Top 10 Camping Spots in Washington You Shouldn't Miss

• olympic-national-park-wilderness-variety - Olympic National Park: Wilderness and Variety
• mt-rainier-national-park-iconic-views - Mt. Rainier National Park: Iconic Views and Alpine Adventure
• north-cascades-backcountry-beauty - North Cascades: Backcountry Beauty and Glacier Lakes
• deception-pass-coastal-camping - Deception Pass: Coastal Camping with Dramatic Bridges
• lake-chelan-sun-soaked-serenity - Lake Chelan: Sun-Soaked Serenity in Eastern Washington
• wenatchee-national-forest-riverfront-retreats - Wenatchee National Forest: Riverfront Retreats and Mountain Air
• blake-island-marine-state-park-boat-in-bliss - Blake Island Marine State Park: Boat-In Bliss
• cape-disappointment-historic-coastal-drama - Cape Disappointment: Historic Coastal Drama
• gifford-pinchot-hidden-gems-of-the-south - Gifford Pinchot: Hidden Gems of the South Cascades
• palouse-falls-raw-desert-beauty - Palouse Falls: Raw Desert Beauty and Stargazing Magic
• travel-clans-washington-camping-support - Plan Your Washington Camping Trip with Travel Clans

1. Olympic National Park: Wilderness and Variety

Olympic National Park is a marvel — offering alpine peaks, rainforests, and coastline all in one place. Camping at Hoh Campground puts you right in the middle of the moss-draped rainforest, where elk roam freely and silence feels sacred. Just a short drive away, Kalaloch Campground offers cliffside ocean views and sunset fireside storytelling.

1.1 Real Camper Insight

A Seattle-based family shared that they’ve returned to Hoh Campground every year since 2015. Their tradition? Morning hikes through misty trails and cocoa by the fire under towering firs — memories their kids now call the “best part of growing up.”

2. Mt. Rainier National Park: Iconic Views and Alpine Adventure

Mt. Rainier is the crown jewel of Washington’s camping scene. Campsites like Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh offer unparalleled access to alpine meadows and glacial rivers. These spots book up fast in summer, and for good reason — the stargazing, paired with mountain silhouettes, is unforgettable.

2.1 Expert Tip

Arrive mid-week to snag walk-in sites. Seasoned campers suggest combining your trip with wildflower season in July — the trails around Paradise truly live up to their name.

3. North Cascades: Backcountry Beauty and Glacier Lakes

Often called “The American Alps,” the North Cascades remain one of the Pacific Northwest’s most underappreciated regions. Colonial Creek Campground on Diablo Lake offers turquoise water views and peaceful kayaking. It's a paradise for hikers and solitude seekers.

3.1 Worth the Drive

While access can be winding and remote, those who make the journey swear by the isolation and beauty. One visitor described it as “the place that finally made me love silence.”

4. Deception Pass: Coastal Camping with Dramatic Bridges

Deception Pass is where forest meets sea, with dramatic cliffs and sweeping views. Camp at Quilcene Bay or the more popular Deception Pass State Park for access to kayaking, clamming, and scenic bridge walks.

4.1 Family Favorite

Generations of Washingtonians return here every summer. It’s a go-to for multi-family trips, thanks to amenities, kid-friendly beaches, and interpretive ranger programs.

5. Lake Chelan: Sun-Soaked Serenity in Eastern Washington

If you’re looking for warm weather, Lake Chelan delivers. Lake Chelan State Park offers shaded campgrounds just steps from crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxing beachside.

5.1 Tip for First-Timers

Eastern Washington gets much hotter than the west side — pack sunscreen and stay hydrated. Late May through early September is the sweet spot for warm-weather camping.

6. Wenatchee National Forest: Riverfront Retreats and Mountain Air

A favorite among locals, Wenatchee National Forest is dotted with lesser-known gems like Lake Wenatchee State Park and Nason Creek Campground. Whether you’re trout fishing or just stargazing by the river, this area offers restorative tranquility.

6.1 Fall Foliage Alert

Late September transforms the area into a blaze of golden larches and crimson maple leaves — perfect for photographers and leaf-peepers alike.

7. Blake Island Marine State Park: Boat-In Bliss

Accessible only by boat or kayak, this park is a unique overnight experience near Seattle. Campsites are set right on the beach, and the island is known for its wildlife, interpretive longhouse experiences, and unparalleled views of the Seattle skyline across Puget Sound.

7.1 Adventure Meets Convenience

Great for beginner sea kayakers. Rent gear nearby and paddle out for a weekend away that feels both wild and accessible.

8. Cape Disappointment: Historic Coastal Drama

Don’t let the name fool you — Cape Disappointment is anything but disappointing. Perched on the southwest tip of the state, it offers a powerful mix of rocky coastline, lighthouse trails, and crashing surf.

8.1 Camping with Stories

This area is rich in Lewis & Clark history, and the interpretive center makes it a must for history buffs. Campsites are spacious and wind-sheltered — ideal for a coastal retreat.

9. Gifford Pinchot: Hidden Gems of the South Cascades

Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers over two million acres of wilderness, volcanic landscapes, and remote lakes. The Indian Heaven Wilderness is perfect for seasoned backpackers, while Takhlakh Lake offers drive-in camping with dramatic Mount Adams reflections.

9.1 Stargazing Spot

With minimal light pollution, it’s a favorite for astrophotographers and those seeking a quiet, starlit night under towering trees.

10. Palouse Falls: Raw Desert Beauty and Stargazing Magic

For something truly different, head east to Palouse Falls State Park. The roaring 200-foot falls drop into a canyon that looks more like Arizona than Washington. Limited camping makes it quiet — and magical at sunset.

10.1 Photogenic Finale

Bring your camera — and a tripod. Sunset photography here is jaw-dropping, and the dramatic landscape provides a rare view of Washington’s desert terrain.

11. Plan Your Washington Camping Trip with Travel Clans

Whether you're new to camping or a seasoned adventurer, finding the right gear, route, or booking spot can be overwhelming. That’s where Travel Clans steps in. We provide curated tools, maps, and camping-friendly products tailored to Washington's diverse landscapes.

Let us help you turn your Pacific Northwest adventure into a seamless, unforgettable journey. From Olympic coastlines to inland deserts, Washington's top camping spots are ready — and so are we.