Best Campgrounds in Washington

Best Campgrounds in Washington

Washington state, with its dramatic contrasts of landscapes – from misty rainforests to volcanic peaks, alpine meadows to rugged coastlines – offers some of the most breathtaking camping opportunities in North America. The Evergreen State presents outdoor enthusiasts with an embarrassment of natural riches, whether you’re seeking the solitude of old-growth forests or the majesty of mountain vistas. Let’s explore some of the most spectacular campgrounds that showcase Washington’s wild beauty in all its glory.

Olympic National Park – Kalaloch Campground

Number of Campsites: 168
Reservations: Recreation.gov
Address: 157151 Highway 101, Forks, WA 98331

Perched on a bluff overlooking the untamed Pacific Ocean, Kalaloch Campground offers a front-row seat to nature’s grandest spectacle: the meeting of land and sea. The constant rhythm of waves provides a hypnotic soundtrack day and night, while massive driftwood logs – entire trees transported by the sea – create natural benches perfect for watching spectacular sunsets paint the horizon in watercolor hues of orange, pink, and purple.

The campsites here are arranged in several loops, some nestled among wind-sculpted shore pines and others offering peekaboo views of the ocean through the coastal vegetation. Morning fog often blankets the area, creating an ethereal atmosphere as it slowly burns away to reveal tide pools teeming with colorful sea stars, anemones, and scuttling crabs.

What makes Kalaloch truly special is its position as a gateway to Olympic National Park’s diverse ecosystems. Within an hour’s drive, campers can explore temperate rainforests where moss drapes from ancient trees like green curtains, witness massive Roosevelt elk grazing in mountain meadows, or soak in natural hot springs surrounded by pristine wilderness.

The beach itself invites endless exploration – from searching for Japanese glass floats that occasionally wash ashore to watching for the spouts of gray whales during their spring and fall migrations. As night falls, campfires flicker across the bluff like earthbound stars, while the real celestial show unfolds overhead on clear nights, with the Milky Way stretching across the sky in a dazzling river of light.

Mount Rainier National Park – Ohanapecosh Campground

Number of Campsites: 188
Reservations: Recreation.gov
Address: Ohanapecosh Campground Road, Ashford, WA 98304

Nestled among towering old-growth forests in the shadow of Washington’s most iconic mountain, Ohanapecosh Campground offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest camping experience. The campground takes its musical name from the crystal-clear river that rushes nearby, its waters so pure and blue-green that they seem to glow from within as sunlight filters through the dense forest canopy.

Massive Douglas firs and western red cedars, some more than 1,000 years old, create a cathedral-like atmosphere throughout the campground. Their towering trunks rise straight and true for hundreds of feet before branching into the emerald canopy overhead, creating natural privacy screens between sites and an unmistakable scent of cedar and pine that permeates the air.

Morning here begins with mist clinging to the treetops and the melodic calls of varied thrushes echoing through the forest. Sunlight gradually penetrates the canopy in golden shafts that spotlight the lush undergrowth of sword ferns, salal, and huckleberry bushes that carpet the forest floor.

The campground’s location on the quieter southeast side of Mount Rainier National Park makes it an ideal base for exploring lesser-visited areas while still providing access to the mountain’s grandeur. The Grove of the Patriarchs trail, accessible directly from the campground, leads visitors across a suspension bridge to an island sanctuary where ancient trees have grown to massive proportions, creating an environment that feels almost primeval.

After a day of adventure, campers can cool off in the refreshing waters of the Ohanapecosh River or soak in the nearby hot springs that give this area its name. As darkness falls and temperatures drop, campfires provide welcome warmth while the rushing river creates a perfect natural white noise machine to lull campers to sleep.

North Cascades National Park – Colonial Creek Campground

Number of Campsites: 142
Reservations: Recreation.gov
Address: Milepost 130, State Route 20, Rockport, WA 98283

Often called “America’s Alps,” the North Cascades present some of the most rugged and dramatic mountain scenery in the Lower 48, and Colonial Creek Campground places you right in the heart of this alpine wonderland. Split into north and south units along the shores of turquoise Diablo Lake, this campground offers sites that range from secluded forest retreats to coveted waterfront locations where the lake’s famous blue-green waters are just steps away.

The distinctive color of Diablo Lake comes from “rock flour” – fine particles ground by moving glaciers high in the mountains and carried down by streams – that remains suspended in the water, creating a mesmerizing turquoise hue that shifts with changing light throughout the day. Early morning often brings glassy calm conditions, creating perfect reflections of the surrounding peaks that seem to double their already impressive height.

Tall cedars, hemlocks, and Douglas firs provide welcome shade during summer days and shelter during the frequent mountain showers that keep this landscape so vibrantly green. Many sites back directly onto the lake or Thunder Creek, offering the soothing sound of moving water as a constant companion.

The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the North Cascades’ network of trails, which range from accessible lakeside paths to challenging alpine routes that climb to panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and hidden valleys. Rangers offer regular programs at the nearby North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, providing deeper insight into the unique ecology and geology that make this area so special.

As evening approaches and alpenglow paints the surrounding peaks in warm pinks and golds, loons often call across the lake with their haunting cries that seem to embody the wildness of this remarkable place. After dark, the lack of light pollution reveals a star-filled sky that seems close enough to touch from this mountain sanctuary.

Cape Disappointment State Park

Number of Campsites: 214
Reservations: Washington State Parks
Address: 244 Robert Gray Drive, Ilwaco, WA 98624

Despite its pessimistic name – bestowed by a frustrated explorer who missed the Columbia River’s entrance – there’s nothing disappointing about camping at this spectacular meeting point of river and ocean at Washington’s southwestern tip. Cape Disappointment encompasses 2,023 acres of diverse coastal environments, from old-growth forests and freshwater lakes to saltwater marshes and miles of beaches strewn with sand dollars and polished agates.

The campground offers several loops with varying degrees of privacy and amenities, including sites that accommodate everything from tents to large RVs. Many sites nestle among shore pines that have been sculpted into fantastical shapes by constant coastal winds, their twisted forms creating natural works of art and windbreaks that shelter campers from ocean breezes.

Morning often brings a magical atmosphere as marine fog rolls in from the Pacific, enshrouding the two historic lighthouses that stand sentinel on the cape’s headlands. As the fog gradually burns away, it reveals stunning views of the Columbia River’s massive entrance, where freshwater meets salt in a sometimes turbulent confluence watched over by Cape Disappointment Lighthouse since 1856.

The park’s 8 miles of hiking trails wind through diverse habitats, from dense forests where eagles nest in towering Sitka spruce to coastal bluffs carpeted with wildflowers in spring and early summer. History buffs appreciate the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center perched dramatically on the cliffs, commemorating the expedition’s arrival at the Pacific after their epic journey across the continent.

What truly sets Cape Disappointment apart is its dramatic weather. Storm watching has become a popular activity, with winter bringing spectacular displays as massive waves crash against the headlands, sending spray hundreds of feet into the air. Even in calmer weather, the constant interplay of water, light, and land creates ever-changing vistas that captivate photographers and nature lovers alike.

Lake Wenatchee State Park

Number of Campsites: 155
Reservations: Washington State Parks
Address: 21588 SR 207, Leavenworth, WA 98826

Straddling the boundary between Washington’s lush western forests and the drier eastern slopes of the Cascades, Lake Wenatchee State Park offers campers the best of both worlds. The park centers around a glacier-fed lake whose pristine waters shift from deep blue to turquoise depending on the light and depth, all against the backdrop of snow-capped Dirtyface Peak and the surrounding mountains.

The campground is divided into north and south sections, with the south loop offering sites nestled among tall ponderosa pines whose reddish bark glows like copper in the late afternoon sun. The fragrant needles create a soft carpet underfoot and release their distinctive vanilla-like scent when warmed by the sun. The north loop sits closer to the lake, with some sites offering direct views of the water through the mixed forest of pine, fir, and aspen that thrives in this transitional climate zone.

Dawn brings mirror-calm waters that perfectly reflect the surrounding mountains before the afternoon winds arrive to transform the lake into a playground for windsurfers and sailors. The half-mile stretch of sandy beach ranks among the best in the state, with shallow areas perfect for young swimmers and deeper waters for more experienced adventurers.

Summer brings warm days ideal for water recreation, while the higher elevation (nearly 2,000 feet) ensures cool, comfortable nights for sleeping. Fall transforms the landscape as aspens and vine maples turn brilliant yellow and red, creating a stunning contrast with the evergreen backdrop and cobalt blue waters.

The park’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the greater Wenatchee area, from the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth just 20 minutes away to the numerous hiking trails that climb into the adjacent Alpine Lakes Wilderness, where high mountain tarns reflect some of the most beautiful scenery in the Cascades.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument – Iron Creek Campground

Number of Campsites: 98
Reservations: Recreation.gov
Address: Forest Road 25, Randle, WA 98377

For a camping experience that combines natural beauty with living geology, few destinations compare to the area surrounding Mount St. Helens. Iron Creek Campground sits within the blast zone of the 1980 eruption but has since regrown into a verdant forest that offers fascinating insights into nature’s resilience. The campground takes its name from the clear, cool creek that winds through the area, its waters stained a subtle rusty hue by the mineral-rich soils of the volcanic landscape.

Sites are arranged in a single loop among a second-growth forest of alder, maple, and conifers that have reclaimed the landscape over the decades since the eruption. The younger trees allow more sunlight to reach the forest floor than in old-growth areas, resulting in an explosion of understory plants including thimbleberry, salmonberry, and wildflowers that attract a variety of butterflies and hummingbirds during summer months.

What makes Iron Creek truly special is its proximity to Mount St. Helens’ northern approach. A short drive from the campground brings visitors to viewpoints where the mountain’s massive crater is visible – a humbling reminder of nature’s power. Interpretive trails lead through areas where evidence of the eruption remains clearly visible, from ghost forests of standing dead trees to massive deposits of ash and pumice that tell the story of that fateful May morning.

The adjacent Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers countless recreational opportunities, from fishing in lakes and streams stocked with rainbow trout to hiking trails that range from easy interpretive walks to challenging backcountry routes. The famous Loowit Trail circumnavigates the volcano, offering intrepid hikers up-close views of the ongoing recovery process and geological features created by the eruption.

Evening at Iron Creek brings a peaceful atmosphere as the creek’s gentle sounds blend with the calls of evening birds. The night sky here, far from major cities, reveals countless stars and occasionally the Milky Way stretching across the heavens – a fitting end to days spent exploring one of America’s most fascinating geological laboratories.

Deception Pass State Park

Number of Campsites: 235
Reservations: Washington State Parks
Address: 41229 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Washington’s most visited state park earns its popularity through a stunning combination of dramatic seascapes, old-growth forests, and the iconic bridge that spans the churning waters of Deception Pass. The park encompasses 3,854 acres spread across Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands, with three separate campgrounds offering experiences ranging from secluded forest settings to sites with expansive views of the surrounding Salish Sea.

Cranberry Lake Campground, the largest of the three, sits nestled among massive Douglas firs and western red cedars that have stood for centuries, their massive trunks creating natural privacy between many sites. Morning fog often clings to the treetops before dissipating to reveal skies where bald eagles and osprey can frequently be spotted soaring above the canopy or diving for fish in the adjacent freshwater lake.

The park’s 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline invite exploration, with beaches ranging from protected coves where harbor seals haul out on exposed rocks during low tide to wild stretches where waves crash dramatically against rugged headlands. At the park’s heart stands the breathtaking 180-foot-high Deception Pass Bridge, which spans the narrow channel where tidal currents can reach speeds of up to 8 knots, creating whirlpools and standing waves that mesmerize visitors who gather on the bridge’s pedestrian walkway.

Miles of trails thread through the park’s diverse ecosystems, from easy paths along the shoreline to more challenging routes that climb through old-growth forest to reach viewpoints like Goose Rock, offering panoramic vistas of the San Juan Islands and Olympic Mountains beyond. Tidepooling reveals a world of colorful marine creatures, while fishing enthusiasts can try their luck from shores, docks, or boats in both fresh and saltwater environments.

As daylight fades, the bridge becomes silhouetted against the sunset, creating one of Washington’s most photographed scenes. After dark, the lights of passing boats and distant communities twinkle across the water, while areas of the park farther from the bridge offer surprisingly good stargazing despite the proximity to several small cities.

Moran State Park

Number of Campsites: 124
Reservations: Washington State Parks
Address: 3572 Olga Road, Olga, WA 98279

Located on Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago, Moran State Park offers an island camping experience that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest’s maritime beauty. The park encompasses 5,252 acres of pristine terrain, including old-growth forests, five freshwater lakes, and Mount Constitution – the highest point in the San Juan Islands at 2,409 feet.

The park’s four campgrounds each offer distinct experiences, from the popular Southend Campground near Cascade Lake to more secluded options tucked deeper into the forest. Most sites sit beneath a canopy of massive western red cedars, Douglas firs, and big-leaf maples that create a sheltered environment where birdsong fills the air from dawn until dusk. In fall, the deciduous trees burst into vibrant displays of yellow, orange, and red, creating a stunning contrast with the evergreen backdrop.

What truly sets Moran apart is its accessibility to diverse recreation within a compact area. Five freshwater lakes offer swimming at designated beaches with clear, clean water that warms enough for comfortable swimming by midsummer. Cascade Lake, the largest, features a historic stone building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s that now serves as a perfect picnic shelter overlooking the water.

The park’s 38 miles of hiking trails range from easy lakeside strolls to the challenging climb up Mount Constitution, where a stone observation tower built by the CCC provides 360-degree views that extend from Vancouver Island to Mount Baker and the North Cascades on clear days. Mountain bikers find challenging single-track routes, while paddlers can explore the lakes in rented canoes and kayaks available during summer months.

Island living brings a relaxed pace that’s particularly noticeable as evening approaches. Sunset often finds campers gathering at viewpoints along the western shores of the lakes or atop Mount Constitution to watch the golden light play across the archipelago as it sinks below the horizon, often with the silhouettes of orcas visible in the waters far below.

Final Thoughts About Camping in Washington

From coastal wilderness to volcanic landscapes, alpine meadows to island retreats, Washington’s campgrounds offer experiences as diverse as the state’s varied ecosystems. Each location provides its own unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and connection to the wild places that have drawn humans to this corner of the country since time immemorial. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, wildlife viewing, or a combination of all three, these top campgrounds invite you to create memories against some of the most spectacular backdrops the Evergreen State has to offer.