hikes or winter nights spent around a campfire under the stars, Elkamp is a camping paradise.

Colonial Creek Campground

With its scorching blue waters and mountain backdrop, Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park is a must-stop for adventurers. When it comes to camping here, Colonial Creek Campground is hard to beat. Sites suitable for tents, motorhomes and caravans are spread over two campgrounds, North and South, and include 137 spacious sites nestled in the woods facing Lake Diablo.

This popular summer vacation spot is brimming with recreational activities and outdoor adventures. Hike further into the forest for an abundance of hiking opportunities, with the Thunder Knob Trail and Sourdough Mountain Camp being great options. To rest and relax, lay on the shores of Diablo Lake and soak up the Pacific Northwest sunshine. If water sports are more your pace, paddle all day by renting kayaks or canoes.

Kalaloch Campground

Incredible sunsets? Check. Ocean view? Check. Access to the beach? Check. Kalaloch Campground is the epitome of coastal camping at its best. Located in Olympic National Park on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, it offers exceptional beach camping opportunities all year round. With an atmosphere that is as tranquil as it is adventurous, it is sure to offer something for everyone.

Spend your days exploring hidden coves, climbing to scenic lookout points, and discovering the mecca of tidal pools filled with colorful sea creatures. Don’t forget to also visit the Tree of Life, an unmissable sight. This tree balances itself between two cliffs, its exposed tangled roots extending through them to create a mysterious beach cave below. In the native Quinalt language, ‘Kalaloch’ means ‘a good place to land’ and Kalaloch Campground proudly bears this name.

Frenchman Coulee Campground

For an off-the-grid experience, head to the Frenchman Coulee Campground in central Washington. This primitive place is located in Vantage, a desert region a stone’s throw from the famous Gorge Amphitheater. It’s an exceptional choice if you’re looking for a less organized experience. You won’t find running water or picnic tables here. Instead, you’re immersed in the wide open.

Campsites are not designated, so pitch your tent or park your vehicle where you feel like it. The Feathers, named after a rock climbing route where basalt columns rise in an orderly row, is a popular place to set up camp, especially in the summer. No matter where you choose, you’re surrounded by the earthy scent of sagebrush, epic rock formations, and tantalizing vistas in every direction. If you seek seclusion, consider visiting in the spring or fall and avoid concert days at the crowded Gorge Amphitheater.

Sol Duc Hot Springs

If lush forest landscapes are part of your camping program, the Sol Duc hot springs are perfect for you. Olympic National Park receives an average of 3,556 millimeters (140 inches) of rainfall annually, leaving a lush green landscape in its wake. Pitch your tent in ancient forests overflowing with colossal trees dripping with bright green moss. For the best spots, be sure to stay along the campsite’s namesake, the Sol Duc River.

While the campground is a worthy destination on its own, the hot springs are what attract visitors the most. The natural pools are accessible by hiking, or you can book a visit to the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort mineral pools. Pool temperatures range from 37º to 40º Celsius (99º to 104º Fahrenheit). Reservations are required for camping and swimming pools, so book ahead!

Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman

Savor the quintessential Pacific Northwest scenery with a summer camping trip to Skokomish Park. Situated on the shores of Lake Cushman, this campground sits on the outskirts of Olympic National Park, saddles its eastern boundary. It is surrounded by towering evergreen trees and a shimmering lake against a backdrop of mountain scenery.

Campsites and RV hookups are immersed in nature, but facilities are readily available to add a cozy feel, including picnic shelters, barbecue grills, and restrooms. There are two living areas: North Camp and South Camp. The former offers a more secluded experience, while the latter is more popular due to its accessibility. Both have plenty of trails to explore on foot or by bike, and the refreshing lake awaits you on hot summer days.

Steamboat Rock State Park

Nestled between towering basalt cliffs and sprawling desert, Steamboat Rock State Park is the gem of central Washington. With three campgrounds and 243 hectares (600 acres) of land for recreational use, it’s a popular year-round destination for boaters, hikers, horseback riders and weekend warriors. As a bonus, its location offers exceptional protection against the wind, so you can picnic in peace.

Steamboat Rock, the park’s namesake and towering feature, rises 244 meters (800 feet) from the depths of the lake. Its origins date back to the last ice age, some 13,000 years ago! It is possible – encouraged, even – to walk to its summit where a breathtaking view awaits you. After a brisk 200-meter (650-foot) climb, you get a well-deserved view of the surrounding desert landscape. Sunset, in particular, is a nighttime treat from here!

Cape Disappointment State Park

Despite its name, this campsite is the complete opposite of disappointing. Its prime location on the Long Beach Peninsula in the southwest corner of the state offers two miles of coastline and 220 mixed-use campsites. Yurts are also available if that’s more your pace!

By day you can relax on the beach, dig clams, hike along forest trails and explore hidden beach coves. At night, admire a vast sky full of stars and fall asleep to the rhythm of the rising and falling ocean tide. To learn more about the area’s rich military and maritime history, be sure to visit the nearby interpretive museum. There are also two lighthouses, one built in 1856 which remains the oldest in the Pacific Northwest, and the other built in 1898.

Deception Pass State Park

Spanning two islands, Deception Pass is best known for its towering bridge that soars 55 meters (180 feet) above the deep waters of Puget Sound. The bridge is certainly a draw, but the area is packed with camping opportunities and recreational activities galore.

Days here are spent hiking through thick forests and along rugged coastlines, or kayaking and watching bald eagles roam the skies while seals and whales patrol the oceans. waters. With so many camping options, it can be difficult to choose where to stay: Hope Island, Bowman Bay, Quarry Pond or Cranberry Lake. The best part? There are no wrong choices. Plus, its fantastic location allows for immersion in nature without ever getting too far from anything you might need.

Cougar Rock Campground

Cougar Rock Campground is located on the southern slope of Mount Rainier, in an area known as Paradise. And this is paradise! With sweeping alpine meadows, striking views of Rainier, and the peaceful soundscape of the Nisqually River, this is the Pacific Northwest’s version of an oasis.

Although the campground is more rustic, facilities are never far away and 173 well-spaced campsites offer campers privacy and peace. Each evening, ranger-led presentations are held at the campground amphitheater so you can learn about the geology and native history of the area, as well as hear local stories and legends. For those who enjoy hiking, which is arguably Cougar Rock’s main draw, there are a wide variety of trails suitable for all levels of ability.