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

10541 Flagler Rd, Nordland, WA 98358, USA
Flickr / Lee LeFever
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

Cougar Park & Campground, 17005 Lewis River Rd, Cougar, WA 98616, USA
Vadim Savetskiy/Google Local
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

Fairholme Campground, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA
Flickr / valdosilasol
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

Deception Pass State Park, 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, USA
Flickr / Jeff Hanway
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

Heart O' the Hills Campground, 2823 S Oak St, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA
Flickr / Kirk Y.
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

Moore Point Campground, 44292 N Water Way, Stehekin, WA 98852, USA
Flickr / lamblukas
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

Lena Lake, Washington, USA
Flickr / Benjamin Hollis
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):

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8. North Fork Ninemile

North Fork Ninemile Campground, Loomis, WA 98827, USA
Flickr / Washington DNR
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

Upper Wildcat Lake, Washington 98045, USA
Flickr / Steve Cyr
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

Ohanapecosh Campground, Ohanapecosh Rd, Randle, WA 98377, USA
Flickr / sfgamchick
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

Palmer Lake, Washington 98349, USA
Flickr / Washington DNR
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

White River Campground Ranger Station, Ashford, WA 98304, USA
Flickr / John Mundy
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

Staircase Campground, NF-24, Hoodsport, WA 98548, USA
Flickr / pfly
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

Colonial Creek South Campground, State Rte 20, Rockport, WA 98283, USA
Jacki Smith/Google Local
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:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Camping In Washington

Beth C. | February 03, 2021

What are some top-rated campgrounds in Washington?

If you love to go camping, then the Evergreen State belongs at the top of your list. Washington's diverse landscape lends itself to all kinds of camping experiences, and no two are alike. Some of the top-rated campgrounds in Washington include the following:

  • Cranberry Lake Campground at Deception Pass State Park
  • Hoh Rain Forest Campground in Olympic National Park
  • Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground in Leavenworth
  • Bowl and Pitcher Campground at Riverside State Park
  • Salt Creek Recreation Area
  • Ohanapecosh Campground in Mount Rainier National Park
  • Sol Duc Campground in Olympic National Park
  • Wanapum Recreation Area at Ginko Petrified Forest State Park
  • Curlew Lake State Park.

What are the best parks in Washington?

Washington is a treasure trove of natural wonders. One of the best ways to experience the great outdoors is to venture to a state or national park. And Washington has plenty of them! Some of the best parks in Washington include:

  • Mount Rainier National Park
  • Olympic National Park
  • North Cascades National Park
  • Deception Pass State Park
  • Lake Wenatchee State Park
  • Palouse Falls State Park
  • Lime Kiln Point State Park
  • Gingko Petrified Forest State Park
  • Cape Disappointment State Park
  • Birch Bay State Park
  • Manchester State Park
  • Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.

For more information, read our list of the best state parks in Washington.

Does Washington have any natural wonders?

Yes! Washington has countless natural wonders, and each of them is worth visiting. Some of the most popular natural wonders in Washington are:

  • Mount Rainier
  • Diablo Lake
  • Hurricane Ridge
  • The Hoh Rain Forest
  • The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
  • Mount St. Helens
  • San Juan Island.

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