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15 Best Campsites in Washington State: Where to go Camping in Washington State

Best campsites in Washington, Camping in Washington, Camping, Campgrounds, Campsites
 

When you consider overnight adventures in Washington State, there is plenty to choose from. You may be finding it difficult to have your pick amongst all the campsites that offer camping adventures in the state. If you are trying to figure out the best campsite to go on a camping trip, then you have come to the right place. We will look at the 15 best campsites in Washington State and help you decide on where to go camping in the state. 

When you go camping, you want to make sure you find a campsite that offers the most. From the beautifully lush rain forests to the amazing coastline, there are various natural environments in the state which makes them perfect spots to go camping. From awe-inspiring archipelagos and diverse petrified forests and wild rivers, there is so much to explore, which is why it becomes a difficult task trying to find the best campsite for you.

Depending on what you are after, we are sure you would find the right pick for yourself on this list. There are campsites that appeal to the various outdoor interests such as wildlife sighting, bicycling, hiking or even kayaking. Depending on what you are looking to do, you will find a campsite that suits your interest. 

There are various iconic national parks which you can choose from, Mount Rainer, North Cascades or Olympic National Park to name a few. These state parks are well known for the camping experience they offer, with even international tourists flocking to the state to experience camping here in the US. With various unique scenic attractions such as Deception Pass and Lake Wenatchee, the campsites of Washington is sure to leave you wanting more, providing you with a rewarding attachment to nature; an enjoyable time spent in the bosom of Mother Earth. 

Hence without further adieu, let’s have a look at the 15 best campsites in Washington State. Before you do pack on your trip, we advise you to check with the campsite to ensure that they are open and accessible during that specific time of the year. 

1) Hoh Campground

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If you are after wildlife sightings and are adventurous enough to consider camping amongst the wildlife, then Hoh Campground should be the best pick for you. If you are looking to sight Roosevelt elks, you should find herds around the campsite itself. 
 
 
Surrounded by moss and ancient trees, you will find yourself within the depths of this beautifully lush temperate rain forest. You can even consider riverside camping along the Hoh River. 
 
 
Open year-round, reservations are provided on a first come first serve basis. There are a total of 78 campsites in the campground with an average night in these campsites costing around $24 a night. You have access to flush toilets and potable water on the campsites, which makes things more convenient for you. 
 
 
Nestling amidst wildlife, you must ensure not to keep any food with you in the tent, not even toothpaste. Nothing that can attract wild animals. Make it a routine to hang your food outside on a spot. Nurture respect for the wildlife that live in the forest.  
 
 

2. Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest

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Mount Baker offers some great camping opportunities with beautiful camping spots from high to low elevation. Where you want to camp is totally up to you, you can choose between riverside and forest campsites. 
 
 
You have the chance to explore Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, which provides something for everyone. Whether you are an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a beginning hiker, you will find rewarding tours within the depths of this forest. Open year-round, you can camp along one of the various lakes or rivers. You can go fishing or river rafting or simply spend your afternoons birdwatching. 
 
 
With a wide variety of campsites to choose from, we do highly recommend Panorama Point Campground, which is located on the western shore of Baker Lake. The surrounding area is considered some of the most breathtakingly beautiful landscapes in the country. You would notice the glacier-covered peaks in the distance while the wide mountain meadows stretch to quite a distance. The old-growth forests where is campground is located provides an unparalleled camping opportunity for those looking to experience some of the best this National Forest has to offer. A premium site at the campground will cost you around $29 a night. 
 
 

3. Deception Pass State Park

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Spreading over 3,854 acres the park has 172 tent sites, 134 partial hookup sites and five bike sites. These bike sites are great if you looking to go outdoor bicycling. With mysterious coves and rugged cliffs, you would enjoy scenic sunsets on the beautiful landscapes of the state park. 
 
 
You could go fishing or swimming in Cranberry Lake, or go beach exploring along the 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline.  Hikers can hike through the forest while birdwatchers take notes of the various sightings of birds spotted in the park. If you’re lucky, you could even catch seals or whales in the distant salt waters. 
 
 
There are a host of activities that you can partake in including white-water kayaking, crabbing, diving and boating. Camping is located in three locations in the park, Bowman Bay, Quarry Pond and Cranberry Lake. Further to this, there are six campsites on Hope Island. 
 
 
The group camp accommodates up to 50 people and has a small picnic shelter and flush toilets. The cost for a standard campsite is around $27 to $ 37 for a night. 
 
 

4. Eightmile Campground

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Located in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest close to Leavenworth, the Eightmile Campground sits on the banks of Icicle Creek. Offering a peaceful and tranquil setting, the campground is great for those looking for scenic landscapes. There are more than 700 lakes in the forest.
 
 
The campground offers 41 single-family campsites and 4 double family campsites all of which have picnic tables and fire rings. Water is available through nearby hand pumps at the campsites.
 
 
Great for outdoor enthusiasts, there are various hiking opportunities within the forest. You can also enjoy some calm fishing at Icicle Creek or Toketie Lake. If you would like to explore the forest on your bike, there are various bike trails that you can opt for. The Fourth of July hiking trail offers a challenging hike for those who are looking to hike and camp. This 10.6-mile trail will surely take you a day of hiking to complete. If you are looking to venture even further, you could hike further on connecting trails and continue on for multiple days. 
 
 
The standard campsite costs $22 per night and is a peaceful setting for friends and family. 
 
 

5. Chain Lakes Trail

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If you are after a great camping and hiking combination, then camping along the Chain Lakes trail is probably something you should consider. Chain Lakes trail is a loop trail of 6.5 miles located near Maple Falls in Washington. 
 
 
The trail is considered of moderate difficulty and offers great camping opportunities near lakes. The trail is open from summer to fall and overnight campers can camp the designated campsites in Mazama and Hayes Lakes. The maximum party size is 12 and fishing requires a Washington State Fishing License.
 
 
This specific campsite is great for hikers, who are looking for a good hike coupled to camping in the natural wilderness. You do require a wilderness permit, which is self-issued at the trailhead for no fee. In order to camp along this trail, you require a Northwest Forest Pass, which is a $30 annual pass. 
 
 

6. White River Campground

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Set along the White River, the campground rests at a 4,400-foot elevation. There are 112 individual campsites on the campground, however, there are no sites for groups.
 
 
There are various hikes that you can take part in, such as the Emmons Moraine, which offer a short trail of a 3-mile round trip. The Glacier Basin trail is a longer 7.8-mile hike for those who are looking to test their limits and push themselves further. Further to hiking, you can go horseback riding, or paddling in the river. Fishing and boating are also quite popular among campground visitors. 
 
 
There is access to water or flush toilets. The weekly cost of camping at the White River Campground is between $120 to $130. The cost per night is between $20 to 25.  
 
 

7. Jones Island

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Strolling through the forest of moss-covered nurse logs and trees, you could picnic among the pear orchard or on a lawn with a small apple tree; beautifully picturesque. You shouldn’t be surprised if you are approached by deer looking for a nice fruit treat. Though they will stare at you with big beautiful eyes, you should not try to feed the animals. It doesn’t benefit the animals and is discouraged for your own safety. Not only is it discouraged, but it is also prohibited by law.
 
 
When you arrive at Jones Island, you will be greeted by the local otters and deer, who call the island home. You could enjoy a hike along the island’s perimeter and have a look at some of the cliff-side campsites which offer spectacular views of Spieden Island. Trust me when we say this, your experience camping in Jones Island is going to long you to come back again. 
 
 
The Jones Island Marine State Park is a 188 – acre marine camping park with over 25,000 feet of saltwater shoreline. Accessible only by boat, the park boasts 24 primitive campsites. The cost of a standard campsite costs you $19 with a maximum of eight people per campsite. 
 
 

8. Moran State Park

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Heading into the vast and varied terrain, camping at Moran State Park provides some relaxing downtime to find peace and tranquillity in nature. Located on Orcas Island, there is scope for hiking or cycling to the summit of Mount Constitution for beautiful views of the San Juan archipelago. 
 
 
You could climb the historic stone tower at the summit of Mount Constitution for an even grander view. The park has five lakes, where you can go swimming, kayaking or fishing. There are 38 miles of hiking trails at the Moran State Park, while can be done on foot or on a bicycle. It is a great opportunity to spot beautiful birds and wildlife. 
 
 
You could have a peaceful rest by the lake with your favourite book, or do some history digging by exploring some of the park’s structures which were built during the Great Depression. 
 
 
The state park offers a unique glamping opportunity, which stands for glamourous camping. If you are looking for an unparalleled luxury camping experience, then you should consider glamping. For prices and availability, check the Leanto website.
 
 
As for standard camping, overnight rates go at around $13 per person. If you are looking to only camp during the day, you will be charged around $5 per person. 
 
 

9. Kalaloch Campground

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As one of the two campgrounds in Olympic National Park that accepts advanced reservations, you would find yourself in a massive rush to get to the campground in hopes that you would be able to find a campsite for your stay. Located in the Olympic Peninsula coats, there are miles of driftwood-festooned beach. Though the campsites are not directly on the beach, several campsites do overlook the water and the beach can be accessed easily from various campsites. 
 
 
It is the marine life that makes this campground special. You would be able to find crabs and sea urchins during low tide, while sea otters are spotted floating on the surface of the waters. There are a host of shorebirds on the beaches and if you are lucky, you may even catch whales and dolphins in the waters. 
 
 
If you are after some hiking, there is a great mile-long walk through the Kakalock Creek known as the Kalaloch Creek Nature Trail. The creek drains into the ocean; a beautiful sight. Swimming is a favourite along these campgrounds with many people enjoying the beach and waters. 
 
 
The standard non-electric campsite costs $24 a night. With fire pits, BBQ spots, grills, picnic tables and flush toilets, you will have everything you may need to make your camping experience better. 
 
 

10. Salt Creek Recreation Area

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Located in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and WDNR Striped Peak, the recreation area is 196- acres, offering 92 scenic campsites. The park maintains a strict no-alcohol policy, hence, you should be aware of this when making plans.  
 
 
Boasting upland forests, sandy beaches and rocky bluffs, the recreation area offers some amazing panoramic views of Cresent Bay and Strait Juan de Fuca. Considered one of Clallam Country’s premier parks, the campsites at the Salt Creek Recreation Area is perfect for families.  The Salt Creek can be a great place for kids to have a dip and a splash, while at Tongue Point, you can have the chance to catch purple sea urchins and ochre starfish. 
 
 
You can both drive in or walk in to the campsites half of which works on a first-come-first-served basis. The rest can be reserved through advance booking made via the park’s website. The cost of the campsites goes between $22 to $30 per night.
 
 
 

11. Wanapum Recreation Area, Vantage

 
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Located thirty minutes east of Ellensburg in Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, Wanapum Recreation Area offer some great camping opportunities along the Wanapum Reservoir. Ginkgo is considered one of the most diverse fossil forest showcasing landscape that you are unlike to experience in other parts of the country. You have the chance to join the Tree of Stone Interpretive Trail where you can learn about how wood turns into stone.
 
 
The petrified forest areas of Gingko are only accessible during the day, you aren’t actually allowed to camp within the forest. Camping is located three miles east towards the community of Vantage at the Wanapum Recreation Area State Park. 
 
 
The campsite features 50 full-hookup RV sites. Though you can camp in tents too, you do have to pay full price. The full utility campsite costs between $40 to $50 per night, while the standard campsite costs between $27 to $37. Flushing toilets and running water is available for all overnight guests.
 
 
 

12. Sol Duc Campground

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Sol Duc Campground is considered the best campground in Olympic National Park. Nestled in the depths of the Olympic wilderness, you would have the chance to experience waterfalls and hot springs, which makes the nature trails around the campground abundant with activity. 
 
 
There are over 80 tent sites available in the campground and 17 spaces for RVs. There are various campground loops trails that you can partake in. Hiking is very popular at Sol Duc. Trails will lead you to Sol Duc Falls and you will have a chance to see the adjacent hot-water mineral pools. The Sol Duc Falls hiking trail is one of the best hiking trails in Washington and takes you through the scenic views of the falls and some amazing natural landscapes of the region. The trail is 1.6 miles in length and can be completed by even the beginning hiker. 
 
 
You can make advance reservations and during the summer, the campgrounds can get packed with campers, hence early booking is highly recommended. If you are looking for more luxury, guests can rent a cabin at the 1980s revamped Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Check the website for availability, rates and booking.
 
 
The cost of campground sites at Sol Duc Campgrounds goes at $21 a night, while group tent campsites go at $40 a night. 
 
 
 

13. Ohanapecosh Campground, Mount Rainier National Park

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Considered one of the best campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park, at Ohanapecosh Campground, you get to bask in the beauty of the alpine environment. The mountain views are spectacular and you are sure to have a serene encounter with nature. 
 
 
Located between the Sunrise and Paradise regions of the national park, there is plenty to do in and around the Oganapescosh Campground. There are numerous hiking trails including the Grove of Patriarchs trail, which takes you through the old-growth forest. The trail is 1.2 miles long and is suited for even the beginner. Basking in the glory of nature, picnicking is a must amidst the beautiful forest trees and birds chirping in the distant skies. 
 
 
The main attraction is Mount Rainer itself, the glacier volcano at 14,411 feet high. You have the chance to witness some beautiful waterfalls in the dry, cool and sunny summer weather of Mount Rainer National Park.  
 
 
The standard non-electric campsite will cost you $20 per night. 
 
 
 

14. Bowl and Pitcher Campground, Riverside State Park

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Nestled along the shore of Little Spokane and Spokane Rivers, Riverside State Park is a cornerstone in natural beauty in Washington state. There is plenty to do at Riverside State Park, ranging from mountain biking to hiking to fishing to horseback riding to rock climbing and swimming. 
 
 
Bowl and Pitcher campground has 32 campsites and accommodates tents and RVs. There is access to hot showers and flushing toilets at the campgrounds. You can hike through the Deep Creek Canyon or the basalt structures of the Spokane River. 
 
 
You are sure to have a relaxing time, spending quality time with the family, breathing, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. 
 
 
If you are more of a thrill junky, there is plenty of scope of water sports at Lake Spokane. From water skiing to white-water kayaking, you will not find yourself bored. There is also plenty of wildlife opportunities and is a great spot if you are after birdwatching.
 
 
Standard campsites go between $27 to $37 per night. 
 
 
 

15. Colonial Creek Campground, North Cascades National Park

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Colonial Creek Campground is one of the best campgrounds in North Cascades National Park. Considered one of the most popular bases to explore the bountiful nature of Washington, the campground has a public boat ramp and pier which enables you to access the aquamarine waters of Diablo Lake. 
 
 
You could take a quick dip in the frigid waters, to simply enjoy boating and fishing. There are various hiking trails starting from Colonial Creek, which includes the hike to the top of Thunder Knob. The trail is 3.3 miles and is suited to the moderate level hiker and features a lake amidst the layers of the forest. 
 
 
There are 142 camping sites at Colonial Creek, all of which are suited for tent camping. Small recreation vehicles can also enter the campsites. You can also have a chance to view Ross Lake, which is at a short driving distance from the campground. 
 
 
The cost per night at Colonial Creek Campground goes at $24. Standard group sites go at $75 a night. 
 
 
 
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Where to Go Camping in Washington State

Whether you want to go hiking, boating, fishing or find something more exhilarating like water skiing, there is for certain somewhere you could go camping in Washing State. From the wide variety of choices that Washington has to offer, we have worked to provide you with the selection of the 15 best places that you could go camping in Washinton State. 
 
 
We are certain there should be something or the other on this list that would definitely entice you. Finding the right campground may seem daunting, however, it isn’t overly difficult so long as you know what you can experience and what you can expect. 
 
 
With plenty of places to choose from, we hope reading this word to word has helped to slim down your list to include the must-visit places. If you still have a list and not one place where you would want to go, then close your eyes and take a random pick from our list. We assure you, you will not be left disappointed. In fact, you are sure to have an amazing time in nature, finding a true connection with Mother Earth, enjoying all the fun that comes along with camping in the woods. 
 
 
We hope reading this word to word has enabled you to find your pick of where you want to go camping in Washington State and that we have helped you along your way in making your decision. 
 
 
Happy Travels! 
 
 
 

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