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What are the most popular national parks in Washington State?
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Washington State is home to some of the Pacific Northwest’s most gorgeous national parks, including:
- Olympic National Park – Known for its diverse ecosystems, from rainforests to rugged coastlines.
- North Cascades National Park – A scenic wonderland with glaciers, alpine lakes, and remote wilderness.
- Mount Rainier National Park – Famous for its immense peaks and breathtaking landscapes.
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Washington State is home to some of the Pacific Northwest’s most gorgeous national parks, including:
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What camping options are available in Washington State?
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Campers can choose from a variety of campgrounds, including:
- National park campgrounds
- State park campgrounds
- Local campgrounds with beautiful natural settings
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Campers can choose from a variety of campgrounds, including:
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Are there campgrounds in forested areas?
- Yes! Many campgrounds are set within lovely natural areas, including Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where campers can enjoy breathtaking scenery.
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What makes Washington State campgrounds special?
- Many campgrounds are nestled in old-growth forests, providing a peaceful and secluded atmosphere for overnight guests.
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1. Gold Basin Creek Campground
Camp near a scenic creek, enjoy fishing and peaceful nature views.
Gold Basin Creek Campground the largest campground along Washington's beautiful Mountain Loop Highway, offering 99 lovely reservable camping sites on the banks of the stunning South Fork of the Stillaguamish River. The campground is covered by gorgeous old-growth fir, cedar, and hemlock trees, which shelter a network of nature trails winding along the banks of the river. On clear days, campers can view the silhouette of Mount Baker off in the distance, reaching heights of over 10,000 feet above sea level. All campers can enjoy opportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking, and fishing throughout the year in the campground's surrounding park areas, which are home to access points for the scenic Pacific Coast Trail. Modern conveniences include drinkable water, fully-equipped bathhouses, and day-use picnic sites.
810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, Phone: 360-854-7200
2. Bonaparte Lake Campground
Fish in clear waters, enjoy camping surrounded by lush forests.
Bonaparte Lake Campground is located within the beautiful Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, along the southern banks of the stunning lake of the same name. The campground, which sits at the base of majestic Bonaparte Mountain, offers individual, family, and group campsites, all equipped with picnic tables and grills. Campers can make use of onsite drinking water and flush toilets, along with a rentable group picnic shelter and community fire pit. A boat launch and ADA-accessible fishing dock make the campground a great choice for visitors looking to hit the waters of Bonaparte Lake. Nearby, the Pipsissewa Trail showcases stunning overlooks at Pipsissewa Point.
Tonasket, WA 98855, Phone: 509-486-2186
3. Brown Creek Campground
Camp by the river, explore hiking trails and peaceful surroundings.
Brown Creek Campground is a lovely campground located on the shores of the beautiful South Fork Skokomish River right at its confluence with picturesque Brown Creek. The heavily-shaded campground offers 20 campsites accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs of all sizes, set against a backdrop of evergreen conifers and hardwood trees. An ADA-accessible campsite is available for rental for visitors with mobility concerns. Vault toilets and potable water sites are located within the main campground area, open for use by all overnight guests. A recreation area offers chances for fishing on the river's shores, while a picnic area offers day-use tables and fire pits. Nearby, Brown Creek Trailhead leads to the family-friendly Brown Creek Nature Loop Trail.
NF-2340, Hoodsport, WA 98548, Phone: 360-765-2200
4. Cedar Springs Campground
Relax in a wooded setting, enjoy fishing and wildlife sightings.
Cedar Springs Campground is set on the banks of the stunning Bumping River within the grounds of Washington's spacious Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The campground is a top family-friendly choice within the national forest, offering spaces for tents, trailers, and RVs to stay overnight throughout the year. Each campsite is fully equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and access to nearby vault toilets and drinking water. The forest's nearby lakes and trails are home to a multitude of recreational opportunities, including chances for hiking, fishing, skiing, and whitewater rafting. Beautiful Boulder Cave National Recreation Trail can be accessed nearby, showcasing gorgeous glaciated alpine mountain peaks and natural wonders like Boulder Cave. The campground also serves as a great launching-off point for visitors looking to explore nearby Mount Rainier National Park and the spectacular Pacific Coast Trail.
WA-410, Naches, WA 98937, Phone: 541-338-7869
5. Colonial Creek South Campground
Camp by the lake, admire stunning mountain views and nature trails.
Colonial Creek South Campground is located along the southern end of State Route 20 within North Cascades National Park, tucked into old-growth forest areas on the shores of beautiful Diablo Lake. The campground offers a wide variety of primitive campsites that offer amenities like flush toilets, drinking water access, and regular garbage removal. All campsites have picnic tables and campfire rings for visitors to enjoy fishing catches or relax after a long day of natural sightseeing. Boating, hiking, and swimming are also popular around the lake's waters, which stay a brisk 43 degrees throughout the year. An ADA-accessible fishing pier is offered for visitor use, along with a boat ramp and food storage lockers.
WA-20, Rockport, WA 98283, Phone: 877-444-6777
6. Deception Pass State Park
Explore scenic trails, enjoy beach access and breathtaking views.
Deception Pass State Park is the most-visited state park in Washington State, located along a strait that separates Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands in the state's northwestern corner. The park, which connects Skagit Bay with the Strait of Juan de Fuca, is known for its amazing rugged cliff landscapes, secluded coves, and namesake high bridge. Year-round recreational opportunities are offered at areas like Cranberry Lake, a popular Puget Sound beachfront destination, or Bowman Bay, which is home to Civilian Conservation Corps-constructed buildings. Camping is permitted at three sites within the park that offer tent and RV spots and amenities like potable water, fire rings, and ADA-accessible restrooms and showers.
41229 WA-20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, Phone: 360-675-3767
7. Dosewallips State Park
Camp near the river, enjoy clamming, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Dosewallips State Park is a lovely 1,064-acre public recreation area located at the mouth of the Dosewallips River in Jefferson County, offering freshwater and saltwater shoreline access to visitors throughout the year. The park is a prime destination for outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the year, including chances for hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, scuba diving, and shellfish harvesting. Anglers can make use of excellent conditions for catching wild salmon and steelhead throughout the year, while harvesters can catch Manila littleneck clams, oysters, and horse clams within its waters. Lovely riverside campsites and cabins are available for overnight rental, including tent, utility, and platform campsites. All campsites offer access to ADA-accessible restrooms and showers, along with amenities like picnic tables and grills.
306996 US-101, Brinnon, WA 98320, Phone: 360-796-4415
8. Dougan Creek Campground
Camp along the creek, enjoy swimming and picnicking in a quiet setting.
Dougan Creek Campground is a perfect overnight campground choice for visitors traveling to the Dougan Falls area, offering access to one of Washington State's best natural swimming holes. The quaint campground is managed by the state's Department of Natural Resources and offers seven campsites for overnight stay. All campsites have a strict overnight curfew, with access restricted after 8:00pm each evening. Visitor amenities include day-use picnic sites, vault toilets, and pet-friendly recreation areas. Delightful swimming and sunbathing areas are located along the length of the river, which is bordered by large boulders and dense forest areas within the Yacolt Burn State Forest.
82 Dougan Falls Ln, Washougal, WA 98671, Phone: 360-902-1000
9. Elk Ridge Campground
Camp in a peaceful forest, explore hiking trails and nature sights.
Elk Ridge Campground is a charming year-round campground located just half an hour east of scenic Chinook Pass, near the city of Cliffdell along the Naches River. The campground is a popular launching-off point for Nile Valley visitors, offering RV hookup sites along a private stretch of the area's riverfront. Modern amenities are offered at every site, including electricity and water hookups. Nine gorgeously-renovated cabins are equipped with full kitchens, fireplaces, and private outdoor areas. Nearby, the Central Washington and Yakima regions offer some of the top outdoor recreational opportunities in the Pacific Northwest, including chances for hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and four-wheel exploring, while the Willamette Valley is home to some of the nation's top wineries.
13880 WA-410, Naches, WA 98937, Phone: 509-658-2093
10. Foggy Dew Campground
Hike scenic trails, enjoy camping surrounded by towering pines.
Foggy Dew Campground is located at the confluence of beautiful Foggy Dew and North Fork Gold Creeks, at an area near Carlton that stands at over 2,400 feet above sea level within the Foggy Dew Ridge. 12 lovely campsites are offered for overnight stay at the campground, many of which are shaded along the campground's gorgeous creek banks. Visitors can stay overnight between spring and fall for a maximum of 14 days at a time for a nominal state park fee. Day-use picnic sites are offered for guest use, along with ADA-accessible vault toilets. Nearby, the Sawtooth Backcountry area offers trails open to hikers, bikers, and equestrian riders, accessible with Northwest Forest Passes.
Gold Creek Rd, Carlton, WA 98862, Phone: 509-996-4000
Best Time to Visit
Campgrounds
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild weather, blooming wildflowers, and fewer crowds.
Deception Pass State Park – Affordable camping with stunning coastal views.
Pack rain gear – Spring showers are common in Washington.
Summer (June-August) – Peak camping season with warm temperatures and long daylight hours.
Ohanapecosh Campground (Mount Rainier National Park) – Budget-friendly camping near rivers and forests.
Book early – Popular campgrounds fill up quickly in summer.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, colorful foliage, and fewer tourists.
Colonial Creek Campground (North Cascades National Park) – Affordable and surrounded by beautiful fall scenery.
Watch for wildlife – Fall is a great time for animal sightings.
Winter (December-February) – Best for those who enjoy snow camping and solitude.
Iron Creek Campground (Gifford Pinchot National Forest) – Budget-friendly and great for winter hiking.
Prepare for cold weather – Bring insulated gear and check for snow conditions.
Plan Your Trip
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