The 5 Best Places to Camp in Washington this Summer

If you want to wake up, crawl out of your tent, and have a cup of coffee with a view of the mountains, or park your camper right on the beach to fall asleep to the sounds of the waves, then Washington is the place for you. Here are the 5 best places to camp in Washington this summer.

1. Olympic National Park: Log Cabin RV Park and Campground

When you think of snow capped mountains you may envision a scene from Olympic National Park. Located in the NW corner of Washington it includes the mountains, Olympic National Forest and 70 miles of coastline. Take a temperate rain forest hike, explore tide pools for starfish, sea urchins and giant green anemones (check out the “Hole in the Wall” tide pool area), and backpack along one of the many mountain trails.

There are 16 different campgrounds in the National Park with many options from modern campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. The Log Cabin RV and Campground is one of the best places to camp in Washington this summer because it is right on Lake Crescent. It has RV sites with full hookups as well as tent sites, camper cabins and chalets. A variety of camping options right by the lake!

2. Cascade Mountains: North Cascades National Park: Newhalem Creek Campground

The Cascade Mountains are in northern Washington and have some of the most beautiful hiking trails, mountain lakes and overlooks. There are 6 modern campgrounds as well as backcountry camping throughout the park. One of the best campgrounds is the Newhalem Creek Campground located right near the visitor center. There are 107 sites with 13 sites that are tent only and 13 sites that are more remote that are walk-to or boat-to. Walk down to the Skagit river and cast a line to catch Salmon, Trout or Sturgeon. Be ready to haul in some good sized fish! Camping in the Cascades is a great way to connect with nature and get away from it all.

3. Pacific Beach State Park

One of the best places to camp in Washington this summer is right on the ocean. Pacific Beach State Park is a small oceanfront campground with oceanfront campsites. After a day of swimming, paddle boarding, fishing and clamming (Washington has some of the best Pacific razor clams), you can settle in around a campfire right on the sandy beach!

The campground has 41 sites with electric, 18 sites that are standard and 2 yurts available to rent. There is a row of 26 sites that are oceanfront where you can simply back-in your camper and enjoy the beach. Fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves and seagulls. Sounds peaceful!

4. One of the Best Places to Camp in Washington this Summer is at Mount Rainier National Park: Cougar Rock Campground

Have you considered camping near an active volcano? Sounds like an adventure! Mount Rainier is a mountain in west central Washington that is 14,410 feet above sea level and is an active volcano! There are miles of hiking and backpacking trails throughout the park and three modern campgrounds. Backcountry camping is also available but you do need a permit to camp in the park. Some of the unique animals you might see while hiking or camping are the pine marten, pikas and mountain goats. This is also black bear country to be sure to keep all of your food secured and be prepared to keep your distance if you come across a bear.

The three modern campgrounds in the park are Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River. Cougar Rock is one of the best because it allows for larger RV’s and is right on the Nisqually River. Located in the SW section of the Park it has 179 sites for RV’s or tents. There are no hookups (no water, electric or sewer) but there are restrooms and drinking water. A nice place to camp while visitng Mount Rainer!

5. Fay Bainbridge Park: Seattle

If you want to spend a day in the city and the night in the country then camping at the Fay Bainbridge Park is a great option. Spend the day visiting the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass and doing some shopping at the Pike Place Market, then hop on a ferry out to Bainbridge Island to camp at the Fay Bainbridge Campground.

The campground is on the NW corner of the island and has a long shoreline along the Puget Sound. There are 26 sites for RV’s that have water and electric and 14 tent sites. If you want to rent a cabin there are 4 modern cabins. All sites are walking distance to the beach right on the sound. If you are into birding this is an excellent spot to see osprey, eagles and shorebirds. You can see why this is one of the best places to camp in Washington this summer!

Up Next

• The 6 Best National and State Parks to Visit in Washington
• Explore the 12 Biggest Lakes in Washington State Today!
• Discover 10 Amazing Waterfalls in Washington

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/SoisudaS

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