As Washingtonians, camping allows us a rejuvenating natural escape and the outdoors almost serves as a second home. You can take in the fresh air, roast some delicious food over the campfire, and completely unplug from the world, as we so often forget to. Luckily, Washington is full of beautiful places to camp. And we're going on the record: these are among the best camping spots in Washington State.
1. Fort Flagler Park
Our list of the best places for Washington state park camping starts at Fort Flagler Park. You'll admire panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains at this camping park, enclosed on three sides by saltwater shoreline. The park has 59 standard campsites, 55 hook-up spaces, two primitive sites, one Cascadia Marine Trail site, a dump station, and two restrooms.
2. Cougar Campground
Stay at one of the 45 tent-only sites at Cougar Campground for the trip of your life! Reservations are required, which you can apply for online, but at least you can be satisfied knowing you've secured your spot. Some of the amenities at this location include picnic tables and a swimming beach for a cozy summer camping trip!
3. Fairholme Campground
Located by Lake Crescent, this first-come first-served campground known as Fairholme Campground includes about 87 sites, picnic tables, and a nearby boat launch! Hikers can also check out the number of trails nearby, some of which climb the surrounding mountains, and others that traverse the lowland forests & creeks. The hike to the gorgeous Marymere Falls via the Barnes Creek trail is a popular choice, as well as the Spruce Railroad trail.
4. Deception Pass Park
The notoriously wonderful Deception Pass Park reliably serves as a perfect site for experiencing all that our Northwest has to offer. You can walk along the saltwater shoreline or simply kick back and enjoy the dynamic views or unique wildlife (with over 174 varieties of birds)! It's also larger, so you're guaranteed to score a spot - sporting 167 tent sites, 143 utility spaces, five hiker/biker sites, two dump stations, 20 restrooms, and even ten showers.
Did this lucky dude find the best camping spot in the entire park? You decide:
5. Heart O'the Hills
Surround yourself in a dazzling forest at one of over 100 campsites here in Olympic National Park! They also offer summer ranger programs and are open for family fun year-round!
6. Moore Point Campground
This popular area by Stehekin on the shores of Lake Chelan boasts a comfortable picnic shelter at Moore Point Campground, not to mention endless fishing, whitewater paddling, hiking, swimming, and more! You're sure to love these campsites in Washington.
7. Lena Lake
There are about 20+ sites that have been noted here by Lena Lake, all pretty spacious & comfortably secluded in the surrounding Evergreen environment. You can also utilize the fire rings and tables, but you'll probably want to bring your own water from home!
Check out beautiful Lena Lake right from the comfort of your couch (or bed... or desk):
8. North Fork Ninemile
If you're looking for the ultimate solitude, this isolated, peaceful campground in Okanogan County known as North Fork Ninemile provides 11 ideal sites for hunters, hikers and campers located just up Toats Coulee Road in Loomis.
9. Upper Wildcat Lake
You won't be able to get enough pictures of Upper Wildcat Lake here in the Snoqualmie Region, which serves as a great site for fishing as well. There are only four campsites - one big enough for three tents right at the trail ending point, and three that are less than a half-mile around the lake, so you may want to come early because they'll fill up fast! This is one of the most beautiful spots for camping in Washington State.
10. Ohanapecosh Campground
Grab your tent, flashlight, and friends, and head out here to the southeast side of Mount Rainier National Park! You'll feel completely calm while surrounded by old-growth forest at one of their 188 individual spots. Ohanapecosh is thought to be a Taidnapam Indian word for "standing on the edge" of the Ohanapecosh River, which is another gorgeous feature you'll be able to admire at this campsite.
11. Palmer Lake
People who love fishing will appreciate an adventure out here! Palmer Lake in Okanogan County provides great perch fishing through the ice during the wintertime. No matter the time of year, Palmer Lake is one of the best places to go camping in Washington.
12. White River Campground
Hikers and campers alike can appreciate this primitive campground in the White River Campground Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Fishing, swimming, and whitewater paddling are only a few of the exhilarating activities you'll be enjoying during your trip!
13. Staircase Campground
Plan a visit to Staircase Campground on the southeastern corner of Olympic National Park for a true woodsy experience. There are a total of 47 campsites and a variety of exciting hiking trails including trips to Lake Cushman or Flapjack Lakes!
14. Colonial Creek
Our list of the best campgrounds in Washington ends with a real treasure: Colonial Creek. This North Cascades Park offers a truly unique camping experience and you'll completely agree after an enjoyable visit to this campground. There's plenty of wildlife to observe and challenging trails to hike, so you'll never find yourself bored. It's located off the Stehekin Valley Trail and there's no need for a reservation!
Do you smell the s'mores yet? Where else do you like to go camping in Washington? If you notice any of your favorite sites missing from our list of the best camping spots in Washington State, be sure to share them with us in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you!
If you need some new camping gear, check out what's available from our friends at REI.
Do you enjoy hiking? Take a look at this video on hiking Washington's Dog Mountain from OnlyInYourState:
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