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10 Best Washington RV Parks And Campgrounds

• Campgrounds and RV Parks
• Great RVing Destinations

10 Top Rated RV Parks in Washington

Known for its evergreen forests, towering mountains, and beautiful Pacific coastline, Washington State has an abundance of wonder for you and your family to discover this camping season. Here are the 10 best Washington RV parks and campgrounds, according to RVers over on RV LIFE Campgrounds .

1. Columbia Sun RV Resort

Rating: 9.5 stars

Reviews: 204 reviews

This Washington RV park is family-owned and operated, giving it that special family feel. The vision for the resort began in late 2010 to create a destination RV resort where families and friends of all ages could have fun and create memories. They are located near Kennewick in the Tri-Cities area of Eastern Washington.

The park amenities include full hookups, large patios, a heated swimming pool and hot tub, private restrooms with showers, onsite laundry, WiFi, a dog park, fitness center, game room, and so much more!

2. Deer Park RV Resort

Rating: 8.8 stars

Reviews: 143 reviews

North of Spokane, Deer Park RV Resort is a must-visit destination for those who love to golf.

The park amenities include large spots perfect for big rigs and family camping, a swimming pool and hot tub, recreational pavilion, children’s playground, two dog runs, onsite laundry, Bocce ball court, 18-hole golf course, a grill and sports bar, rig washing, and more.

3. Wine Country RV Park

Reviews: 104 reviews

Looking for an unforgettable experience in Washington’s wine country? This RV park in Prosser has you covered. Whether you’re just passing through, having a family reunion or a family camping trip, or want to taste some wonderful wines, Wine Country RV Park is a highly rated park.

The park amenities include meeting rooms, restrooms and showers, WiFi, a basketball court, playground, pet-friendly walking trail, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, fire pits, a wine bar onsite, and much more.

Photo courtesy of RV LIFE Campgrounds

4. Granite Lake Premier RV Resort

Rating: 8.5 stars

Reviews: 99 reviews

This Washington RV park was started by full-time RV couple Paul and Vickie Williams. They now own several top-rated RV parks across the US. The resort is located near Clarkston in southeastern Washington, on the Snake River that separates the Washington-Idaho border.

Park amenities include waterfront sites, beautiful restrooms, onsite laundry, a clubhouse, dog park, steelhead trout and salmon fishing, WiFi, satellite TV, and more.

5. Silver Cove Resort

Rating: 8.4 stars

Reviews: 92 reviews

With easy access to state parks and national monuments such as Mount St. Helens, Silver Cove Resort makes a great option in southwestern Washington.

Park amenities include a group pavilion, fire pits, coin-op laundry, WiFi, cable TV, restrooms and showers, water sport rentals, lakefront access with a boat launch, and much more.

6. Pioneer Trails RV Park

Rating: 8.3 stars

Reviews: 130 reviews

This Washington RV park, Pioneer Trails RV Park, is open year-round just outside the beautiful community of Anacortes. Conveniently located midway between Seattle and Vancouver, Canada, the park provides easy access to Deception Pass, Whidbey Island, and the San Juan Islands. (You can learn more about visiting the San Juan Islands in this article from Do It Yourself RV .)

The park amenities include large, full hook-up sites, onsite laundry, a fitness center, restrooms and showers, picnic table and firepits at your site, WiFi, and a picnic shelter.

7. Horn Rapids RV Resort

Reviews: 100 reviews

Horn Rapids RV Resort is your new home base for touring the Columbia Basin. They are also located in the Tri-Cities area, near Richland and the Columbia River.

The park amenities include large pull-through sites with parking for your vehicle, laundry rooms, shower rooms, a swimming pool and hot tub, clubhouse, WiFi, cable TV, and more.

8. Ellensburg KOA

Rating: 7.5 stars

This Washington RV park makes a great base camp for fishing, hunting, family fun, and relaxation – all while being located on the Yakima River.

The park amenities include camping cabins, two playground areas, basketball courts, a boat launch, dump station, fire pits and picnic tables, onsite laundry, swimming pool, and much more.

9. Swinomish Northern Lights Casino RV Park

Rating: 7.3 stars

Reviews: 58 reviews

Swinomish RV Park is located at Swinomish Casino & Lodge on Fidalgo Island. The RV park is overlooking Padilla Bay and the Swinomish Channel with views of Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains.

The park amenities include pull-through sites, full hookups, WiFi, cable TV, an amazing view, and they’re pet-friendly.

10. Andersen’s RV Park

Rating: 7.1 stars

Reviews: 80 reviews

This oceanside RV park is one of the highest rated options on the Washington Coast. They are located on the Long Beach Peninsula in southwest Washington just a short walk away from the beach. The RV park is open year-round with 60 spacious, big-rig friendly RV sites with full hookups and propane fills available.

Other park amenities include a laundry room, fish washing station, a huge fenced off-leash dog park, and a playground.

Plan your trip to Washington’s best RV parks

Washington State has many more great destinations for camping. Plan your travels with the RV LIFE Pro tools to find more campgrounds and points of interest along the way.

This video also shares 10 of the best places to visit while you’re in the Evergreen State:

19 Best Washington State RV Campgrounds: Fantastic Scenery Awaits

Explore breathtaking Washington State from the comfort of your RV. You won’t find a more beautiful state than Washington. Here you will find what Lewis and Clark and the Corp of Discovery discovered over 200 years ago.

From the beautiful Puget Sound on the Pacific Coast to the wild Columbia River and its crystal clear lakes and massive snow-covered mountains, this land is a nature lover’s dream.

In this article best Washington State RV campgrounds we have whittled the colossal list of campgrounds in Washington State down to nineteen campgrounds worth staying at while you explore the Evergreen State.

You will discover where these parks are located, what types of campsites they offer, and all the amenities available. We also offer insight into some of the fun activities and nearby attractions you can find at these parks and campgrounds .

So continue reading to discover the best RV campgrounds in Washington State!

19 Best Washington State RV Campgrounds and Parks

Chehalis rv & camping resort.

Chehalis RV & Camping Resort is located on 300 acres in Puget Sound near Chehalis, Washington. If you are looking for breathtaking views of Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainer, you will find them here.

Some of the best hiking trails in the state of Washington are located near this camping resort. The campsites are shaded by Douglas firs and maple alder trees with beautiful green firns all around.

The Chehalis RV campground is open year-round and has 315 campsites. They offer RV sites that accommodate up to six people with a 40-foot-long rig max.

The tent sites can accommodate a maximum of 6 people with two tents. They also have cabin rentals with all the amenities of home. 

Check-in time for campsites is at noon and check-in time for cabin rentals is at 4 pm. Check-out time for both is 11 am.

Fun things to do at the resort include live entertainment, mini golf, a children’s playground, an activity center, hiking, sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the beauty of the area.

Address: Chehalis RV & Camping Resort 2228 Centralia Alpha Rd Chehalis, WA 98532

• Bike Trails
• Swimming Pool
• Tennis Courts
• Basketball Courts
• Pet Friendly
• Hiking Trails
• Satellite TV

Campsite Types:

• RV Sites (water, 30 Amp electric)

Silver Beach Resort

Silver Beach Resort is located on the beautiful Rimrock Lake in Naches, Washington. The White Pass Scenic Byway runs right by Silver Beach Resort through the Cascade Mountains.

There are many options to choose from for campers. You can bring your biggest RV or opt for a simple tent camping experience. You can also stay in one of the rental cabins or tiny homes. There are also trailers for rent, or you can stay in the resort’s motel.

If you like to be on the go, there are many activities to do and try at the resort, including zip line, swimming at the beach, boating, fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Or you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of the secluded area.

There are also beautiful birds to see, like Bald Eagles and Osprey.

• Winter Camping

If you plan winter camping at Silver Beach Resort, whatever you are driving will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle equipped with chains. When the camp store is closed, you must register at the motel for camping. The store and restaurant are only open Saturday and Sunday.

In the fall and the winter, the Rimrock Lake water is lowered, and the lake bed becomes a whole new world. At this time, you will be able to drive an ATV, bike, or walk on the lake bed and explore some of the islands and other sides of the lake that you wouldn’t be able to use otherwise.

Address: Silver Beach Resort 40350 US Highway 12 Naches, WA 98937

• All Size RVs Welcome
• Dump Station
• Flush Toilets
• Boat Launch
• Kayak Rentals
• Paddleboard Rentals
• Picnic Tables
• RV/Tent Non-Hookup (Lake Front)
• RV/Tent Campers Partial Hookup (30 Amp Electric)
• RV Full Hookup 30 Amp Electric, Water, and Sewer
• Trailer Rentals

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Timberlake Campground and RV Park

Beauty, peace, and quiet are just a few things you will experience at Timberlake Campground and RV Park! This RV park sits in the middle of what they call The Gorge near Stevenson, Washington, about 50 miles east of Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon.

This massive 22-acre campground is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. They offer 43 full hookup sites as well as 22 tent sites.

The Columbia River flows nearby, so there are plenty of fun things to do on the river, including windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, extreme kiteboarding, and whitewater rafting. 

There is also a children’s playground and a large grassy field where the kids can run or for family outdoor activities. Pets are welcome here, and there is a pet park on-site.

Attractions within 5 miles of Timberlake include Starvation Creek State Park, Bridge of the Gods, and Carsons’ Hot Spring Spa, among others.

When traveling to Timberlake campground, they recommend taking something other than Hood River Bridge in an RV or towing because it is too narrow. Instead, they recommend crossing Highway 84 from the Dalles Bridge.

Address: Timberlake Campground and RV Park 112 Bylin Road Stevenson, WA 98648

• Shade Trees
• 43 RV Full Hookups
• 22 Tent Sites

Tinkham Campground

If you are looking for a getaway with the family, you need to look no further than Tinkham Campground. Its located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River.

Mount Baker is the only active US volcano in the cascade range that last erupted in 1843. You must visit this beautiful forested, secluded area to truly appreciate it.

The campground does not offer any hookups, but they do have vault toilets, drinking water, campfire rings with grills, and picnic tables. There are also single and family-sized campsites.

Things to do during the summer include hiking, horseback riding, having a picnic, or fishing. In the winter, you can enjoy skiing or snowshoeing.

About an hour’s drive from Tinkham Campground, you can visit Mount Rainer, National Park.

The peak season for Tinkham Campground is from the end of May to the middle of September. See their website for booking windows.

Address: Tinkham Campground Tinkham Rd North Bend, WA 98045

• Drinking Water
• Vault Toilets
• Standard Non-Electric 
• Standard Non-Electric Premium

Battle Ground Lake Campground

Battle Ground Lake Campground is the perfect spot to take your family for a quiet fun-filled getaway. The campground is part of Battle Ground Lake State Park, situated in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains near Battle Ground, Washington.

The park consists of 280 acres that can be used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Anglers will love the green Battle Ground Lake that is stocked with trout. 

Other fun lake activities include non-motorized boating, swimming, and diving. There is also a 60-feet of dock on the lake.

There are many other activities to do at the campground, including softball, volleyball, baseball, badminton, and horseshoes. You can also enjoy the wildlife, and it’s a great place to bird-watch.

The state park also offers a store open from Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend, where you can purchase all your camping supplies and firewood. They also serve up meals and snacks as well as kayak rentals.

The campground check-in time is 2:30 pm, and check-out is at  1 pm. Check-in time for cabins is 2:30 pm, and check-out is 11 am.  The maximum campsite length is 35 feet. The park is open year-round but only partially in the winter months.

Address: Battle Ground Lake Campground 18002 N.E. 249th Street Battle Ground, WA 98604

• Firewood for sale
• Four Horse Stalls
• 35 Standard Sites
• 6 Partial Hookups Sites
• 15 Primitive Tent Sites
• 2 Primitive Equestrian Sites
• 1 Group Camp (minimum 25 people) No RVs

Columbia Sun RV Resort

Columbia Sun RV Resort is a huge 145-site resort set on 25 acres that can accommodate the largest RVs. All the RV sites are equipped with full hookups with 20/30/50 amp electrical service.

The big rig sites offer a patio and picnic table for your convenience. The resort’s motto is stay, play, and relax. That is what Columbia Sun Resort is all about. This resort is well maintained because of the hosts that the owners hire.

These hosts work and live inside the resort, helping make it a great community for its guests. The owner-operated and family-oriented resort is located near Kennewick, Washington, in the heart of Washington Wine Country.

Staying here, you have access to many of the area’s entertaining activities, including the Bookwalter Winery, Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site, breweries, museums, and much more.

Fun activities at the resort include outdoor recreational games, swimming in the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and childrens playground. The kids will enjoy the childrens game room, and the adults can exercise in the fitness center or play sports on the sports court.

Early check-in and out is available for a $10 fee.

Check-in: 2 pm Check out: Noon

Address: Columbia Sun RV Resort 103907 WISER PARKWAY  KENNEWICK, WA 99338

• Pool and Hot Tub
• Pet Friendly Extended stay $30 per dog or $2 daily pet fee ( No Pit Bulls, Dobermans, or Rottweilers)
• Fitness Center
• Deluxe Pull Thru (Gravel)
• Supreme Back-in Pull Thru (Paved)
• Basic Back-in (Gravel)

Lake Wenatchee Campground

Lake Wenatchee Campground is located in Lake Wenatchee State Park. This humungous 492-acre state park/ campground is located just 16 from Leavenworth, Washington, a Bavarian-themed town.

Here you will enjoy the crystal clear water of Lake Wenatchee and Wenatchee river, surrounded by beautiful snow-covered mountains.

The campground and park are open year-round. So summer campers and winter campers can enjoy the beauty of this hidden gem anytime.

There are 155 standard campsites and 42 partial hookup sites, and one group tent camping site that can accommodate between 20 and 80 people. Check-in is at 2:30 pm, and check-out is at 1 pm.

In the summer, you can enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking up dirty face peak, mountain biking on the miles of bike trails, or horseback riding. You can also kayak, boat, or windsurf on Lake Wenatchee.

In the winter, you can enjoy Lake Wenatchee Sno-Park, where you can cross-country ski on the 30 miles of ski trails. You can also snowshoe on the 12 miles of snowshoe trails or go sledding.

There are heated restrooms, showers, and warming shelters for the winter campers. This is an all-around great place to take your family camping any time of the year.

Address: Lake Wenatchee State Park 21588 SR 207 Leavenworth, WA 98826

• 7 Restrooms
• Lake Access
• Biking Trails
• Warming Shelters
• Horse Stable
• 155 Standard Sites
• 42 Partial Hookup Sites
• 1 Group Tent Site

Peach Beach RV Park

Peach Beach RV Park is a beautiful spot to bring the whole family. It’s located right on the Columbia River, only a mile from Maryhill State Park.

Here you will enjoy the aroma of the Peach orchard surrounding the campground. They offer pull thru sites as well as campsites right on the river. Tent and RV campers are welcome, and they have a group site as well for big family or organization camping.

This park is for you if you are looking for peace and quiet. Fun things to do at the campground are swimming in the private cove, biking, boating, kite surfing, water skiing, and windsurfing. 

Anglers will appreciate the assortment of fish stocked in the Columbia River, including salmon, steelheads, bass, and walleye.

They offer full hookup sites, and all their campsites offer water and electricity. Check-in is at 1 pm, and check-out is at 11 am. The campground is open year-round. No open fires or charcoal grilling allowed. Propane grilling is allowed.

Nearby attractions include two nine-hole golf courses, Maryhill State Park, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Stonehenge Memorial, Goldendale Observatory State Park, and the Maryhill Museum and Winery.

Address: Peach Beach RV Park 89 Maryhill Hwy Goldendale, WA 98620

• Full Hookups
• River Access
• Back-in (water/electric)
• Deluxe Pull-Thru (water/electric)
• Deluxe Back-in Full Hookups

Dash Point Campground

Dash Point Campground is located in Dash Point State Park between Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. This campground and park offer fun for the whole family. 

The main attraction at the park is the water. Set on the saltwater shores of Puget Sound, people flock from all over to enjoy the many fun activities, including fishing, skimboarding, hiking and biking trails, and so much more.

You can also go swimming or kayaking. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy the many shore birds and raptors or beach comb for lost items. 

There are 114 standard campsites and 27 utility campsites. They also offer a group campsite as well as cabins. Check-in is at 2:30 pm, and check-out is at 1 pm.

Address: Dash Point State Park 5700 S.W. Dash Point Road Federal Way, WA 98023

• 4 Restrooms
• Beach Access
• Picnic Shelter
• 114 Standard Campsites
• 27 Utility Campsites
• 1 Group Site
• Cabin Rentals
• Yurt Rentals

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Dosewallips State Park

Dosewallips State Park is located on the Olympia Peninsula in Washington State. Here you are surrounded by beautiful forests, rivers, and mountains. If you are looking for freshwater and saltwater getaways you will find both here.

There are campsites on the Dosewallips river, cabins for rent, and platform tents available. Explore the beauty of the Delta and Hood Canal, where you can go boating, clamming, fishing, beach combing, crabbing, and bird watching.

If you enjoy watching wildlife, you are in for a treat because elk roam throughout the campground and park. Make sure to give them their space and never feed the wildlife.

All campsites have beautifully grass-covered surfaces where you can sit back and relax and enjoy all that mother nature offers. There are over 1,000 acres and 5 miles of shoreline that are free to explore year-round.

The park and campground are open year-round. Check-in is at 2:30 pm, and check-out is at 1 pm. During the winter, only sites 21-29 have water. The maximum campsite length is 40 feet.

Address: Dosewallips State Park 306996 Highway 101 Brinnon, WA 98320

• Wildlife Viewing Platform
• Open Fields
• Hood Canal Access
• 37 Tent Sites
• 58 Utility Sites

Grayland Beach State Park

Grayland Beach State Park is a marine camping park near Grayland, Washington. Camping here, you will enjoy oceanfront views and grass-covered dunes as you fly kites with the kids, beach comb, or try surfing the ocean waves.

Other fun activities to enjoy in this 581-acre park include hiking, fishing, clamming, crabbing, and bird watching.

They offer full and partial hookup sites as well as yurt rentals. There are a limited number of campsites that can accommodate 60-foot-long RVs. You will also find a dump station on site. There is also a welcome center where you can purchase camping supplies.

Check-in: 2:30 pm Check Out: 1 pm

The park and campground are open year-round.

Always beware of beach hazards when you are near the ocean shore. Go here for Washington Park’s post on beach hazards.

Address: Grayland Beach State Park 25 Cranberry Beach Road Grayland, WA 98547

• Welcome Center
• Paved Campsites
• 55 Full Hookup Sites
• 38 Partial Hookup Sites

Winthrop KOA

Winthrop KOA is part of the KOA franchise campgrounds located at the base of North Cascades National Park in Winthrop, Washington. Enjoy the mountain views and serenity that you will experience only in a National Forest.

The campground offers RV pull-thru and back-in sites. Or you can stay in one of their deluxe cabins with all the amenities of home. One unique staying option at Winthrop campground is in a covered Conestoga wagon that sleeps six people.

You can also camp at one of the primitive tent sites or opt for the tent sites with hookups. They also offer riverfront camping tent sites.

Fun things to do at the campground include swimming in the heated pool, stories around the campfire, or bike riding with the kids. You can also try mining for gems at the Silver Queen Mine, or the kids can ride the fun train that rolls throughout the campground.

Nearby attractions include enjoying the Methow River, visiting the Schafer Historical Museum, or taking a hike to Falls Creek Falls for a view of the beautiful waterfalls.

Winthrop KOA offers amenities that you only find in KOA campgrounds. Maximum campsite length is 70 feet

Address: Winthrop KOA 1114 State Route 20 PO Box 305 Winthrop, WA 98862

• Pet-Friendly
• Bike Rentals
• Mountain Biking Trails
• Methow River Access
• Pull Thru Sites
• Patio Sites
• Back-in Sites
• Primitive Tent Sites
• Deluxe Tent Hookup Sites
• Deluxe Cabin Rentals
• Covered Wagon
• Riverfront Tent Sites

Icicle River RV Resort

At the Icicle River RV Resort, you will experience nature like never before. The Icicle River runs through this fifty-acre resort that was established in 1946.

This family-owned and operated resort is the perfect getaway for family campers, RV clubs, and organizations.

Here you will experience the Cascade Mountains, where you can enjoy the lakes, streams, and mountain views that mother nature intended. This resort is located only 3 miles for the beautiful Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth, Washington.

Wildlife lovers will enjoy watching the black bear, deer, and mountain goats that roam the Icicle River area.

The resort offers over 75 RV sites and eight cabins with all the amenities of home. Activities to enjoy at the resort include relaxing in the hot tub and playing horseshoes or cornhole.

Icicle River RV Resort is open from April until the middle of October, and reservations need to be made through the BookYourSite website.

Address: Icicle River RV Resort 7305 Icicle Rd Leavenworth, WA 98826

• RV Full Hookup Sites

Harmony RV Park

Harmony RV Park is an RV campers paradise. This RV-only resort is located on Mayfield Lake in the Southwest section of Washington near Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.

This resort park offers 100 plus RV sites, many with full hookups, and luxurious cabin rentals for those who don’t like living without the amenities of home. Big rigs are welcome, along with any pets you may have.

Access to Mayfield lake allows you to enjoy many water activities like fishing, water skiing, boating, paddle boats, and canoeing or kayaking.

They also have fishing boats and pontoon rentals. At the end of a fun-filled day, enjoy yourself next to a cozy campfire and take in the beauty of the lake at sunset.

Address: Harmony RV Park 563 WA-122 Silver Creek, WA 98585

• Big Rigs Welcome
• Open and Wooded Sites
• Standard Back-in
• Lakeview Back-in
• Lakeview Premium Back-in
• Premium Pull Thru

Fort Worden Historical State Park

History buffs will thoroughly enjoy Fort Worden Historical State Park. This 432-acre state park was once a military fort built to defend Puget Sound from possible invasions by sea. 

Fort Warden was built between 1898 and 1917 and was used as a military fort from 1902 until 1953 when it was purchased by Washington State and made into a juvenile detention facility.

Washington State Parks and recreation commission took over the fort in 1971 and opened Fort Worden State Park in 1973.

Fort Worden Park is located in Port Townsend, Washington. Things to do and see inside the park include visiting Marine Science Center, checking out the Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum, or taking a self-guided tour of the historical building inside the park.

You can also tour the Point Wilson Lighthouse and the coastal defense batteries along the Puget Sound Coast.

There are two campgrounds within Fort Worden Historical State Park, totaling 80 campsites. There are a limited number of campsites at a maximum of 75 feet in length.

Beach Campground

The beach campground has 50 full hookup sites along the beaches of Point Wilson, offering a beautiful view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Upper Campground

The upper campground has 30 partial hookup sites. These campsites are longer than the beach sites. Camping here, you are close to miles of nearby trails.

The state park and campgrounds are open year-round.

Address: Fort Worden Historical State Park 200 Battery Way Port Townsend, WA 98368

• Access to Trails
• Open Year Round
• 50 Full Hookup Beach Sites
• 30 Partial Hookup Sites
• One Room House Rentals
• Castle Rental
• Dormitory Style Rentals
• Century Old Officers House Rental

Cape Disappointment State Park

Step back in time as you explore and stay at the historic Cape Disappointment State Park. Here you can learn about the Lewis and Clark Corp of Discovery Expedition that led them to the Pacific coast.

You will also have a chance to explore the area’s military history by looking at the ruins of old army bunkers and batteries that once stood to protect the Pacific Coast of the United States from foreign invasions.

Nature lovers will enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area by hiking through the old forests or fishing for Salmon off North Jetty.

The Cape Disappointment campground is a great place to return to and relax after a long day exploring the coast. The campground comprises 137 standard campsites, 18 partial hookup sites, and 50 full hookup sites. They also offer five primitive sites that are first come, first serve.

You could also stay in one of the cabins, yurts, or vacation homes in the state park. Visit the Cape “D” Store for all your camping supplies and needs. Maximum campsite length is 45 feet with limited availability.

The park and campground are open year-round. Campground check-in is at 2:30 pm, and check-out is at 1 pm.

Address: Cape Disappointment State Park 244 Robert Gray Drive Ilwaco, WA 98624

• Hiking Trail
• 8 Restrooms
• Courtesy Phone
• 137 Standard Campsites
• 50 Full Hookup Sites
• 18 Partial Hookup Sites
• 5 Primitive Tent Sites
• 2 Historic Vacation Homes

Crescent Bar Recreation Area

Crescent Bar Recreation Area is located in Central Washington near Quincy along the Columbia River. The recreation area and the campground were updated in 2018.

They offer 55 RV or tent camping spots that are big enough to hold a boat, an RV, and two vehicles. The campsites vary in length, so you will need to verify the length of your RV when making reservations. The most extended campsite parking spot is 75 feet, and there is only one of those sites.

All sites offer full hookups. The campground and recreation area is open year-round, with peak season from April 15 to October 15. From October 16 to December 31, all sites become electrical hookups only as the water and sewer are shut off, except the bathhouse.

There are plenty of things to do and see in and around the Crescent Bar Recreation Area, including hiking and rock climbing at Frenchman Coulee and Ancient Lake Recreation Area.

You can also visit the many wineries in the area or take in a concert at the Gorge Amphitheater. If you are a golfer, you can enjoy a 9-hole game of golf at the Crescent Bar Golf Course.

If you are planning on boating on the Columbia River, you will want to check out one of the two marines in the area, Chinook Marina and Boat Launch or Riverbend Boat Launch

Check-in: 1 pm Check out: 3 pm

Address: Crescent Bar Recreation Area Northeast, 23618 Rd 8.6 NW Quincy, WA 98848

• 55 RV/Tent Full Hookups (Lengths Vary)

Deception Pass State Park

Deception Pass is a massive 3,854-acre camping and marine park located on Puget Sound and is on two islands, Fidalgo and Whidbey.

You will find both fresh and saltwater in and around this park.

Here you will enjoy the fascinating beauty and rough elegance of the coves and bluffs in this area of Puget Sound. Make sure to walk the High Bridge for some breathtaking views.

Get your binoculars out for excellent wildlife viewing and bird watching, and set your eyes on the coast to get a glimpse of whales coming to the surface.

Enjoy a day along the saltwater beach’s 77,000 feet, looking for sea shells or beach combing for treasure that may wash ashore. Or go fishing or swimming in Cranberry Lake.

You can also go hiking, biking, or horseback riding on one of the many scenic trails in Deception Pass.

Deception Pass Campgrounds

There are three areas with campsites. They are as follows:

Bowman Bay has 18 tent sites and two partial hookup sites.

Cranberry Lake offers 147 tent sites and 83 partial hookup sites.

Quarry Pond has 147 tent sites and 49 partial hookup sites.

There are limited sites with a maximum length of 60 feet.

On Hope Island North Shore Bay, there are an additional six primitive campsites that are first come, first serve, with a vault toilet 100 feet south of the campsites and a pay station near the east campsite.

There is also one group camp at the east end of Cranberry Lake that can accommodate up to 50 people.

Check-in: 2:30 Check-out: 1 pm

Address: Deception Pass State Park 41229 State Route 20 Oak Harbor, WA 98277

• Limited WiFi
• 20 Restrooms
• Partial Hookups
• Boat Rentals
• Firewood for Sale
• 134 Partial Hookups
• 172 Tent Sites
• 5 Hiker/Biker Sites

Larabee State Park Campground

Larabee State Park was the first state park to be established in Washington State. It’s located near Bellingham Washington on the seaside of Chuckanut Mountain. Here you will find beautiful views of the San Juan Islands and Samish Bay.

This 2,748-acre camping state park offers 26 utility sites, 51 tent sites, and 8 primitive tent sites. They also offer a group campsite that can accommodate up to 40 people.

The park has 2.7 miles of hiking trails, 1.5 miles of biking trails, and 13.8 miles of multiple-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Fun activities include fishing, boating, diving, clamming, or crabbing. Bring your metal detector along for some beach combing or try your hand at sailboarding. There is something fun to do and see for just about everyone at Larabee State Park.

The campground and park are open year-round but water is shut off to the park in the winter months. Maximum campsite length is 60 feet with limited availability.

Address: Larabee State Park 245 Chuckanut Drive Bellingham, WA 98229

• Firewood Seasonally
• 26 Full Hookups
• 51 Standard Tent Sites
• 8 Primitive Tent Sites
• 1 Group Camp Tent Only Site

Conclusion – Best Washington State RV Campgrounds

That concludes our look at the best Washington State RV campgrounds. By now, you should have a good idea of what Washington has to offer regarding campgrounds and the many things that can be done and seen all over the great state of Washington.

I hope we provided the information you came here for and if you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. We love hearing from our readers about your experiences camping.

Until next time Happy Camping!

Cory Haasnoot is the owner and operator of Camping Prepper. He loves to camp and fish. Cory is also a history buff and coin collector. He has been producing websites on various topics for the last five years.

Proverbs 16:9 – The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

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Best RV Camping In Washington (State)

Washington State is a great place to take your RV for a week or two of vacation. The state is home to numerous national parks with awesome hiking , has a rich history, and is, of course, home to the awesome city of Seattle which is well worth a visit on your way around. 

While RV-ing your way around Washington you’ll see mountains, monuments, lakes, rivers, and the beautiful pacific northwest coastline. There are hundreds of hiking trails to get lost down, beautiful rivers to fish on, lakes for boating, diving, and swimming, plus a whole lot more activities to get stuck into. 

Washington State is well set up for RV-ing with loads of RV campsites to choose from that offer excellent facilities, hook-ups, and more. But with so many to choose from, it takes a lot of time and research to find the best RV camping in Washington State, which is why we have done it for you. 

Lake Pleasant RV Park

Address : Lake Pleasant RV Park, 24025 Bothell Everett Hwy, Bothell, WA 98021

Contact : (425) 487-1785

Lake Pleasant RV Park sits just 30 minutes outside of Seattle and is a great stopover on route to the city or the perfect place to escape for the week. You’ll find 196 RV sites to choose from all with full hook-ups at both 30 and 50 Amps, so you’ll be able to sit back and chill with a movie or two in the evenings without any worries at all. The sites accommodate all size rigs so if you have a big RV you’re covered at Lake Pleasant RV Park. 

At Lake Pleasant, you can enjoy catch and release fishing in the lake so make sure to bring your fishing gear. There are also wooden hiking trails that lead into the forest that take you ver crystal clear rivers and you’re likely to stumble upon some great wildlife too. There’s also a putting/chipping green plus a playground to keep the kids entertained. 

The staff are welcoming and happy to help with any request. There is a tourist center that’ll handle any of your needs, and there is also wifi and cable available to use in your RV. Just down the road you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants, stocking up with supplies is easy and there is tasty food on the menu for a lovely dinner out. 

It does get booked up in the summer, so it’s wise to book ahead. 

Cedar Glen RV Park

Address: 16300 WA-305, Poulsbo, WA 98370

Contact: (360) 779-4305

Cedar Glen RV Park sits on the Kitsap peninsular just 15 miles outside of Seattle. The park is just a few minutes from the beautiful coast and a short drive and ferry ride from Bainbridge Island. There are 36 RV sites for any size RV (up to 50ft) all with sewer, water, 30/50 amp hookups, and free wifi to boot. The park also offers showers, restrooms, laundry, and a recreation hall.

One thing Cedar Glen prides itself on is a wonderful community atmosphere and while staying there you’re likely to make lots of friends. They also host monthly community get-togethers, and if you’re there for one, it’s highly recommended you join in as they are a lot of fun. 

Just down the road from the RV park is Little Norway, one of the peninsula’s most popular towns for vacationers. It’s teeming with art galleries, shops, museums, waterfront restaurants, and more. If you’ve never been it’s well worth spending the day there exploring and tasting some of the best seafood Washington has to offer. 

While staying at Cedar Glen, you’ll have the ocean down the road plus you’re not far from the Olympic mountains either, all of which deserve a day of exploration. 

Tolt-MacDonald RV Park 

Address: 31020 NE 40th Street, Carnation, WA 98014

Contact: (206) 477-6149

Tolt-MacDonald RV Park sits within a 574-acre park in the stunning Snoqualmie Valley. Just a 40-minute drive from Seattle the park offers the perfect escape from the busy life of the city and a chance to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. 

The park is home to the Snoqualmie and Tolt Rivers where you can watch chinook salmon spawning in the fall with eagles and ospreys circling above waiting for an easy meal. There’s a whole load of hiking trails and biking trails that you can use to explore the park with and you’ll find a huge suspension bridge to cross one of the rivers on. 

You’ll also find a boat launch at the site and you can of course go fishing for trout and the odd salmon when in season, so don’t forget your fly fishing gear. 

The park has full RV hookups with water, sewer, and 30/50 amps plus wifi. There are also showers, restrooms, picnic areas, a park office, a playground, and a whole lot more. The staff are incredibly helpful and friendly, and if you’re looking for a place to get into nature with your RV, you can’t go wrong with Tolt-Macdonald. 

Blue Sky RV Park 

Address: 9002 302nd Ave. SE, Issaquah, WA 98027

Blue Sky RV Park is based on the foothills of the Tiger Mountain State Forest and being so close to Seattle ( just an hour’s drive) it’s a great place to escape to for a weekend away or a summer vacation. The forest is home to Tiger Mountain, a 916-meter peak the the Blue Sky RV Park is a great place to stay if you want to summit it. 

The forest is also home to hundreds of hiking trails and biking trails which are a great way to explore the beautiful valleys, rivers, and views it has to offer. You can also go horse riding in the park, paragliding, hand gliding, fishing, and more. 

It’s a great park t head to if you’re looking for a peaceful fix or want the kids to be fully entertained while on vacation. 

The Blue Sky RV Park offers friendly staff, beautifully manicured grounds, and crystal clean facilities. Each RV site has full water, sewer, and 30/50 amp hookups. You can also enjoy the free wifi, cable TV, and there are also showers, restrooms, and a clubhouse, and a picnic gazebo to spend time at. 

The atmosphere at the park is welcoming and friendly. As well as being able to explore the wonders f Tiger Mountain, you’ll most likely come home with some new friends as well. 

Tall Chief RV Resort

Address: 29290 SE 8th Street, Fall City, WA 98024

Contact: (877) 570-2267

Tall Chief RV Resort is one of the best RV camping options in Washington for families. The resort is teeming with amenities and activities to keep the whole family entertained. There are swimming pools, spas, saunas, horse riding, mini-golf, volleyball, basketball, and a whole lot more onsite. It’s a place you can just arrive at with your RV and relax knowing there is fun for the whole family to be had without going anywhere. 

If you did want to venture out, the resort sits just above the Snoqualmie River where you can kayak and go fishing. The Snoqualmie falls are 25 minutes up the road and are a great place to hike around and the falls are also quite spectacular and worth seeing. 

You’ll also find shops, delicious restaurants, wineries, and a whole lot more down the road too. There really isn’t a better place if you’re looking to combine time in nature with some wonderful cultural tastes too. 

The sites offer full RV hookups, wifi, showers, restrooms, and a laundry area too. 

Manchester State Park RV Camping 

Address: 7767 E Hilldale Road, Port Orchard, WA 98366

Contact: (360) 871-4065

Manchester State Park RV Camping ground is within an hour of Seattle just south of Bainbridge Island. This 128-acre park has a stunning coastline with sandy beaches to explore, magical ocean views, and a touch of military history too. 

While staying in the park you can enjoy boating, diving, kayaking, and fishing along the shores of Puget Sound. Or hike your way along the trails, go mounting biking, do some bird watching, and a whole lot more. If you have had the hankering to get into nature for the weekend, Manchester State Park is a convenient and excellent choice. 

The RV camping ground has 50 RV sites all with full sewage, water, and electrical hookups (30/50 amps). You’ll also find restrooms, showers, a dump station, and both a volleyball court and horseshoe pit for evening fun.

There is no wifi at Manchester State Park but the cell reception is good so you’ll be able to keep in contact with work and family if you need to. 

Rainbows End RV Park 

Address: 261831 Hwy. 101 Sequim, WA 98382, United States

Contact: (360) 683-3863

Rainbows End RV Park sits on the coast just north of the Olympic Moutain National Park. With a view into the ocean in one direction and the mountains in the other, this camping spot truly demonstrates what Washington State has to offer. 

There is so much to do at Rainbows End that you might never want to leave, and you’ll most likely make a yearly trip out of it. You can book eco whale watching tours, go boating, and kayaking out on the ocean. There’s also river rafting to be had, as well as fully guided saltwater and freshwater fishing. You’ll also find tons of hiking and biking trails to explore and a ton of nature to spot. 

There’s bird watching and elk spotting and if you’re done with nature a host of outdoor food markets, fish markets, and more to resupply from. 

The RV park itself offers all the amenities you could hope for including spotless restrooms, showers, laundry, wifi, and full hookups for your RV. Onsite you’ll find fruit trees which you can pick from as you please, stunningly landscaped and maintained grounds, a trout pond for fishing in, a waterfall, and a whole lot more. 

If you have been looking for a place for RV camping for a week or more, Rainbows End is one of the best in the whole of Washington. 

Kenanna RV Park 

Address: 2959 SR 105, Grayland, Washington

Contact: (360) 267-3515

Kenanna RV Park is hailed as the friendliest RV park in Washington states, and by the reviews it has, it lives up to its name. This RV park sits on the pacific coast just south of West Port and is a beautiful place to spend some time discovering the magic of the pacific northwest. 

The park is a 5-minute walk from a beautiful beach where you spend the day fishing, boating, kayaking, or just chilling out on the sand. There’s also access to some beautiful hiking trails along the coast or inland into the forests plus some lovely bike trails too. 

The park offers large RV sites that come with everything you need. Every site has a picnic table, fire pit, water, sewer, and electricity, plus free WiFi to boot. The sites are set on grass and surrounded by trees, making you feel like you’re really camping out in nature. 

The park has all the amenities you could want with an onsite-shop for RV supplies, showers, heated restrooms, laundry facilities, a recreation hall, clubhouse, playground, hiking trails, and more. 

The nearby towns are a great place to taste some delicious seafood, go shopping, and enjoy the numerous events they host there over the summer. You’ll find music festivals, outdoor markets, and a whole lot more to enjoy. 

Camping Out 

There you have it, the best RV camping to be found in Washington State and as you can see there is a good variety to choose from. You can stay near Seattle for a weekend away, get to the coastline to go whale watching, fishing, and more. Or head inland for hiking and biking adventures through the beautiful mountains and forests. 

Washington State really does have so much to offer, and none of its spectacles are ever too far away. You can go from the north to south and via Seattle in a day, and with a month of vacation time, hit up all our suggested RV camping options with ease. 

Remember that RV spots do fill up at these camping areas pretty quickly, especially in the summer months so it’s highly recommended that you book ahead to avoid any disappointment. 

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

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Best Camping in Washington State: 19 Awesome Campsites 

With three national parks and 124 state parks available in Washington State, choosing where to camp can be tricky. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of our favorite RV parks, state park campgrounds, and dispersed sites in the Evergreen State.

The Evergreen State is known for its lush forests and sprawling access to the ocean and Puget Sound. But there’s much more to be found in the state’s parks and forests and no shortage of activities for the whole family.

With over 80 public campgrounds alone coupled with countless private campsites, finding a place to pitch your tent or park your RV can be a hassle. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of 19 campgrounds that will let you experience Washington State at it’s best .

We also provide info on fun nearby activities. From canoeing and freshwater swimming to beaches and hiking, these incredible campsites have something for everyone!

Table of Contents

1. Hoh Rain Forest Campground, Olympic National Park

2. cougar rock campground, mount rainier national park, 3. little gee lake, skagit county, 4. lone fir campground, okanogan-wenatchee national forest, 5. lake wenatchee state park campground, leavenworth, 6. colonial creek campground, north cascades national park, 7. cranberry lake campground, deception pass state park, 8. bowl and pitcher campground, riverside state park, spokane, 9. ohanapecosh campground, mount rainier national park, 10. hobuck beach resort, neah bay, 11. kalaloch campground, olympic national park, 12. sol duc campground, olympic national park, 13. wanapum recreation area, ginkgo petrified forest state park, 14. salt creek campground, salt creek recreation area, 15. curlew lake state park, republic, 16. moran state park, orcas island, 17. steamboat rock state park, 18. fort flagler state park, 19. white river campground, mount rainier national park, best camping in washington.

• Type: RV, tent
• Full RV Hookups: No
• Nearest Town: Forks, 31.2 miles 

You’ll find few places like the Hoh Rain Forest in the whole world. Located on the Olympic Peninsula of the western part of the state, you’ll find lush forests full of ferns and mosses and huge evergreens. 

Here you’ll find 72 campsites. You’ll need to reserve campsites six months in advance during the peak season. There are no showers, but you’ll find flushing toilets and nearby potable water. You’ll also have easy access to the plethora of classic hiking trails nearby. 

You can walk to the 0.8-mile Hall of Mosses or the 1.2-mile Spruce Nature Trail to wind your way through the forest, passing pretty streams and rivers along the way. Hardier hikers can also try to take on the 17.4-mile Hoh River Trail .

• Full RV hookups: No
• Nearest town: Ashford, 14.4 miles

Located on the southwest side of Mount Rainier National Park , Cougar Rock Campground is a popular launching spot to the Paradise area. Paradise is the most-visited spot in the park, leading you to a visitor center and lodge and a handful of trailheads. 

At Cougar Rock you’ll find 170 campsites that you’ll want to reserve early. While the campsites are grouped closely together, you’ll find it doesn’t seem that way due to the dense forest around you.

You can find flush toilets, picnic tables, and potable water throughout the campground. 

• Type: Tent, RV
• Nearest town: Concrete, 28.3 miles

Little Gee Lake offers some of the best dispersed camping in the state as well as the most accessible fishing for the anglers out there. You can stay here for free for up to 14 days on a first-come, first-served basis. 

While you’ll get incredible views, Little Gee Lake is about as rustic as it gets. There are no flush toilets or drinking water nearby.

To get to this free camping spot, you’ll drive about 150 yards past the lake itself until you see an opening that gives you incredible views of the surrounding forest. 

Give this primitive campground a go if you really want to connect with nature and don’t mind skimping out on amenities. 

• Nearest town: Winthrop, 24.3 miles

Lone Fir Campground, located just off of Highway 20 running through the North Cascades, is a perfect overnight spot for bicyclists

You’ll get excellent mountain views of the North Cascade Mountains here as well as access to a few forest service roads that double as hiking trails.

Amenities include flushing toilets and drinking water. 

Take note that the Lone Fir Campground is only open July to October as the winters are so long in this area.

• Closest town: Leavenworth, 20.6 miles

Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground is located just a short drive from the Bavarian-themed mountain town of Leavenworth.

There are two loops to the camping areas: the north and south loops together total over 150 sites. All of these are just a short distance to the beach of Lake Wenatchee, where you’ll find a perfect shallow lake for new or tentative swimmers. 

You can also fish from shore or a boat, as non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake. 

If you’re a hardier camper, head to Lake Wenatchee State Park in the wintertime for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing . 

You’ll find flushing toilets, showers, and drinking water at this camping area. 

• Type: Tent and RV
• Full Rv Hookups: No
• Nearest town: Newhalem, 9.8 miles

Colonial Creek Campground is a great basecamp for exploring North Cascades National Park. You’ll see the aquamarine Diablo Lake just next to the camping area.

The campsites here, 130 of them, are more set up for tents or small RVs as they’re not very spacious. 

Recreation on Diablo Lake abounds here and is best accessed from Colonial Creek. The boat launch at the camping area is one of the few spots you can use to get on Diablo Lake. Once you’re there, feel free to fish and cruise around. 

Flush toilets and drinking water are available. 

• Full Rv Hookups: partial
• Nearest town: Oak Harbor, 10.4 miles

Deception Pass State Park is the most popular in Washington for good reason. Visitors can wander miles of Puget Sound’s beaches as well as swim and fish in Cranberry Lake itself. Birdwatchers will delight in the numerous species of fresh and saltwater birds to be found here.

Both car-camping tenters and RVers can enjoy the fun here. Cranberry Lake Campground offers partial hookups for RVs. 

• Full RV Hookups: Partial 
• Closest town: 6.0 miles

With recreational activities for everyone and just a few miles from eastern Washington’s largest city of Spokane, Riverside State Park is not to be missed. 

The campground offers 32 campsites, 16 of which give you partial RV hookups. The area also includes one dump station and two restrooms with showers. 

The park takes up over 11,000 acres running by the Little Spokane and Spokane Rivers and is thus a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike. 

For mountain bikers and hikers, there are 55 miles of single-track trails to keep you occupied at Riverside State Park. You can also access the 40-mile long Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail that goes all the way to the Idaho border. 

Horse lovers can enjoy a horse-friendly campground, plenty of trails, and a 60-foot round pen that includes an obstacle course. There are 600 acres of special terrain for off-road vehicles as well. 

For water sport enthusiasts, you have the Little Spokane River for paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and canoeing. 

• Nearest town: Packwood, 11.8 miles

Offering a perfect basecamp for exploring all that Mount Rainier National Park has to offer, Ohanapecosh Campground is centrally located between the Paradise and Sunrise areas of the park. 

There are 175 sites available here for tent and RV camping. They all contain access to flush toilets and drinking water. 

You’ll find a beautiful glacier-carved canyon just next to the campground. You can follow the river via a trail that will take you to Silver Falls. This jaunt is less than a three-mile round trip from the campground. 

Nearby you’ll also find the popular Grove of the Patriarchs Trail, where you’ll follow a boardwalk through towering old-growth forests. 

• Type: Tent, RV, cabins
• Full RV hookups: Yes
• Nearest town: Neah Bay, 3.2 miles

Drive as far as you can north and west before hitting Canada to get to the beautiful Neah Bay. The resort is run by the Makah Tribe and the camping is located along the west end of the reservation right along the beach. 

The amenities here are numerous. There are cabins, full RV hookups, and plenty of tent sites. The RV camping and tent camping sites are first-come, first-served. 

The RV sites offer immediate access to the beach. You can explore the area, hike on the nearby trails, go surfing, birdwatching, and meet the locals. 

You can also explore Shi Shi beach for a day hike, or even pack up your tent for a night and pitch on the beach there. 

• Nearest town: Queets, 6.3 miles

Set along the southwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula is Kalaloch Campground . You’ll be perched on a high bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and have direct beach access. 

The campground itself is spacious with 168 campsites for tent camping and RV camping. There are no full hookups here but there is a dump station for a $5 fee. Drinking water and toilets are available, but no showers. 

Kalaloch means “a good place to land” in the Quinault language, and for good reason. You’ll be in a quiet , coastal rainforest with plenty of exploring to be done from your basecamp. You can look for sea otters, shorebirds, and sift through tide pools for crabs and sea urchins. 

Kalaloch is a popular birding destination; you can look for western gulls, bald eagles, maybe even a puffin. 

Take care if you choose to swim along the beach here. The area is prone to large pieces of driftwood that are dangerous to swimmers as well as rip tides. 

• Nearest town: Maple Grove, 26.0 miles

Set in the northwest of Olympic National Park is the popular destination for waterfall lovers, Sol Duc. 

There are about 80 tent sites and 17 RV sites here. Be sure to reserve a spot in advance during the busy summer season. 

Recreational opportunities abound in this area. You can walk from the campground to the trailhead of the popular Sol Duc Falls, one of the best hikes in the state. To get to the falls is just 1.6 miles. More zealous hikers can continue on to the Seven Lakes Basin, a 19-mile loop trail. 

Just next to the campground are delightful hot-water mineral pools at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. 

• Nearest town: Ellensburg, 28.7 miles

To explore the geologic wonder of Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park in southern Washington, you can camp at the nearby Wanapum Recreational Area state park along the banks of the reservoir. The area has 50 full RV hookup sites as well as flush toilets and potable water. 

The campground features a public boat launch for water lovers. If you’re seeing a concert at the nearby Gorge Amphitheater, this will be an excellent campground for you as well. 

You can pop over to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center to learn more about the geological wonder of trees turning to stone and wander along the Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail. 

• Nearest town: Port Angeles, 16.7 miles

Just a short jaunt from the tourist town of Port Angeles is Salt Creek Recreational Area , known for its tide pools and expansive beach.

A county park next to Olympic National Park, the campground has 90 sites available for tents and RVs. Potable water and flush toilets are available. The sites are available year-round. 

While staying at Salt Creek, you can visit the sprawling, rugged Crescent Bay Beach just a short walk from the campground. Also nearby is the Tongue Point Marine Sanctuary, where you’ll find teeming tide pools. 

• Nearest town: Republic, 9.4 miles

In the often-overlooked northeastern corner of Washington, just a short jaunt from the Canadian border, is Curlew Lake State Park . 

The campground has 80 sites for tent and RV campers. You’ll have access to flush restrooms and showers. From here you can check out the Ferry County Rail Trail for scenic overlooks of the area. 

Water sport enthusiasts will love Curlew Lake for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. You can catch bass, yellow perch, trout, and tiger muskie. You can also see plenty of shore birds here, including an entire heron rookery with active nests. 

Rock hounds will delight in the Stonerose Fossil Site just eight miles away. It is open for public digging. 

• Type: Tent, RV, walk-in
• Closest town: Olga, 1.8 miles

You can explore the popular yet remote San Juan Islands at Moran State Park , which is a great launching point for a number of recreational activities. 

The campground has 124 sites, including six walk-in sites for backpackers and bikers. You’ll find showers and flush toilets here. 

The park features 38 miles of hiking trails and five freshwater lakes for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. 

Check out the iconic Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands. You can hike, bike, or drive to the top and get a 360-degree view by climbing a stone tower. 

• Nearest Town: Electric City, 11.1 miles

Steamboat Rock State Park in the Grand Coulee has 15km of shoreline teeming with wildlife and awesome views in every direction, most notably of the huge basalt butte from which the park takes its name. The area, which appears barren from the ground, was carved by glaciers over 13,000 years ago. 

The campground is huge, boasting 25 regular tent sites and 164 full hookup sites. There are also three cabins, flush toilets, and showers. 

You can hike up Steamboat Rock itself, a 650-foot butte where you’ll get views of the Grand Coulee and the rugged peaks of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. 

Below Steamboat Rock is Banks Lake, where you can find docks for fishing and seven watercraft launches. 

• Nearest town: Port Hadlock-Irondale, 9.7 miles

Fort Flagler State Historical Park is one of the best campgrounds in the state for history buffs. Here you can immerse yourself in U.S. military history and tour this coastal defense fort built more than a century ago to guard the access point to Puget Sound. 

The campground has over 100 sites for RVers and tent campers. You’ll find full RV hookups with water and flush toilets. Group camps have vault toilets and potable water. 

The park offers tours of the fort and other facilities during the busier summer months. You can also wander the park yourself to find the batteries and gun emplacements. 

• Nearest town: Ashford, 5.8 miles

White River Campground in the northeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park is a perfect gateway to the backcountry. 

The visitor center of the popular Sunrise basecamp is located just up the road and gives you access to some of the area’s best hikes.

There are both tent and RV sites here, but no showers or full electric hookups. 

Access to hiking is easy here. Day hikers and climbers alike can use the Glacier Basin Trail that climbs gradually for 3.3 miles. It ends at Glacier Basin Camp at 6,000 feet. You can also take a short jaunt down to White River (a cascading creek) itself.

From the rainforests of Olympic National Park to the sprawling sage-brush deserts of eastern Washington, the Evergreen State has something for everyone. You’ll find no shortage of camping or recreational opportunities in this idyllic portion of the Pacific Northwest, so be sure to put Washington State at the top of your camping list!

What did you think of our suggestions for the best camping in Washington ? Did we miss anything? Comment below if you have a favorite we failed to mention!

Last update on 2024-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Monica Nigon

Monica is a freelance writer, ski patroller, and raft guide based out of Colorado, and is passionate about mountain biking, rock climbing, and playing Irish music on her fiddle in her spare time. Growing up in rural Minnesota, she learned how to brave the cold in the pursuit of adventure from an early age.

In the winter you’ll find Monica skiing at her home resort of Wolf Creek, near Pagosa Springs, which she now calls home. In the summer, you’ll find her guiding the Class III-IV whitewater of the Arkansas River nearby. She’s also taught skiing, environmental education, kayaking, and canoeing. 

Her favorite adventures have involved backpacking the Rockies with her best friends and mountain biking the slick rock of the deserts of Utah. Even better are long meanders through the woods and mountains on her backcountry skis. She’s also done irresponsible things internationally like sledding down a volcano in Nicaragua and surfing off the northwest coast of Ireland. 

She holds certifications in avalanche rescue, professional ski instruction, and wilderness medicine. She enjoys reading and writing about all of the above.

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30 Best Washington Campgrounds

By Allison Williams June 16, 2021

Camping by Cascade Lake in Moran State Park.

Image: Dana Halferty courtesy San Juan Islands Visitor Bureau

Camping is basically  the official sport of Washington state; we'll brave a few bugs and a little dirt for jaw-dropping mountain views, serene forests, or beachfront sites. Finding a place to throw up your tent can be hard during sunny summer weekends, so follow our tips for securing your own plot of wilderness . Or, in winter, you can  try the always-uncrowded world of snow camping . Whether you're a hardy dirtbag or a camping newbie, the great outdoors is waiting.

Mountains and Forests |  Lakes and Rivers | Beaches | Backpacking | RVs

Mountains and Forests

Denny creek campground.

Sometimes you need an escape strategy that doesn’t involve dark, twisty mountain roads. Though Denny Creek is technically located between the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-90, 50 easy freeway miles from Seattle, it’s relatively quiet and close to family-­friendly trails. And there’s no shame in bailing in the middle of the night. Reserve sites in advance, since convenience means crowds.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Campground

Three mineral pools pumped full of thermal waters make Sol Duc Hot Springs the warmest overnight spot in the chilly Olympic National Park, even though little sun makes it through each site’s mossy forest canopy. 

Sol Duc Hot Springs Campground sits in Olympic National Park, near developed hot springs.

Image: Brendan T. Lynch / Flickr CC

White River Campground

Mount Rainier’s other campgrounds book up with advance reservations, but we won’t take “full” for an answer. All 112 spots at this walk-up wonderland in Mount Rainier National Park are first come, first served, and rangers handle entertainment duties with free weekly history presentations. (Yeah, it's on a river, but it's going in the mountains category because the Rainier views are a big draw.) 

Cougar Rock Campground

With primo placement between Longmire and Paradise inside Mount Rainier National Park, there’s hardly a bad spot in the 178 heavily wooded campsites. The five group sites, especially F1, provide ample parking and privacy for crews of a dozen or more.

Ohanapecosh Campground

Mount Rainier National Park’s biggest campground boasts both old-growth forests and a dry east-of-the-peak climate, and almost every site on Loop C borders a river or creek. Try the Grove of the Patriarchs trail nearby; the name of this trail sounds like something out of an Arthurian legend. It boasts 1,000-year-old trees and a suspension bridge, and it’s flat enough for tiny tots and nonhikers.

Twentynine Pines Campground

There are way more than 30 trees here in the Teanaway Community Forest north of Cle Elum and plenty of sunshine. The community forest ownership (rather than, say, a national park) means it's a bit more anything-goes, with lots of hunters setting up their own base camps on the forest roads around the campground proper. Both woodsy and easy to reach, there are plenty of trails nearby from chill to a real workout.

Heart O’ the Hills Campground

If you waited until a sunny Friday to dust off your pup tent, head to the huge Heart O’ the Hills campground outside Port Angeles, inside Olympic National Park. Its 105 sites take a bit longer to fill, and the lack of a flashy lake or peak helps, too. The E Loop sites reach the farthest into the old-growth forest.

The Olympic National Park's Heart o’ the Hills Campground offers easy access to Hurricane Ridge.

Image: Nate Brown

Queets Campground

The primitive campground in Olympic National Park doesn’t have potable water, paved-road access, or RV hookups. Or, best of all, many people. A hike to abandoned homesteads and a 212-foot Douglas fir requires fording two treacherous rivers. There are only 20 sites and all are gravel; take your pick.

Staircase Campground

Call it the secret of the peninsula; the Staircase area on the southeast corner of the Olympic National Park offers relatively quiet access to the thick forests for which the park is known. Located more inland than Lake Cushman, it's usually less of a party scene than the lake.

Staircase Rapids in the southeastern part of Olympic National Park.

Curlew Lake State Park

Deep in north-central Washington, 5.5 hours from Seattle, Curlew Lake feeds both the human anglers and the bald eagles and osprey that crave fresh trout from its waters. Nearby and overseen by the bigger park is Ranald MacDonald’s gravesite—but don’t mistake him for the scary clown hawking Big Macs. MacDonald was a nineteenth-century half-Native American man from Astoria, grandson of a great chief, who sailed the world before tricking his way into Imperial Japan. He taught English and befriended locals years before the closed country opened to Westerners. Today his grave is marked with a sign dubbing it the “smallest state park in Washington.”

Lakes and Rivers

Lake wenatchee state park.

All summer, local guides lead horseback rides out of the park just east of the Cascades; views from the horseback trail reach from a green carpet of forest around the lakeshore to a sharp wall of mountains behind it. Lake Wenatchee’s activity options outnumber the hours in a weekend; besides the horses there are boat launches and snacks at the park store, a golf course just outside the park boundary, and bike trails through the surrounding mountains. Kayaks line the beach, ready for rental.

Lake Wenatchee State Park.

Image: Shutterstock by Victoria Ditkovsky

Owhi Campground

Crowds nearly clog the river at Salmon La Sac near Cle Elum throughout summer. But just a few miles beyond the masses, Owhi Campground boasts 22 walk-in tent sites—all the convenience of car camping without having to look at the back of your 4Runner. Every site is on quiet Cooper Lake, warm enough for a brisk swim and angled toward a killer mountain panorama.

Mountain Loop Scenic Byway

Campgrounds mean firepits and picnic tables, sometimes even flush toilets and RV hookups. Dispersed camping means anything outside a campground, which is allowed on forest service land but not in national parks. The proper campgrounds along the Mountain Loop Highway east of Granite Falls fill quickly, but clear patches along the road make an ideal first step into eating off a log and—gasp—using nature when nature calls. Many have handmade fire circles, but fire bans may apply. Look for clear spots in the trees and set up camp at least 100 feet from the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River.

Moran State Park

It’s not just that this hundred-year-old state park in the San Juan Islands offers campers a lake. It’s that it has one with paddleboard, paddleboat, kayak, and canoe rentals, plus Lopez Creamery ice cream for sale across the street from woodsy campsites. Orcas Island’s view-riffic Mount Constitution (with a new visitor center) just up the road is a mere bonus.

Colonial Creek Campground

As the only overnight option in the heart of North Cascade National Park, location is reason enough to love Colonial Creek. Even better: The relatively secluded site enjoys more than world-class views; rangers present regular history programs, and Diablo Lake boat tours begin just down the road—find out how Monkey Island got its name (yep, real monkeys).

Kalaloch Campground

Of the Olympic National Park’s many campgrounds, Kalaloch is the only one to take reservations, though waterfront erosion has erased some coveted bluff sites. Spot D29 is, according to the Kalaloch Visitor Center, “the hottest site. Everyone wants it.” Besides a killer ocean view, it's got an easy-to-back-into parking spot.

Kalaloch Campground on the Pacific Coast.

Fort Flagler State Park

It’s okay to be bored by trees. Coastal Fort Flagler, on an island just east of Port Townsend, blends the nature stuff with ­nineteenth-century artillery batteries, now overgrown relics perfect for exploring. Two campgrounds, one on the lower beach and another in the upper forest, have 61 tent sites and 55 RV spots, and history experts lead weekend tours of gun emplacements and a 1905 military hospital. No army ever invaded Puget Sound, but you can’t say we weren’t ready. 

Fort Flagler State Park.

Image: Shutterstock by Eric Michael Teitelman

Deception Pass State Park

Thank the Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal work relief program in the 1930s, for many of the trails, fire lookouts, and beautiful stone lodges in the nation’s parks. Thank Whidbey’s Deception Pass for its stunning CCC-built bridge, quaint CCC museum, and rentable Ben Ure Cabin ($91), which sits on its own island. Ideal for when you want beaches, but forests and a splash of history too. 

The beaches of Deception Pass State Park sit under a historic bridge.

Image: Taylor Simpson on Unsplash

Scenic Beach State Park

Sporty Scenic Beach outside Bremerton features two volleyball courts and horseshoe pits, plus a dog-friendly beach and shellfish harvesting grounds when populations are healthy. Paved trails through a scenic rhododendron garden offer wide accessibility. 

Lake Ozette

Okay, technically the campground here is on an inland lake within Olympic National Park, though it has only 15 sites; some private campsites sit just outside the park boundary. But the beach, a three-mile hike away, is among the Olympic coast's most beautiful. A 300-year-old indigenous village was unearthed under a mudslide, and many of the artifacts sit in a museum in the Makah Reservation to the north. Overnights on the beach are allowed with a permit from the national park, but are limited.

Backpacking

Barclay lake.

It can be terrifying to wander far from the cozy embrace of the family minivan. What if you need its shelter? Its heated seats? The headlamp you forgot between backseat cushions? Placid Barclay Lake, just 2.2 fairly flat miles up from a trailhead near Highway 2, is just far enough from civilization to count as a backpacking trip but close enough to make beer runs. Somewhat remote lakeside sites with the appetite for bigger adventures.

Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground

It’s 14 miles round trip to this breathtaking alpine meadow near Longmire, so an overnight stay at Pyramid Creek or Devil’s Dream Backcountry Camp is recommended. A nineteenth-century Native American guide once hunted goats here, but he’s best remembered for the rumors that swarm his memory—some say he once killed a medicine man and cached stolen Spanish gold on the mountain.

A historic ranger's cabin stands in the meadows known as Indian Henry's Hunting Ground.

Summerland Camp

The backcountry sites here are the park’s most popular, and not only because they sit between the charmingly named Fryingpan Glacier and Panhandle Gap just east of Rainier. A riverside ramble and a steep uphill slog lead to a stone shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934; the six campsites are just beyond.

Shi Shi Beach

When Seattle feels like an average day inside a pizza oven, Shi Shi Beach on the Pacific coast is blessedly chilled by the wind off the ocean, plus it’s the best sunset theater in the world. Headlands bookend the Olympic National Park beach, a popular backpacking destination, and even on crowded summer weekends there’s room for dozens of tents along the bleached driftwood perimeter. Head south past Point of the Arches for fewer crowds and more tide pools. Don't forget an overnight permit and a bear canister rental at the Port Angeles Wilderness Information Center; since access is through the Makah Reservation, closures may apply.

Twilight at Shi Shi Beach.

Image: Andrew E. Larsen / Flickr CC

Hoh River Trail

In 2005 an acoustic ecologist claimed that the quietest square inch in the world was in the Olympic National Park forest near the Hoh River Trail, but that’s only when backpackers don’t settle on the hike-in sites that overlook the rocky Hoh River. If the few official clearings every few miles fill up—at some the guests are gear-hauling lamas and mules—the gravel bar on the river itself is up for grabs. Claim It: Most sites in the first 10 miles of the flat trail are first-come, first-served, but overnighters need a permit from the trailhead visitor station. 

Crescent Bar Recreation Area

The tiny finger of land that pokes into the Columbia River just north of I-90 includes a campground managed by the county. The 55 newly remodeled sites boast ample distance, clearly designed by someone who doesn’t like bumping slide outs with the neighbors. A golf course takes up much of the rest of the peninsula, though swimmers may prefer the Thousand Trails campground just inland, home to a pool and hot tub.

Steamboat Rock State Park

The term “rock” undersells the enormity of the basalt butte that rises out of Banks Lake in the middle of Grand Coulee. Boaters flock to the sizable campground—with 136 full hookup sites with water—that can handle some longer RVs. Trails trace Northrup Canyon across the highway, and the towering Grand Coulee Dam and its summertime laser light show is a short drive north.

Banks Lake from Steamboat Rock State Park.

Image: Shutterstock By Real Window Creative

Silver Beach Resort

Rimrock Lake makes a case that we should appreciate the southern half of Washington’s Cascades for more than volcanoes like Rainier. The six-mile lake west of Yakima doesn’t look man-made, though it was created by damming the Tieton River. Plentiful kokanee salmon make for good fishing, and Silver Beach Resort boasts its own swimming spot and boat launch. Waterfront sites, all non-hookup, make a case for going unplugged.

Peach Beach RV Park

As at Maryhill State Park, the rolling Columbia serves as this private campground’s main attraction, albeit with a bit more shade (some peach trees remain from its orchard days) and a private swimming lagoon. More than two dozen sites abut the river. Stars and even the Milky Way pop in the night sky in these parts—thanks to a dearth of city lights—particularly a few miles up Highway 97, near the newly refurbished and public Goldendale Observatory.

Campers find shade at Peach Beach RV Campground on the Columbia River.

Image: COURTESY TEMPIE DAVIE / PEACH BEACH RV PARK

Grayland Beach State Park

Prime waterfront spots on the Pacific coast remain elusive, even with Washington’s ample shoreline. More than a dozen pull-ins face the wide sandstrip south of Westport, with dozens more a short ramble from the waves. Surfers flock to the break, and constant winds keep kites aloft year-round.

Find more of our favorite Washington RV campgrounds here .

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

Table of Contents [Show]

• 1. Key Takeaways
• 2. Top Camping Spots on Beaches Along the Washington Coast
•    2.1. Kalaloch Campground
•    2.2. Deception Pass State Park
•    2.3. Cape Disappointment State Park
• 3. Top Camping Spots by Washington Rivers And Lakes
•    3.1. Lake Wenatchee State Park
•    3.2. Lake Chelan State Park
•    3.3. Colonial Creek Campground
• 4. Top Camping Spots in Washington Forests And Mountains
•    4.1. Cougar Rock Campground
•    4.2. Sol Duc Hot Springs Campground
•    4.3. Denny Creek Campground
• 5. Dispersed Camping in Washington State
•    5.1. Crawfish Lake Campground
•    5.2. Lion Rock Spring Campground
• 6. Washington State RV Campgrounds
•    6.1. Best RV Parks in Eastern Washington
•    6.2. Best RV Parks in Central Washington
•    6.3. Best RV Parks in Western Washington 
• 7. Reservations
• 8. Tips for Camping in Washington State
•    8.1. Best time for camping in Washington state
•    8.2. What to wear for camping in Washington
•    8.3. What to pack for camping sites in Washington 
• 9. Final Thoughts
•    10.1. Where can I camp for free in Washington state?
•    10.2. When should I book campsites in Washington?
•    10.3. How much does it cost to camp in Washington state?
•    10.4. Do you need a permit to camp in Washington?
•    10.5. How long can you stay at a campground in Washington?

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
• 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.

Where can I camp for free in Washington state?

Free camping in Washington is available in the national forests, BLM lands, Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds, and natural resources campgrounds.

When should I book campsites in Washington?

For campgrounds that allow camping reservations in Washington, you’ll be wise to book a spot as soon as possible. This could be up to nine months in advance. However, some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. 

How much does it cost to camp in Washington state?

From May through September, camping fees in Washington range from $27 for a standard campsite to $50 for a full-utility campsite. 

Do you need a permit to camp in Washington?

Yes - you’ll need a daily or annual permit to camp in Washington camping spots. 

How long can you stay at a campground in Washington?

From first through Labor Day, camping in Washington campgrounds is limited to 14 days.

Tom Harrison is an intrepid explorer and fervent nature lover. Through his clean writing style, he invites readers to join him on an exhilarating journey into the wilderness.

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Pacific Coast Road Trip

An RV Guide to the Ultimate Pacific Coast Road Trip

Driving along the Pacific Coast of the U.S. is already a fantasy road trip for many, but being able to do it in the comfort of an RV only adds to the delight. This scenic route begins in San Diego , California, and brings travelers up to Seattle , Washington, traveling nearly the entire length of the country from the southern border with Mexico to the northern border with Canada.

Although you can complete the drive in under 20 hours by taking Interstate 5 through the interiors of California, Oregon, and Washington, these recommended stops require driving primarily on Highway 101 and Highway 1 along the coast. It adds about six or seven hours to the total driving time, but the spectacular views more than make up for the extra time behind the wheel.

Any time of year is fantastic for visiting Southern California , but if you're traveling in winter, the weather will get much colder and wetter as you travel farther north. Summer is a great time for sunny weather from start to finish, but it's also the most popular time for travel and Highway 101 can quickly get congested. Spring or fall is the best time for enjoying some sunshine with fewer crowds.

First Stop: San Diego

Danita Delimont / Getty Images

Where to Stay in San Diego

There are several great RV parks around and in San Diego, but one of the best all-around parks is  Campland on the Bay . There are several full utility sites and even “super sites,” which are private and come with several upgraded amenities such as a full-size washer and dryer and private whirlpool spa. Regardless of if you’re staying in a super site or not, there are plenty of features and amenities at Campland on the Bay including a dog park, game room, fitness center, laundry, and a marina available for use. Whether you're starting your trip in San Diego or ending it, Campland on the Bay is an RV park you'll want to stay at.

What to Do in San Diego 

San Diego features many kid-friendly parks and activities such as  Sea World ,  Legoland , and the famous  San Diego Zoo . If you want to explore the city’s views and scenery try Balboa Park, Torrey Pines State Reserve, or La Jolla Cove for some of the area's best beaches. Whether you want to hike around the coast, catch a Padres baseball game, or get some fabulous food, San Diego has it. 

Distance to Big Sur: 7 hours; 415 miles (668 kilometers)

Second Stop: Big Sur, California

Where to stay in big sur.

Big Sur Campground  is only a few miles from the magnificent coastline that makes Big Sur so alluring. The RV grounds are nestled right in a  California Redwood Forest  and sites come with electrical and water utility hookups with a dump station located within the park. The campground also comes with washrooms, laundry facilities, a camp store, playground, and more. Kids can rent inflatable tubes to bring to the nearby river for a rafting adventure.

What to Do in Big Sur 

Big Sur  is all about taking in the majestic views. You'll see many of these vistas from the road as you're driving up the Pacific Coast Highway, but if you want to explore nearby parks you have your options of Andrew Molera State Park, Pfeiffer State Park, and Burns State Park. You can also try venturing down to the actual coast to spot marine life such as elephant seals and whales. If the weather isn't ideal, venture into nearby  Monterey  for the award-winning Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

Distance to San Francisco: 2 hours, 45 minutes; 145 miles (233 kilometers)

Third Stop: San Francisco

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Where to Stay in San Francisco

San Francisco RV Resort  is technically found in Pacifica, but it’s only a 20-minute drive to travel into the heart of San Francisco. This park is all about some great scenery as it is located right on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean for some great sunsets, wildlife viewing, and even surfing. The park itself comes with 150 great full utility hookup sites to go along with the views. Other amenities and features at San Francisco RV Resort include restrooms and showers, picnic areas, playgrounds, laundry facilities, a clubhouse, and more. 

What to Do in San Francisco 

Few cities have so many attractions packed into such a tiny area as San Francisco does, and you could easily spend a week or longer exploring the City by the Bay. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see site, although you'll be driving across it to the next stop so you can focus your time on other places. Take a cruise to Alcatraz and tour the infamous prison that still sits on this eerie island, and then head back to the city for a walk around Pier 39 and the nearby Ghiradelli Square for a chocolatey energy boost. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all there is to see, try a guided walking or bus tour to see as many places as you can before continuing on your road trip.

Distance to Crescent City: 6 hours; 356 miles (574 kilometers)

Fourth Stop: Crescent City, California

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Where to Stay in Crescent City

Redwoods RV Resorts  is one of the best RV parks in all California due not only to its stellar amenities and features but also because it's literally surrounded by the gorgeous and towering California redwoods. The amenities include Wi-Fi, immaculate bathrooms, and hot showers, plus on-site features including a playground, horseshoes, a dog park, and countless hiking trails.

What to Do in Crescent City

You won’t be in Crescent City so much as you will be in the surrounding forests of the  Redwood National and State Park . Journey through this incredible land by foot or vehicle to get a glimpse at some of the largest living organisms on Earth. Popular spots in Redwood National and State Park include Howland Hill Road, Crescent Beach Overlook, and the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. If you plan on staying a while you can also venture into Klamath National Forest. 

Distance to Port Orford: 1 hour, 30 minutes; 82 miles (132 kilometers)

Fifth Stop: Port Orford, Oregon

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

Where to Stay in Port Orford

Port Orford is a sleepy southern Oregon town known for its artistry where the mountains and forests meet up with the vast Pacific Ocean. Your best place to stay is at the Port Orford RV Village . This lovely RV park offers the full utility of hookups along with cable TV and wireless internet access right at your campsite. You also get washrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a recreation room with exercise and kitchen equipment, horseshoes, basketball, and more. 

What to Do in Port Orford

The number one destination should be the  Cape Blanco Lighthouse . Make your way over to the beautiful Cape Blanco State Park for some great hiking and sightseeing and, of course, to take a view of the lighthouse itself. The Port Orford area is full of several great parks like Humbug Mountain State Park and Port Orford Heads State Park. The area is also known for being quite artistic, so make sure to check out some of the great art scenes at the Hawthorne Gallery and other local creative hot spots. 

Distance to Cannon Beach: 5 hours, 30 minutes; 257 miles (414 kilometers).

Sixth Stop: Cannon Beach, Oregon

Where to stay in cannon beach.

What better way to explore the United States than to be near some of the most famous spots of Lewis and Clark’s western expedition, like Cannon Beach.  Cannon Beach RV Resort  will be a good place to rest and recharge for the final stops of your adventure with their gorgeous park situated right on the beach. A hundred paved and full-hookup sites give you the basics along with Cannon Beach’s complimentary cable and wireless internet. Cannon Beach RV Resort also houses laundry and bath facilities, an indoor pool and spa, a game room, gift shop, camp store, and more. 

What to Do in Cannon Beach 

Cannon Beach is all about the breathtaking coastline. Your ​first stop should be at Ecola State Park to explore the beaches all the way up to Seaside, Oregon. You can then set your sights to Tillamook Head, with its haunting lighthouse out on the Pacific Ocean. Other great areas of Cannon Beach to explore can be found at Haystack Rock, Hug Point State Park, and Oswald West State Park. If you’re looking for something different, try gazing at the artwork at Icefire Glassworks or sampling some spirits at the Cannon Beach Distillery.

Distance to Seattle: 3 hours, 30 minutes; 206 miles (332 kilometers)

Seventh Stop: The Seattle Area

Where to stay in the seattle area.

The last (or first) stop on your Pacific coast road trip takes you through the Seattle area and the surrounding bounty of outdoors hot spots. Two RV parks in the local area are both outstanding, so choose depending on what area you prefer to be in.  Elwha Dam RV Park  lies west of Seattle and is the perfect spot to start on exploring one of the most biodiverse regions in the world at Olympic National Park.  Mounthaven Resort  is found east of Seattle and is a great starting spot if you want to focus on Mount Rainier National Park. Both RV parks are packed with great features and amenities for your Seattle adventures.

What to Do in the Seattle Area

From the Space Needle to Pike Place Market to the Chihuly Garden and Glass, there are plenty of things to keep you busy in Seattle . This trendy city is known for its amazing seafood, microbreweries, and unparalleled coffee culture, so you'll have plenty to indulge in while you're there. If you're already aching again for the rich beauty of the Pacific Northwest, there are an endless number of options for day trips around Seattle to revel in its natural splendor, such as Bainbridge Island and Mt. Ranier National Park.

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