Washington State is a camper’s paradise, offering everything from coastal retreats to alpine getaways. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV sites, or cozy cabins, the Evergreen State has something for everyone. Here are the 10 most popular campgrounds in Washington State that should be on every outdoor enthusiast’s list.
1. Deception Pass State Park
- Reservations: Book here
- Distance from Seattle: 1.5 hours (80 miles)
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, boat launch, hiking trails
- Camping Type: Tent & RV (max 60 ft)
Located on Whidbey Island, Deception Pass State Park is Washington’s most visited state park. With over 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, stunning cliffs, and old-growth forests, it’s a camper’s dream. The park offers 300+ campsites, plus access to kayaking, fishing, and hiking along scenic trails.
2. Kalaloch Campground (Olympic National Park)
- Reservations: Book here
- Distance from Seattle: 3.5 hours (165 miles)
- Amenities: Restrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, food storage lockers
- Camping Type: Tent & RV (no hookups)
Perched along the rugged Pacific Coast, Kalaloch Campground offers breathtaking ocean views and direct access to sandy beaches. It’s perfect for beachcombing, whale watching, and sunset photography. Reservations fill up quickly, so plan ahead!
3. Ohanapecosh Campground (Mount Rainier National Park)
- Reservations: Book here
- Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours (120 miles)
- Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, potable water
- Camping Type: Tent & RV (max 32 ft, no hookups)
Tucked in an old-growth forest at the base of Mount Rainier, Ohanapecosh is known for its serene riverside sites and proximity to the famous Grove of the Patriarchs trail. The campground doesn’t offer views of Rainier, but its lush greenery and hot springs make up for it.
4. Cougar Rock Campground (Mount Rainier National Park)
- Reservations: Book here
- Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours (110 miles)
- Amenities: Restrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, potable water
- Camping Type: Tent & RV (max 35 ft, no hookups)
If you want stunning views of Mount Rainier, Cougar Rock is the place to be. Located on the southwest side of the park, this campground is ideal for those planning to hike the Skyline Trail or visit Paradise.
5. Colonial Creek Campground (North Cascades National Park)
- Reservations: Book here
- Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours (130 miles)
- Amenities: Restrooms, potable water, boat launch, hiking trails
- Camping Type: Tent & RV (no hookups)
Nestled on the shores of Diablo Lake, Colonial Creek Campground offers waterfront camping with unbeatable mountain views. Popular activities include kayaking, fishing, and hiking the nearby Thunder Knob Trail.
6. Moran State Park (Orcas Island)
- Reservations: Book here
- Distance from Seattle: 3 hours (including ferry)
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, hiking trails, boat rentals
- Camping Type: Tent & RV (limited sites with hookups)
This campground in the San Juan Islands is a must-visit for those seeking an island adventure. Moran State Park features five freshwater lakes, miles of hiking trails, and the iconic Mount Constitution viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and beyond.
7. Lake Wenatchee State Park
- Reservations: Book here
- Distance from Seattle: 2 hours (110 miles)
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, boat launch, picnic areas
- Camping Type: Tent & RV (limited hookups available)
Located in the Cascades near Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee State Park is perfect for year-round camping. In the summer, visitors enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking, while winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
8. Cape Disappointment State Park
- Reservations: Book here
- Distance from Seattle: 3.5 hours (170 miles)
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, lighthouse trails
- Camping Type: Tent & RV (full hookups available)
Despite its name, this campground is anything but disappointing. Located at the southwestern tip of Washington, Cape Disappointment offers beachside camping, historic lighthouses, and scenic coastal hikes. It’s a great spot for storm watching in the winter.
9. Sol Duc Campground (Olympic National Park)
- Reservations: Book here
- Distance from Seattle: 4 hours (160 miles)
- Amenities: Restrooms, potable water, picnic tables
- Camping Type: Tent & RV (max 21 ft, no hookups)
Nestled in a lush rainforest, Sol Duc Campground is famous for its proximity to the Sol Duc Hot Springs and stunning waterfall hikes. If you’re looking for a soothing soak after a day of exploring, this is the perfect place.
10. Bay View State Park
- Reservations: Book here
- Distance from Seattle: 1.5 hours (75 miles)
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, beach access
- Camping Type: Tent & RV (limited hookups available)
Situated along Padilla Bay near Anacortes, Bay View State Park is a peaceful retreat with beautiful views of the San Juan Islands. It’s an excellent choice for kayakers, bird watchers, and those looking to explore the Skagit Valley region.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for mountain views, oceanfront campsites, or peaceful lakeside retreats, Washington State has a campground for you. These ten campgrounds showcase the best of what the state has to offer, making them perfect for both weekend getaways and extended outdoor adventures.
Which of these campgrounds in Washington State have you visited? Let me know in the comments below!
