Washington state is a great destination for camping enthusiasts, with its diverse natural beauty, rich history, and abundant outdoor activities. Whether you are looking for a cozy cabin, a spacious yurt, a rustic shelter, or a tent site, you can find it in one of the many state parks and recreation areas. Here are some of the best campsites and facilities that Washington state has to offer.
State Park Campsites
Washington state parks offer more than 7,000 campsites in 120 different locations across the state. You can reserve a campsite online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) -226-76881. You can also drop in as long as space is available, but reservations are recommended for popular parks and peak seasons.
Some of the most popular state park campsites are:
- Deception Pass State Park: This park is located on Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island, and offers stunning views of the Deception Pass Bridge and the surrounding waterways. The park has 167 tent sites, 143 utility sites, five hiker/biker sites, two dump stations, 10 showers, and four restrooms2.
- Lake Wenatchee State Park: This park is situated on the eastern slopes of the Cascades, and features a glacier-fed lake that is ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. The park has 155 tent sites, 42 utility sites, one dump station, six showers, and eight restrooms3.
- Cape Disappointment State Park: This park is located at the mouth of the Columbia River, and offers a variety of coastal scenery, including two lighthouses, a military fort, and a saltwater marsh. The park has 137 tent sites, 60 utility sites, five cabins, three yurts, one dump station, 14 showers, and 18 restrooms.
Roofed Accommodations
If you prefer more comfort and convenience, you can choose from a range of roofed accommodations in Washington state parks. These include cabins, rustic shelters, yurts, vacation houses, and group facilities. You can reserve these online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) -226-76881.
Some of the best roofed accommodations are:
- Cama Beach Historical State Park: This park is located on Camano Island, and features a collection of restored waterfront cabins that date back to the 1930s. The cabins have electricity, heaters, refrigerators, microwaves, and outdoor fire pits. Some cabins also have bathrooms and kitchens. You can reserve these online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) -226-7688.
- Fort Worden Historical State Park: This park is located in Port Townsend, and offers a variety of historic buildings that can accommodate groups of different sizes and needs. These include barracks, officers’ quarters, cottages, apartments, dormitories, and conference rooms. You can reserve these online or by calling (360) 344-4400.
- Mount Spokane State Park: This park is located near Spokane, and offers four rustic shelters that are accessible by hiking or skiing. The shelters have wood stoves, firewood, sleeping platforms, tables, chairs, and outhouses. You need to bring your own bedding, cooking equipment, food, water, and lanterns. You can reserve these online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) -226-7688.
Group Facilities
If you are planning a camping trip with a large group of friends or family members, you can also find group facilities in Washington state parks. These include group camps and group day-use facilities that can accommodate up to 200 people. You can reserve these online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) -226-76881.
Some of the best group facilities are:
- Birch Bay State Park: This park is located near Blaine, and offers a group camp that can accommodate up to 80 people. The camp has eight tent pads, four picnic tables, two fire rings with grills, water faucets, vault toilets, and access to the beach.
- Millersylvania State Park: This park is located near Olympia, and offers a group day-use facility that can accommodate up to 150 people. The facility has a large picnic shelter with electricity, water, a fireplace, a sink, a refrigerator, a stove, and tables. The facility also has restrooms, showers, a volleyball court, a horseshoe pit, and access to the lake.
- Riverside State Park: This park is located near Spokane, and offers a group camp that can accommodate up to 200 people. The camp has 20 tent pads, 10 picnic tables, two fire rings, water faucets, vault toilets, and access to the Spokane River and the Centennial Trail.
FAQs
Where can I camp for free in Washington state?
There are a few places where you can camp for free in Washington state. These include:
- National Forests: You can camp for free in designated dispersed camping areas in National Forests.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands: You can camp for free in designated dispersed camping areas on BLM lands.
- National Wildlife Refuges: You can camp for free in designated dispersed camping areas on National Wildlife Refuges.
- State Parks: Some state parks offer free camping for hikers and bikers.
Can I camp anywhere in Washington state?
No, you cannot camp anywhere in Washington state. There are certain areas where camping is prohibited, such as in national parks and state parks. You should always check with the appropriate land management agency before you go camping to make sure that you are allowed to camp in the area you have chosen.
Does Washington have any state parks or reserves?
Yes, Washington has over 100 state parks and reserves. These parks offer a variety of camping options, from rustic to luxurious.
Can you camp year round in Washington state?
Yes, you can camp year round in Washington state. However, some campgrounds may close during the winter months.
Here are some additional FAQs about camping in Washington state:
- What are the rules for camping in Washington state?
The rules for camping in Washington state vary depending on the land management agency that is responsible for the area where you are camping. However, some general rules that apply to camping in Washington state include: * You must camp at least 100 feet from any road, trail, or water body. * You must pack out all of your trash. * You must leave no trace of your campsite.
- What do I need to go camping in Washington state?
You will need the following to go camping in Washington state: * A tent * Sleeping bags * Cooking gear * Food * Water * First-aid kit * Fire starter * Trash bags
Conclusion
Washington state camps are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore the state’s natural and cultural attractions. Whether you are looking for a simple tent site, a cozy cabin, or a spacious group facility, you can find it in one of the many state parks and recreation areas. To make your reservation, visit the Washington State Parks website1 or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) -226-7688.
