Best Campgrounds in Washington: 2026 Guide

Washington state compresses an almost absurd range of landscapes into its borders. You can start a Monday morning camping in a temperate rainforest where 12 feet of rain falls annually, drive three hours east, and pitch your tent in a sagebrush desert that gets less precipitation than Phoenix. Between these extremes lie active volcanoes draped in glaciers, old-growth forests with trees older than most European cathedrals, and alpine lakes carved by ice sheets that retreated only 10,000 years ago. Washington's 139 reservable campgrounds are scattered across this full spectrum, offering camping experiences that change completely depending on which side of the Cascades you choose.

Why Washington Stands Out

The Cascade Range doesn't just divide Washington geographically — it creates two entirely different camping universes. The western slopes catch Pacific moisture, feeding the mossy, fern-draped forests of the Olympic Peninsula and the glacier-fed rivers around Mount Rainier and Mount Baker. East of the crest, the land opens into the dry, sun-soaked valleys of the Okanogan, Wenatchee, and Yakima regions. Volcanic peaks — Rainier, Baker, Adams, St. Helens — anchor the landscape with dramatic backdrops visible from campgrounds 50 miles away. And the river systems, from the wild Cispus and Stillaguamish to the gentle Yakima, thread through it all, creating corridor after corridor of creekside camping opportunities.

Top Campgrounds to Explore

Bayview Campground

Along the shore of Baker Lake in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Bayview was reconstructed in 2017 and offers a unique lakeside setting with views of Mount Baker's glaciated peak. Kayaking, fishing, and shoreline hiking make this a complete Pacific Northwest camping experience.

Beckler River Campground

On the banks of the Beckler River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, this campground delivers some of the most stunning scenery in the Northern Cascade Range. The river setting provides a soothing soundtrack and access to trails that climb into alpine country above the tree line.

Big Creek Campground

Near majestic Mount Rainier in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Big Creek is a family campground nestled among Douglas firs, hemlock, alders, and maples. The lush vegetation offers privacy between sites, and the proximity to Rainier means world-class day hiking is minutes away.

Adams Fork Campground

Among tall conifers on the Adams Creek Fork of the Cispus River near Randle, Adams Fork offers single and double sites for tent and RV camping. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest setting provides access to trails leading toward Mount Adams and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Beaver Campground

Nestled among large old maple and sycamore trees along the Wind River near Carson, Beaver offers a quiet family camping experience with creek access. The Gifford Pinchot forest setting is lush and private, with hiking trails leading to waterfalls and old-growth groves nearby.

Bedal Campground

On the Mountain Loop Highway in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Bedal sits in a canopy of forest along rushing water. The scenic byway access makes it a natural stopping point for a loop tour through some of the North Cascades' most dramatic river valleys.

Big Pines Campground

Where the Yakima River winds through massive basalt cliffs and rolling desert hills between Ellensburg and Yakima, Big Pines offers an entirely different Washington camping experience — dry, sunny, and popular for wildlife viewing. A perfect contrast to the wet western slopes.

Blue Lake Creek Campground

In a well-shaded location among maple trees and ferns near Randle, Blue Lake Creek offers open grassy spaces with a small brook running through. Both tent and RV campers find comfortable sites in this Gifford Pinchot National Forest setting that epitomizes Pacific Northwest forest camping.

American Forks Campground

About 40 miles west of Naches near the confluence of the American and Bumping Rivers, American Forks provides East Cascade mountain camping with excellent fishing access. The drier eastern-slope climate means more sunshine and warmer days than campgrounds west of the crest.

Planning Tips

West side vs. east side matters. West of the Cascades, waterproof gear is essential even in summer — pack rain layers, a quality tarp, and waterproof boots. East of the Cascades, sun protection and extra water take priority. Volcano country has microclimates. Elevation changes near Rainier and Baker can produce freezing temperatures in July at higher camps while valleys below stay comfortable. Mosquitoes peak in June-July. Bring strong repellent and head nets for early-season camping near lakes and rivers. The Mountain Loop Highway fills fast. North Cascades campgrounds on the Mountain Loop are popular with Seattle day-trippers — arrive Thursday or early Friday for weekend stays.

Find More Washington Campgrounds

Explore all Washington camping options on our Washington campgrounds page, or browse our full campground directory to plan your Cascades camping adventure.